Brincidofovir
Tembexa is a brand-name antiviral medication containing the active ingredient brincidofovir. It is designed to treat smallpox, a serious and potentially fatal infectious disease caused by the variola virus.
Tembexa is an antiviral medication approved for the treatment of smallpox infection.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 2599526
- Generic
- Tembexa
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Tembexa is indicated for the treatment of smallpox, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease caused by the variola virus. It is approved for use in adults and pediatric patients, including newborns.
Tembexa contains brincidofovir, a nucleotide analog prodrug that is converted to cidofovir inside cells. It inhibits viral DNA polymerase, preventing the replication of the variola virus and reducing viral spread in the body.
Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Tembexa may cause serious side effects including kidney toxicity and elevated liver enzymes. It is contraindicated in patients with severe kidney impairment. Due to potential teratogenicity, pregnancy status should be confirmed before treatment. The medication should be administered exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy