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Trifluridine Coupon - Trifluridine 7.5ml of 1% eye dropper

trifluridine

Generic Viroptic
Used for Herpes
Used for Herpes

Trifluridine (Viroptic) is an antiviral eye drop that treats inflammation caused by herpes infections in the eye. It's FDA approved for people 6 years and older. When you first start, the eye drops need to be used frequently, every 2 hours while you're awake, with a maximum of 9 drops per day. This medication comes in both brand-name and generic versions. The most common side effects include temporary burning or stinging when you apply the eye drops to your eye(s).

Last reviewed on October 24, 2024
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What is Trifluridine (Viroptic)?

What is Trifluridine (Viroptic) used for?

How Trifluridine (Viroptic) works

Trifluridine (Viroptic) is a nucleoside analog antiviral. It's not fully understood how it works against viral infections, but it's thought to interfere with the virus's DNA, preventing it from making copies of itself and spreading.

Are you looking for information on Lonsurf (trifluridine / tipiracil) oral tablets instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsViroptic
Drug ClassNucleoside analog antiviral
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$285.28(save 87.31%)
GoodRx discount
$36.20
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What are the side effects of Trifluridine (Viroptic)?

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

  • Mild, temporary burning or stinging (5%)
  • Eyelid swelling (3%)

Other Side Effects

  • Injury to the cornea
  • Swelling of the cornea
  • Eye irritation
  • Dry eyes
  • Excessive tears
  • Higher eye pressure

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reactions: swelling in your face, rash, itching, eye redness

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.

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

Rare

Blurred vision or other change in vision

dryness of eye

irritation of eye

itching, redness, swelling, or other sign of irritation not present before use of this medicine

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

Burning or stinging

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 Trifluridine (Viroptic)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to treat a herpes eye infection by helping the eye heal

Most side effects are mild and temporary

Proven safe and effective in children as young as 6 years old

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be used multiple times a day

Can't be used long-term since doing so can cause eye injury

Doesn't treat infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or other viruses

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Trifluridine (Viroptic)

pharmacist
  • Take trifluridine (Viroptic) exactly as directed. Regular follow-ups with your prescriber are important to ensure your eye is healing and to determine when your dose should be adjusted.

    • Don't stop trifluridine (Viroptic) too early, even if your symptoms are getting better. Doing so can make your infection come back or become harder to treat.

      • To use trifluridine (Viroptic), tilt your head back and place a drop in the infected eye(s). Then, close your eye and gently press on the inner corner for 1 to 2 minutes to keep the medication in your eye.

        • You might experience some temporary stinging or burning after applying trifluridine (Viroptic). If the irritation is severe or doesn't go away, talk to your prescriber.

          • Avoid letting the tip of the trifluridine (Viroptic) bottle touch anything, including your eye. This helps prevent germs from contaminating the medication and your eye.

            • Store trifluridine (Viroptic) in the refrigerator, and only take it out when it's time for your dose. Be sure to return it to the refrigerator immediately afterward.

              • If your symptoms haven't improved after 7 days, or the ulcer hasn't healed after 14 days, talk to your prescriber as you might need to try a different treatment. It's not recommended to use trifluridine (Viroptic) for more than 21 days since long-term use can cause eye injury.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Trifluridine (Viroptic)

                Does trifluridine (Viroptic) need to be refrigerated?
                Yes, trifluridine (Viroptic) must be refrigerated at all times, otherwise it won't work properly. Take it out of the refrigerator only for a few minutes at a time to take your dose. If you accidentally leave it out for an extended period, contact your prescriber and let them know.
                How well does trifluridine (Viroptic) work?
                In one study, 96% of people using trifluridine (Viroptic) had complete healing of their eye within 14 days of treatment for their herpes eye infection. Speak with your prescriber about how well this medication might work for you.
                What's the difference between trifluridine (Viroptic) and erythromycin eye ointment?
                The main difference between trifluridine (Viroptic) and erythromycin eye ointment is that they treat different types of infections. Trifluridine (Viroptic) is an antiviral medication used for infections caused by herpes viruses, while erythromycin eye ointment is an antibiotic for bacterial eye infections. If you have questions about comparing these medications, talk to your prescriber for more information.
                Is there a generic for trifluridine (Viroptic)?
                Yes. Trifluridine (Viroptic) is available in both brand-name and generic eye drops. The brand name is called Viroptic and the generic name is trifluridine.
                Does trifluridine (Viroptic) come in an eye ointment?
                No, trifluridine (Viroptic) only comes as eye drops. If you're having trouble giving yourself the eye drops, contact your prescriber.
                Does trifluridine (Viroptic) cure styes?
                No. Styes are typically caused by bacteria, while trifluridine (Viroptic) is an antiviral medication, so it won't work to treat a stye. If you have a stye, speak to your eye provider about the best ways to treat it.
                How long does it take for trifluridine (Viroptic) to work?
                Depending on how serious the damage is, it usually takes about 6 to 12 days of using trifluridine (Viroptic) for ulcers to heal. Remember to go to your follow-up appointments to make sure that your infection is improving. Keep in mind that after the ulcers heal, you'll likely continue to use the medication for another week. If you don't see improvement after a week of treatment, your prescriber might recommend a different option.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Trifluridine (Viroptic)?

                Trifluridine (Viroptic) 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

                Damage to eyes from long-term use

                • Risk factors: Using trifluridine (Viroptic) for longer than 21 days in a row

                  Use trifluridine (Viroptic) as directed by your prescriber. If your symptoms aren't improving, talk to your prescriber, but don't use this medication more frequently or for longer than prescribed. Using it for longer than 21 days in a row raises your risk for damage to the surface of your eye.

                  risk-warning

                  Only for herpes eye infection

                  Trifluridine (Viroptic) is only for treating herpes infection of the eye, which is diagnosed by a healthcare professional. Don't use this medication for other types of eye infections.

                  risk-warning

                  Eye irritation

                  Trifluridine (Viroptic) can cause irritation on or around the eye, but it's usually mild and temporary. Tell your prescriber if this becomes bothersome or doesn't go away.

                  dosage

                  Trifluridine (Viroptic) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 7.5ml of 1% of Trifluridine (Viroptic) is $36.20 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 87.31% off the average retail price of $285.28.
                  eye dropper
                  Eye dropper
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  7.5ml of 1%1 eye dropper$36.20$36.20

                  Typical dosing for Trifluridine (Viroptic)

                  The typical starting dose is 1 drop in the infected eye(s) every 2 hours while awake, with a maximum of 9 drops per day. After the ulcer heals, your prescriber might lower the dose to 1 drop every 4 hours while awake (at least 5 drops per day) for an additional 7 days.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Trifluridine (Viroptic) and other drugs

                  Trifluridine (Viroptic) 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 Trifluridine (Viroptic). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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                  How much does Trifluridine (Viroptic) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Trifluridine (Viroptic)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Trifluridine (Viroptic). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Trifluridine (Viroptic)
                  Used for:
                  $36.20 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Used for:
                  • Eye infection due to herpes simplex virus (herpetic keratitis) in people ages 2 years and older

                  $455.62 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Trifluridine (Viroptic) images

                  colorless - Trifluridine 1% Ophthalmic Solution
                  This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.colorless - Trifluridine 1% Ophthalmic Solution
                  This medicine is Colorless Eye Dropper.

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). What causes HSV (herpes simplex virus) keratitis.

                  National Eye Institute. (2024). How to put in eye drops.

                  Pavan-Langston, D., et al. (1977). Trifluorothymidine and idoxuridine therapy of ocular herpes. American Journal of Ophthalmology.

                  View All References (2)

                  PubChem. (n.d.). Trifluridine. National Library of Medicine.

                  Sandoz, Inc. (2024). Trifluridine solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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