Monkeypox is now a global outbreak with 31,000+ cases reported in 84 countries worldwide, including the United States. In case you do not know what monkeypox is yet, check out our previous blog to be brought up to speed. Monkeypox signs and symptoms are 1) a 1-2 week incubation period, 2) a fever and swollen lymph nodes, followed by 3) a rash that may or may not be blistering or “poppable” that eventually spreads all over your body. Are we helpless? Not quite. In addition to vaccines that are available to help prevent becoming infected with the monkeypox virus, there is a treatment option that has become available.

TPOXX, also called Tecovirimat or ST-246, is an antiviral medication used to treat smallpox and similar viruses. Though not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of monkeypox, TPOXX has received the green light for use from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)1. TPOXX shortens the amount of time that you are sick and reduces your ability to infect people, especially your loved ones. It is available as an oral capsule and an injection via intravenous (IV) route. 

If you have monkeypox, there are criteria you need to meet before you can be considered for this medication. Some of the criteria include if you are severely ill (such as with sepsis), you are at risk of developing some severe disease, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are immunocompromised. Chat with us for FREE we can point you in the right direction for more information on your eligibility for TPOXX. 

It is still a task to actually obtain TPOXX, but the CDC has simplified the process. However, there are a couple of ‘to-do’ activities required of you and your doctor before treatment. This information can be incredibly overwhelming, so come chat with us if you have no idea what to do. We are here for you! 

1https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7132e4.htm?s_cid=mm7132e4_x