TPOXX Generic Name: tecovirimat capsules Brand Name: TPOXX side effects drug center tpoxx (tecovirimat capsules) drug Related Drugs ACAM2000 Health Resources Smallpox PROFESSIONAL SIDE EFFECTS Contents Drug Description Indications & Dosage Side Effects Drug Interactions Warnings & Precautions Overdosage & Contraindications Clinical Pharmacology Medication Guide Drug Description TPOXX® (tecovirimat) capsules for oral use DESCRIPTION TPOXX (tecovirimat) is an inhibitor of the orthopoxvirus VP37 envelope wrapping protein. TPOXX is available as immediate release capsules containing tecovirimat monohydrate equivalent to 200 mg of tecovirimat for oral administration. The capsules are imprinted in white ink with “SIGA” followed by the SIGA logo followed by “®” on an orange body, and a black cap imprinted in white ink with “ST-246®.” The capsules include the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulfate. The capsule shell is composed of gelatin, FD&C blue #1, FD&C red #3, FD&C yellow #6, and titanium dioxide. Tecovirimat monohydrate is a white to off-white crystalline solid with the chemical name Benzamide, N-[(3aR,4R,4aR,5aS,6S,6aS)-3,3a,4,4a,5,5a,6,6a-octahydro-1,3-dioxo-4,6 ethenocycloprop[f]isoindol-2(1H)-yl]-4-(trifluoromethyl), rel-(monohydrate). The chemical formula is C19H15F3N2O3· H2O representing a molecular weight of 394.35 g/moL. The molecular structure is as follows: Tecovirimat monohydrate is practically insoluble in water and across the pH range of 2.0-6.5 (< 0.1 mg/mL). Indications & Dosage INDICATIONS Treatment Of Human Smallpox Disease TPOXX® is indicated for the treatment of human smallpox disease caused by variola virus in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 13 kg. Limitations Of Use The effectiveness of TPOXX for treatment of smallpox disease has not been determined in humans because adequate and well-controlled field trials have not been feasible, and inducing smallpox disease in humans to study the drug’s efficacy is not ethical [see Clinical Studies]. TPOXX efficacy may be reduced in immunocompromised patients based on studies demonstrating reduced efficacy in immunocompromised animal models. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Dosage For Adults And Pediatric Patients Weighing At Least 40 kg The recommended dosage of TPOXX in adults and pediatric patients weighing at least 40 kg is 600 mg (three 200 mg capsules) taken twice daily orally for 14 days. TPOXX should be taken within 30 minutes after a full meal of moderate or high fat [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Dosage For Pediatric Patients The recommended dosage for pediatric patients is based on weight starting at 13 kg as shown in Table 1. The dose should be given twice daily orally for 14 days and should be taken within 30 minutes after a full meal of moderate or high fat [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Preparation For Administration To Pediatrics And Those Who Cannot Swallow Capsules TPOXX capsules can be administered by carefully opening the capsule and mixing the entire contents in 30 mL of liquid (e.g., milk, chocolate milk) or soft food (e.g., apple sauce, yogurt). The entire mixture should be administered within 30 minutes of its preparation. Table 1: Recommended Pediatric and Adult Dosage and Preparation Instructions Body Weight Dosage Number of Capsules Drug-Food Preparation 13 kg to less than 25 kg 200 mg twice daily Contents of 1 Capsule twice daily Mix 1 capsule of TPOXX with 30 mL of liquid or soft food. Administer the whole mixture. 25 kg to less than 40 kg 400 mg twice daily Contents of 2 Capsules twice daily Mix 2 capsules of TPOXX with 30 mL of liquid or soft food. Administer the whole mixture. 40 kg and above 600 mg twice daily Contents of 3 Capsules twice daily Mix 3 capsules of TPOXX with 30 mL of liquid or soft food. Administer the whole mixture. HOW SUPPLIED Dosage Forms And Strengths TPOXX capsules are hard gelatin with an opaque orange body imprinted in white ink with “SIGA” followed by the SIGA logo followed by the “®”, and an opaque black cap imprinted in white ink with “ST-246®”, containing white to off-white powder. Each capsule contains 200 mg of tecovirimat. Storage And Handling Each TPOXX capsule contains 200 mg of tecovirimat. TPOXX capsules are hard gelatin with an opaque orange body imprinted in white ink with “SIGA” followed by the SIGA logo followed by “®”, and an opaque black cap imprinted in white ink with “ST-246®”, containing white to off-white powder. Each bottle contains 42 capsules (NDC 50072-200-42) with an induction seal and child-resistant cap. Store capsules in the original bottle at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Manufactured by: Catalent Pharma Solutions, 1100 Enterprise Drive, Winchester, KY 40391. Revised: July 2018 Side Effects SIDE EFFECTS Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of TPOXX has not been studied in patients with smallpox disease. The safety of TPOXX was evaluated in 359 healthy adult subjects ages 18-79 years in a Phase 3 clinical trial. Of the subjects who received at least one 600 mg dose of TPOXX, 59% were female, 69% were White, 28% were Black/African American, 1% were Asian, and 12% were Hispanic or Latino. Ten percent of the subjects who participated in the study were age 65 or older. Of these 359 subjects, 336 subjects received at least 23 of 28 doses of 600 mg TPOXX in a twice daily regimen for 14 days. Most Frequently Reported Adverse Reactions The most frequently reported adverse reactions were headache and nausea. Adverse reactions that occurred in at least 2% of subjects in the TPOXX treatment group are shown in Table 2. Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 2% of Healthy Adult Subjects Receiving at Least One Dose of TPOXX 600 mg Adverse Reaction TPOXX 600 mg N = 359 (%) Placebo N = 90 (%) Headache 12 8 Nausea 5 4 Abdominal paina 2 1 Vomiting 2 0 a Includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, abdominal distension, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain lower, epigastric pain Adverse Reactions Leading To Discontinuation Of TPOXX Six subjects (2%) had their treatment with TPOXX discontinued due to adverse reactions. Each of these subject’s adverse reactions (with severity) is listed below: EEG change, abnormal Mild upset stomach, dry mouth, decreased concentration and dysphoria Mild nausea and fever, moderate diarrhea, severe headache Mild palpable purpura Mild nausea, fever and chills Mild facial redness, facial swelling and pruritus Less Common Adverse Reactions Clinically significant adverse reactions that were reported in < 2% of subjects exposed to TPOXX and at rates higher than subjects who received placebo are listed below: Gastrointestinal: dry mouth, chapped lips, dyspepsia, eructation, oral paresthesia General and administration site: pyrexia, pain, chills, malaise, thirst Investigations: abnormal electroencephalogram, hematocrit decreased, hemoglobin decreased, heart rate increased Musculoskeletal and connective tissue: arthralgia, osteoarthritis Nervous system: migraine, disturbance in attention, dysgeusia, paresthesia Psychiatric: depression, dysphoria, irritability, panic attack Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: oropharyngeal pain Skin and subcutaneous tissue: palpable purpura, rash, pruritic rash, facial redness, facial swelling, pruritus Drug Interactions DRUG INTERACTIONS Effect Of TPOXX On Other Drugs Tecovirimat is a weak inducer of cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A and a weak inhibitor of CYP2C8 and CYP2C19. However, the effects are not expected to be clinically relevant for most substrates of those enzymes based on the magnitude of interactions and the duration of treatment of TPOXX. See Table 3 for clinical recommendations for select sensitive substrates. Established Drug Interactions Table 3 provides a listing of established or significant drug interactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Table 3: Significant Drug Interactions Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name Effect on Concentrationa Clinical Effect/Recommendation Blood Glucose-Lowering Agent: Repaglinideb ↑repaglinide Monitor blood glucose and monitor for hypoglycemic symptoms in patients when TPOXX is co-administered with repaglinide [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. CNS Depressant: Midazolamb ↓midazolam Monitor for effectiveness of midazolam. a ↓ = decrease, ↑ = increase b These interactions have been studied in healthy adults. Drugs Without Clinically Significant Interactions With TPOXX Based on a drug interaction study, no clinically significant drug interactions have been observed when TPOXX is co-administered with bupropion, flurbiprofen, or omeprazole [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Vaccine Interactions No vaccine-drug interaction studies have been performed in human subjects. Some animal studies have indicated that co-administration of TPOXX at the same time as live smallpox vaccine (vaccinia virus) may reduce the immune response to the vaccine. The clinical impact of this interaction on vaccine efficacy is unknown. Warnings & Precautions WARNINGS Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section PRECAUTIONS Hypoglycemia When Co-Administered With Repaglinide Co-administration of repaglinide and tecovirimat may cause mild to moderate hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose and monitor for hypoglycemic symptoms when administering TPOXX with repaglinide [see DRUG INTERACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In a drug interaction study, 10 of 30 healthy subjects experienced mild (6 subjects) or moderate (4 subjects) hypoglycemia following co-administration of repaglinide (2 mg) and TPOXX. Symptoms resolved in all subjects after intake of food and/or oral glucose. Patient Counseling Information Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION). Efficacy Based On Animal Models Alone Inform patients that the efficacy of TPOXX is based solely on efficacy studies demonstrating a survival benefit in animals and that the effectiveness of TPOXX has not been tested in humans with smallpox disease [see Clinical Studies]. Important Dosage And Administration Information Advise patients to take TPOXX as directed within 30 minutes of eating a full meal of moderate or high fat [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Inform patients to take TPOXX for the entire duration without missing or skipping a dose [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Drug Interactions Inform patients that TPOXX may interact with other drugs. Advise patients to report to their healthcare provider the use of other prescription drugs. Co-administration of TPOXX with repaglinide may cause hypoglycemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Nonclinical Toxicology Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility Carcinogenesis And Mutagenesis Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with tecovirimat. Tecovirimat was not genotoxic in in vitro or in vivo assays, including a bacterial reverse mutation assay, a mammalian mutagenicity assay in mouse lymphoma L5178Y/TK± cells, and in an in vivo mouse micronucleus study. Impairment Of Fertility In a fertility and early embryonic development study in mice, no effects of tecovirimat on female fertility were observed at tecovirimat exposures (AUC) approximately 24 times higher than human exposure at the RHD. In male mice, decreased male fertility associated with testicular toxicity (increased percent abnormal sperm and decreased sperm motility) was observed at 1,000 mg/kg/day (approximately 24 times the human exposure at the RHD). Use In Specific Populations Pregnancy Risk Summary No adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women were conducted; therefore there are no human data to establish the presence or absence of TPOXX associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, no embryofetal developmental toxicity was observed in mice during the period of organogenesis at tecovirimat exposures (area under the curve [AUC]) up to 23 times higher than human exposure at the recommended human dose (RHD). In rabbits, no embryofetal developmental toxicity was observed during organogenesis at tecovirimat exposures (AUC) less than human exposures at the RHD. In a mouse pre-/post-natal development study, no toxicities were observed at maternal tecovirimat exposures up to 24 times higher than human exposure at the RHD (see Data). The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data: Tecovirimat was administered orally to pregnant mice at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day from gestation Days 6-15. No embryofetal toxicities were observed at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day (approximately 23 times higher than human exposure at the RHD). Tecovirimat was administered orally to pregnant rabbits at doses up to 100 mg/kg/day from gestation Days 6-19. No embryofetal toxicities were observed at doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (0.4 times the human exposure at the RHD). In the pre-/post-natal development study, tecovirimat was administered orally to pregnant mice at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day from gestation Day 6 to post-natal Day 20. No toxicities were observed at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day (approximately 24 times higher than human exposure at the RHD). Lactation Risk Summary There are no data to assess the effect on milk production, the presence of the drug in human milk, and/or the effects on the breastfed child. When administered to lactating mice, tecovirimat was present in the milk (see Data). The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for TPOXX and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from TPOXX or from the underlying maternal condition. Data In a lactation study at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/day, mean tecovirimat milk to plasma ratios up to approximately 0.8 were observed at 6 and 24 hours post-dose when administered orally to mice on lactation Day 10 or 11. Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential Infertility There are no data on the effect of tecovirimat on female and male reproductive potential in humans. Decreased fertility due to testicular toxicity was observed in male mice [see Nonclinical Toxicology]. Pediatric Use As in adults, the effectiveness of TPOXX in pediatric patients is based solely on efficacy studies in animal models of orthopoxvirus disease. As exposure of healthy pediatric subjects to TPOXX with no potential for direct clinical benefit is not ethical, pharmacokinetic simulation was used to derive dosing regimens that are predicted to provide pediatric patients with exposures comparable to the observed exposure in adults receiving 600 mg twice daily. The dosage for pediatric patients is based on weight [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Geriatric Use Clinical studies of TPOXX did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether the safety profile of TPOXX is different in this population compared to younger subjects. Of the 359 subjects in the clinical study of TPOXX, 10% (36/359) were ≥ 65 years of age, and 1% (4/359) were ≥ 75 years of age. No alteration of dosing is needed for patients ≥ 65 years of age [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Renal Impairment No dosage adjustment is required for patients with mild, moderate or severe renal impairment or patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Hepatic Impairment No dosage adjustment is required for patients with mild, moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child Pugh Class A, B, or C) [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Overdosage & Contraindications OVERDOSE There is no clinical experience with overdosage of TPOXX. In case of overdosage, monitor patients for any signs or symptoms of adverse effects. Hemodialysis will not significantly remove TPOXX in overdosed patients. CONTRAINDICATIONS None. Clinical Pharmacology CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism Of Action Tecovirimat is an antiviral drug against variola (smallpox) virus [see Microbiology]. Pharmacodynamics Cardiac Electrophysiology TPOXX does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent at the anticipated therapeutic exposure. Pharmacokinetics At the approved recommended dosage, the mean steady-state values of TPOXX AUC0-24hr, Cmax, and Cmin are 28791 hr·ng/mL (CV: 35%), 2106 ng/mL (CV: 33%), and 587 ng/mL (CV: 38%), respectively. Tecovirimat steady-state AUC is achieved by Day 6. Refer to Table 4 for pharmacokinetic parameters of tecovirimat. Table 4: Pharmacokinetic Properties of Tecovirimat Absorption Tmax (h)a 4-6 Effect of food (relative to fasting)b ↑39% Distribution % Bound to human plasma proteins 77-82 Blood-to-plasma ratio (drug or drug-related materials) 0.62-0.90 Volume of distribution (Vz/F, L) 1030 Metabolism Metabolic pathwaysc Hydrolysis, UGT1A1d, UGT1A4 Elimination Major route of elimination Metabolism Clearance (CL/F, L/hr) 31 t1/2 (h)e 20 % of dose excreted in urinef 73, predominantly as metabolites % of dose excreted in fecesf 23, predominantly as tecovirimat a Value reflects administration of drug with food. b Value refers to mean systemic exposure (AUC24hr). Meal: ~ 600 kcal, ~ 25 g fat. c Tecovirimat is metabolized by hydrolysis of the amide bond and glucuronidation. The following inactive metabolites were detected in plasma: M4 (N-{3,5-dioxo-4-azatetracyclo[5.3.2.0{2,6}.0{8,10}]dodec-11-en-4yl} amine), M5 (3,5 dioxo-4-aminotetracyclo[5.3.2.0{2,6}.0{8,10}]dodec-11-ene), and TFMBA (4 (trifluoromethyl) benzoic acid) d Uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) enzymes e t1/2 value refers to mean terminal plasma half-life. f Single dose administration of [14C]-tecovirimat in mass balance study. Comparison Of Animal And Human PK Data To Support Effective Human Dose Selection Because the effectiveness of TPOXX cannot be tested in humans, a comparison of tecovirimat exposures achieved in healthy human subjects to those observed in animal models of orthopoxvirus infection (nonhuman primates and rabbits infected with monkeypox virus and rabbitpox virus, respectively) in therapeutic efficacy studies was necessary to support the dosage regimen of 600 mg twice daily for treatment of smallpox disease in humans. Humans achieve greater systemic exposure (AUC, Cmax, and Cmin) of tecovirimat following a twice daily dose of 600 mg when compared to the therapeutic exposures in these animal models. Specific Populations No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of tecovirimat were observed based on age, sex, ethnicity, renal impairment (based on estimated GFR), or hepatic impairment (Child Pugh Scores A, B or C). Pediatric Patients TPOXX pharmacokinetics has not been evaluated in pediatric patients. The recommended pediatric dosing regimen is expected to produce tecovirimat exposures that are comparable to those in adult subjects based on a population pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation approach [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Use In Specific Populations]. Drug Interaction Studies The effect of tecovirimat on the exposure of co-administered drugs are shown in Table 5. Table 5: Drug Interactions – Changes in Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Co-Administered Drug in the Presence of TPOXXa Co-Administered Drug Dose of Co-Administered Drug (mg) N Mean Ratio (90% CI) of Co-Administered Drug PK With/Without TPOXX No Effect = 1.00 Cmax AUCinf Flurbiprofen + omeprazole + midazolamb omeprazole 20 single dose 24 1.87 (1.51, 2.31) 1.73 (1.36, 2.19) midazolam 2 single dose 0.61 (0.54, 0.68) 0.68 (0.63, 0.73) Repaglinide 2 single dose 30 1.27 (1.12, 1.44) 1.29 (1.19, 1.40) Bupropion 150 single dose 24 0.86 (0.79, 0.93) 0.84 (0.78, 0.89) a All interaction studies conducted in healthy volunteers with tecovirimat 600 mg twice daily. b Comparison based on exposures when administered as flurbiprofen + omeprazole + midazolam. No pharmacokinetic changes were observed for the following drug when co-administered with tecovirimat: flurbiprofen. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes: Tecovirimat is a weak inhibitor of CYP2C8 and CYP2C19, and a weak inducer of CYP3A4. Tecovirimat is not an inhibitor or an inducer of CYP2B6 or CYP2C9. In Vitro Studies Where Drug Interaction Potential Was Not Further Evaluated Clinically CYP Enzymes: Tecovirimat is not an inhibitor of CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 or CYP3A4, and is not an inducer of CYP1A2. Tecovirimat is not a substrate for CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 or CYP3A4. UGT Enzymes: Tecovirimat is a substrate of UGT1A1 and UGT1A4. Transporter Systems: Tecovirimat inhibited Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) in vitro. Tecovirimat is not an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), organic anion transporting polypeptides 1B1 and 1B3 (OATP1B1 and OATP1B3), organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), OAT3, and organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2). Tecovirimat is not a substrate for P-gp, BCRP, OATP1B1, and OATP1B3. Microbiology Mechanism Of Action Tecovirimat targets and inhibits the activity of the orthopoxvirus VP37 protein (encoded by and highly conserved in all members of the orthopoxvirus genus) and blocks its interaction with cellular Rab9 GTPase and TIP47, which prevents the formation of egress-competent enveloped virions necessary for cell-to-cell and long-range dissemination of virus. Activity In Cell Culture In cell culture assays, the effective concentrations of tecovirimat resulting in a 50% reduction in virus-induced cytopathic effect (EC50), were 0.016-0.067 μM, 0.014-0.039 μM, 0.015 μM, and 0.009 μM, for variola, monkeypox, rabbitpox, and vaccinia viruses, respectively. Ranges given for variola and monkeypox viruses are reflective of results from multiple strains assayed. Resistance There are no known instances of naturally occurring tecovirimat resistant orthopoxviruses, although tecovirimat resistance may develop under drug selection. Tecovirimat has a relatively low resistance barrier, and certain amino acid substitutions in the target VP37 protein can confer large reductions in tecovirimat antiviral activity. The possibility of resistance to tecovirimat should be considered in patients who either fail to respond to therapy or who develop recrudescence of disease after an initial period of responsiveness. Cross Resistance: There are no other antiviral drugs approved for the treatment of variola (smallpox) virus infection. Animal Toxicology And/Or Pharmacology In a repeat-dose toxicology study in dogs, convulsions (tonic and clonic) were observed in one animal within 6 hours of a single dose of 300 mg/kg (approximately 4 times higher than the highest observed human exposure at the RHD based on Cmax). Electroencephalography (EEG) findings in this animal were consistent with seizure activity during the observed convulsions. Tremors, which were considered non-adverse, were observed at 100 mg/kg/dose (similar to the highest observed human exposure at the RHD based on Cmax), although no convulsions or EEG findings were observed at this dose. Clinical Studies Overview The effectiveness of TPOXX for treatment of smallpox disease has not been determined in humans because adequate and well-controlled field trials have not been feasible, and inducing smallpox disease in humans to study the drug’s efficacy is not ethical. Therefore, the effectiveness of TPOXX for treatment of smallpox disease was established based on results of adequate and well-controlled animal efficacy studies of non-human primates and rabbits infected with non-variola orthopoxviruses. Survival rates observed in the animal studies may not be predictive of survival rates in clinical practice. Study Design Efficacy studies were conducted in cynomolgus macaques infected with monkeypox virus, and New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits infected with rabbitpox virus. The primary efficacy endpoint for these studies was survival. In non-human primate studies, cynomolgus macaques were lethally challenged intravenously with 5 x 107 plaque-forming units of monkeypox virus; tecovirimat was administered orally once daily at a dose level of 10 mg/kg for 14 days, starting at Day 4, 5 or 6 post-challenge. In rabbit studies, NZW rabbits were lethally challenged intradermally with 1,000 plaque-forming units of rabbitpox virus; tecovirimat was administered orally once daily for 14 days at a dose level of 40 mg/kg, starting at Day 4 post-challenge. The timing of tecovirimat dosing in these studies was intended to assess efficacy when treatment is initiated after animals have developed clinical signs of disease, specifically dermal pox lesions in cynomolgus macaques, and fever in rabbits. Clinical signs of disease were evident in some animals at Day 2-3 post-challenge but were evident in all animals by Day 4 post-challenge. Survival was monitored for 3-6 times the mean time to death for untreated animals in each model. Study Results Treatment with tecovirimat for 14 days resulted in statistically significant improvement in survival relative to placebo, except when given to cynomolgus macaques starting at Day 6 post-challenge (Table 6). Table 6: Survival Rates in Tecovirimat Treatment Studies in Cynomolgus Macaques and NZW Rabbits Exhibiting Clinical Signs of Orthopoxvirus Disease Treatment Initiationa Survival Percentage (# survived/n) p-valueb Survival Rate Differencec (95% CI)d Placebo Tecovirimat Cynomolgus Macaques Study 1 Day 4 0% (0/7) 80% (4/5) 0.0038 80% (20.8%, 99.5%) Study 2 Day 4 0% (0/6) 100% (6/6) 0.0002 100% (47.1%, 100%) Study 3 Day 4 0% (0/3) 83% (5/6) 0.0151 83% (7.5%, 99.6%) Day 5 83% (5/6) 0.0151 83% (7.5%, 99.6%) Day 6 50% (3/6) 0.1231 50% (-28.3%, 90.2%) NZW Rabbits Study 4 Day 4 0% (0/10) 90% (9/10) < 0.0001 90% (50.3%, 99.8%) Study 5 Day 4 NAe 88% (7/8) NA NA a Day post-challenge tecovirimat treatment was initiated b p-value is from 1-sided Boschloo Test (with Berger-Boos modification of gamma = 0.000001) compared to placebo c Survival percentage in tecovirimat treated animals minus survival percentage in placebo treated animals d Exact 95% confidence interval based on the score statistic of difference in survival rates e A placebo control group was not included in this study. KEY: NA = Not Applicable Medication Guide PATIENT INFORMATION TPOXX (Te-Pox or Tee-pahx) (tecovirimat) Capsules What is TPOXX? TPOXX is a prescription medicine used to treat smallpox disease caused by a type of virus called variola virus in adults and children who weigh at least 13 kg. TPOXX may not work well in people who have a weakened immune system. The effectiveness of TPOXX has been studied only in animals with orthopoxvirus diseases. There have been no human studies in people who have smallpox disease. The safety of TPOXX was studied in adults. There have been no studies of TPOXX in children 17 years of age and younger. Before taking TPOXX, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have diabetes. are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TPOXX can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during treatment with TPOXX. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TPOXX passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines interact with TPOXX. Keep a list of your medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medications that interact with TPOXX. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take TPOXX with other medicines. How should I take TPOXX? Take TPOXX exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. For adults and children who weigh at least 40 kg, take 3 capsules of TPOXX twice a day by mouth for 14 days. TPOXX should be taken within 30 minutes after eating a full, fatty meal. Talk to your healthcare provider about examples of foods that you can eat that contain about 25 grams of fat. Always take TPOXX with food. See the “Instructions for Use” that comes with your TPOXX for instructions on how to prepare and take a dose of TPOXX if: your child weighs less than 40 kg, OR you or your child have trouble swallowing TPOXX capsules. Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with TPOXX. Do not change your dose or stop taking TPOXX without talking to your healthcare provider. It is important to take TPOXX for the full 14 day course of treatment. Do not miss or skip a dose of TPOXX. If you take too much TPOXX, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. What are the possible side effects of TPOXX? TPOXX may cause serious side effects, including: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Low blood sugar can happen when TPOXX is taken with repaglinide, a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. Tell your healthcare provider if you get any of the following symptoms of low blood sugar: headache dizziness weakness drowsiness confusion fast heartbeat hunger sweating irritability feeling jittery or shaky The most common side effects of TPOXX include: headache stomach pain nausea vomiting These are not all the possible side effects of TPOXX. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. How should I store TPOXX? Store TPOXX at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep TPOXX in its original container. Keep TPOXX and all other medicines out of the reach of children. General information about the safe and effective use of TPOXX. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use TPOXX for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give TPOXX to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about TPOXX that is written for health professionals. What are the ingredients in TPOXX? Active ingredient: tecovirimat Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulfate. The capsule shell is made of gelatin, FD&C blue #1, FD&C red #3, FD&C yellow #6, and titanium dioxide. Instructions For Use TPOXX (Te-Pox or Tee-pahx) (tecovirimat) capsules Read this Instructions for Use before taking TPOXX and follow the steps below to prepare and give a dose of TPOXX to adults or children who have trouble swallowing TPOXX capsules. Step 1: Gather the supplies you need to prepare a dose of TPOXX: 1 bottle of TPOXX (1 capsule = 200 mg of medicine) 1 tablespoon 1 small bowl Your choice of liquid or soft food: Liquid such as milk, chocolate milk or infant formula Soft food such as applesauce or yogurt Step 2: Find the weight of the person taking the medicine on the TPOXX Dosing Table. Step 3: Find the prescribed dose in the same row as the weight of the person taking the medicine on the TPOXX Dosing Table below. Step 4: Find the amount of liquid or soft food needed in the same row as the weight of the person taking the medicine on the TPOXX Dosing Table below. Get a small bowl and place it on a flat surface. Add the correct amount of liquid or soft food to the bowl. Step 5: Find the number of TPOXX capsules needed in the same row as the weight of the person taking the medicine on the TPOXX Dosing Table below. Take out the correct number of TPOXX capsules from the bottle. Step 6: Hold the TPOXX capsule in a sideways (horizontal) position directly over the bowl to make sure none of the medicine is lost. Hold the ends of the TPOXX capsule between the thumb and index (pointer) finger of both hands. Gently and slowly twist the ends of the capsule and pull it apart. Empty the contents of the capsule into the bowl. Repeat this for each capsule that is needed for your total dose. Throw away the empty capsule shells. Step 7: Use the tablespoon to mix together the capsule contents and the liquid or soft food. The powder may not completely dissolve. The food and medicine mixture is now ready to take. Step 8: The food and medicine mixture must be taken within 30 minutes after a meal containing approximately 25 grams of fat AND within 30 minutes after mixing it. The ENTIRE food and medicine mixture should be swallowed to make sure the entire dose is taken. This food and medicine mixture should be given twice daily every 12 hours, by mouth, for 14 days. TPOXX Dosing Table Body Weight Prescribed Dose Amount of Liquid or Soft Food Number of Capsules Food and Medicine Mixture Instructions 13 kg to less than 25 kg 200 mg 2 tablespoons 1 TPOXX capsule Mix entire contents of 1 TPOXX capsule with 2 tablespoons of liquid or soft food. 25 kg to less than 40 kg 400 mg 2 tablespoons 2 TPOXX capsules Mix entire contents of 2 TPOXX capsules with 2 tablespoons of liquid or soft food. 40 kg and above 600 mg 2 tablespoons 3 TPOXX capsules Mix entire contents of 3 TPOXX capsules with 2 tablespoons of liquid or soft food. Keep TPOXX and all medicines out of the reach of children. This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
