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What does it do?

Tecovirimat is used to treat a viral infection called monkeypox.

Before you start

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take tecovirimat regularly as directed. Take it with a meal and a glass of water. Keep taking it until the course is finished, even when you start to feel better.

If you have trouble swallowing, you can open the capsules and mix the contents with 2 tablespoons (about 30 mL) of liquid (e.g. milk, water) or with some soft food (e.g. yoghurt) then swallow all the mixture.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Tecovirimat is a new medicine. All the possible side effects are not known at this time.

Side EffectsRecommended action

Headache, stomach upset

Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

  • Tecovirimat is not registered for use in New Zealand. Discuss with your doctor.

This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.

Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. March 2023

For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

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About My Medicines

My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.

For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?

My Medicines is developed by a team at Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed