provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Cidofovir Coupon - Cidofovir 5ml of 75mg/ml vial

cidofovir

Generic Vistide
Used for CMV
Used for CMV

Cidofovir is an injectable antiviral medication used to treat eye infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) in people living with HIV.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 31, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Cidofovir?

What is Cidofovir used for?

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in people with AIDs

How Cidofovir works

Cidofovir is an antiviral medication that stops the CMV virus from being able to make copies of itself and spread.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsVistide (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassAntiviral
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$885.22(save 87.91%)
GoodRx discount
$107.06
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Cidofovir?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Protein in the urine (50%)
  • Low white blood count (24%)
  • Change in eye pressure (24%)
  • Fever (14%)
  • Infection (12%)

Other Side Effects

  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea and vomiting

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Medicines like cidofovir can sometimes cause serious side effects such as blood problems and kidney problems; these are described below. Cidofovir has also been found to cause cancer in animals, and there is a chance it could cause cancer in humans as well. Discuss these possible side effects with your doctor.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Fever, chills, or sore throat

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Decreased urination

increased thirst and urination

Rare

Decreased vision or any change in vision

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea

headache

loss of appetite

nausea

vomiting

Less common

Generalized weakness

loss of strength

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Cidofovir

thumbs-up

Pros

Good option for people who can't take valganciclor (Valcyte)

Given once a week or once every 2 weeks

Doesn't interact with many medications

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be given by a healthcare professional and taken with another medication called probenecid

Can cause fertility problems in males and females and harm an unborn baby

Can cause serious side effects like kidney problems and low blood count

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Cidofovir

pharmacist

  • Cidofovir will be given as an infusion into your vein. The infusion itself will take about 1 hour.

    • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated while you are taking cidofovir. It can help prevent kidney problems.

      • Don't take any medications without first talking to your provider. Many commonly used medications like over-the-counter NSAIDs can also harm the kidney. It's best to avoid taking multiple medications that can harm the kidney.

        • Cidofovir can cause fertility problems and might also harm the unborn baby of those who become pregnant while receiving this medication. Females should use contraception during treatment with cidofovir and for at least 30 days after they complete treatment. Males with female partners who may get pregnant should used condoms while they are getting cidofovir and for at least 90 days after they complete treatment with this medication.

          • Continue to take your HIV medications during treatment with cidofovir, unless instructed differently by your provider.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Cidofovir

            How is cidofovir given?
            Cidofovir will be prepared and administered by a healthcare professional. The infusion will usually take an hour. Your provider will given you instructions on when to take a medication called probenecid before and after your infusion.
            Why is cidofovir given with probenecid?
            Probenecid blocks the kidneys from removing cidofovir from the body. This results in higher levels of the medication and can help protect the kidneys from the potentially harmful effects of cidofovir.
            Is cidofovir cytotoxic?
            Yes, cidofovir can be considered a cytotoxic medication that can harm cells, which is why it is always handled with care by healthcare professionals.
            Can cidofovir be used in people without HIV?
            Cidofovir has not been studied for the treatment of CMV in people who do not have AIDs. Many people with healthy immune systems don't need to take antiviral medications if they have CMV. However, if a provider believes that a patient with CMV who does not have AIDs may benefit from antiviral medication therapy, cidofovir may be one of the options.
            Is cidofovir safe for cats?
            The medication in cidofovir can be made into an eye drop and prescribed by a veterinarian for viral eye infections in cats. It is not the same preparation as the IV medication discussed on this page.
            GoodRxEducationalIcon

            How to save using GoodRx

            Compare Prices
            1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
            Select your free coupon
            2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
            Show coupon to your pharmacist
            3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
            Get free couponLearn more
            warings-icon

            What are the risks and warnings for Cidofovir?

            Cidofovir can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Kidney problems

            • Risk factors: Taking other medications that cause kidney problems | Dehydration

              Cidofovir can cause serious harm to the kidneys. The risk is also higher if you become dehydrated or take other medications that can harm the kidney such as NSAIDs, including: ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Stay hydrated while taking cidofovir and talk to your provider before taking any medications, including over-the-counter pain and cold medications. Your provider will order lab tests within 48 hours of every dose to monitor your kidney. If your labs show changes in your kidney, they may stop the medication or lower your dose.

              risk-warning

              Low white blood cell count

              Cidofovir can lower your white blood cell count and raise your risk for infection. Your provider will do frequent blood tests to monitor this during therapy.

              risk-warning

              Fertility problems

              Cidofovir at prescribed doses can impact fertility in both men and women. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.

              risk-warning

              Harm to unborn baby

              Cidofovir can cause harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. This harm is also true for males taking the medication who have female partners who may become pregnant. For this reason, females should use contraception while they are taking cidofovir and for at least 30 days after completing treatment. Males should use condoms while taking cidofovir and for at least 90 days after completing treatment.

              risk-warning

              Cancer risk

              Based on animal studies, cidofovir has the potential to cause cancer in humans.

              risk-warning

              Changes in vision

              Some people taking cidofovir experience a change in eye pressure. It can also lead to decreased vision or inflammation inside the eye. Let your provider know as soon as possible if you notice any changes to your eyes or vision.

              dosage

              Cidofovir dosage forms

              The average cost for 1 vial of 5ml of 75mg/ml of Cidofovir is $107.06 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 87.91% off the average retail price of $885.22.
              vial
              Vial
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              5ml of 75mg/ml1 vial$107.06$107.06

              Typical dosing for Cidofovir

              The typical dose is based on the person's weight and is given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional. The first 2 doses are once a week, followed by maintenance doses once every 2 weeks.

              interactions

              Interactions between Cidofovir and other drugs

              Cidofovir may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Cidofovir. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

              drug-cost

              How much does Cidofovir cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
              Cidofovir (generic)
              GoodRx lowest price

              $107.06

              (save 87.91%)
              View prices & coupons
              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Cidofovir?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Cidofovir. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Cidofovir
              Used for:

              • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in people with AIDs

              $107.06 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Valganciclovir (Valcyte)
              Used for:

              • Prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after organ transplant

              • Treatment of CMV eye infection in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

              $134.12 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Zirgan (ganciclovir)
              Used for:

              • Eye infection due to herpes simplex virus (herpetic keratitis) in people ages 2 years and older

              $462.83 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              images

              Cidofovir images

              colorless - Cidofovir 75mg / mL Solution for Injection
              This medicine is Colorless Vial.colorless - Cidofovir 75mg / mL Solution for Injection

              Get savings updates for Cidofovir

              Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Cidofovir and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

              By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

              Browse medications

              View All

              Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.