How Much Is Zirgan Without Insurance?
Zirgan can cost more than $500 for 1 bottle. But there are many ways to save. Read on to learn more about how much Zirgan costs without insurance.
Zirgan
Used for Herpes
Used for Herpes
Zirgan (ganciclovir) is an antiviral eye gel medication. It's used to treat herpetic keratitis or dendritic ulcer, which is an eye infection due to herpes simplex virus (HSV). Zirgan (ganciclovir) is approved for adults and children 2 years and older. It's placed in the affected eye(s) as a drop. First, it's used about every 3 hours while awake until the eye heals. Then, it's used 3 times per day for another week. The most common side effects are blurry vision and eye irritation.
What is Zirgan (ganciclovir)?
What is Zirgan (ganciclovir) used for?
- Eye infection due to herpes simplex virus (herpetic keratitis) in people ages 2 years and older
How Zirgan (ganciclovir) works
Zirgan (ganciclovir) is an antiviral medication. It works by stopping the herpes simplex virus (HSV) from making copies of itself. This helps stop the infection from spreading and allows the eye to heal.
When does Zirgan (ganciclovir) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Zirgan |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antiviral |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Zirgan (ganciclovir) essentials
Side effects of Zirgan (ganciclovir)
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
- Blurry vision (60%)
- Eye irritation (20%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Swelling in the eye
- Eye redness
When do Zirgan (ganciclovir) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Blurry vision after using
Eye irritation after using
The following Zirgan (ganciclovir) 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Blurred vision
red, sore eyes
Less common
Painful irritation of the clear front part of the eye
redness of the white part of eyes or inside of the eyelids
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.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$564.24
GoodRx discount
$463.01
Pros and cons of Zirgan (ganciclovir)
Pros
- Approved for both adults and children as young as 2 years old
- Generally well tolerated
Cons
- Need to use very often (every 3 hours) while awake until the eye heals
- Can cause blurry vision right after using
Pharmacist tips for Zirgan (ganciclovir)
- Be sure to use Zirgan (ganciclovir) for the full amount of time, even if your eye starts to get better. Remember, you keep using the medication for another week after your eye heals. This makes sure the infection is completely treated.
- Don't touch the tip of the Zirgan (ganciclovir) tube with your fingers. Also, don't let it touch your eye or any other surface. This helps keep the medication free of germs and lowers your risk of another eye infection.
- How to use Zirgan (ganciclovir): Tilt your head back and look upwards. Then, gently pull your lower eyelid down with one hand to form a pocket. Using the other hand, hold the tube of medication with the tip above your eye. Squeeze a drop of gel into the pocket you made. Then, close your eye and lightly press a finger to the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. This helps your eye absorb all the medication.
- If you need to use other eye medications along with Zirgan (ganciclovir), wait at least 5 minutes between each one. This makes sure your eye can fully absorb each medication.
- Zirgan (ganciclovir) can cause blurry vision for a short time after you put it in your eye. Wait until your vision goes back to normal to do anything that needs clear eyesight, like driving.
- How to store Zirgan (ganciclovir): Keep the tube of medication at room temperature (59ºF 77ºF). Don't put it in the refrigerator or freezer.
Risks and warnings for Zirgan (ganciclovir)
Zirgan (ganciclovir) 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.
For use in the eye only
Zirgan (ganciclovir) is an eye gel that's for use in the eye only. Don't put the medication in your mouth, ears, or anywhere else on your body.
Avoid wearing contact lenses
Don't wear contact lenses while using Zirgan (ganciclovir). In general, it's a good idea to avoid wearing your contacts when you have an eye infection. This helps your eye heal and prevents your eye from getting even more irritated. Ask your prescriber when it's safe to wear your contact lenses again after treatment ends.
Zirgan (ganciclovir) dosage
The average cost for 1 bottle of 5g of 0.15% of Zirgan (ganciclovir) is $35.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 93.80% off the average retail price of $564.24. 
Bottle of gel
Bottle of gel| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5g of 0.15% | 1 bottle | $35.00 | $35.00 |
Typical dosage for Zirgan (ganciclovir)
The typical dose is 1 drop in the affected eye 5 times per day (about every 3 hours while you're awake).
Then once your eye heals, place 1 drop in the affected eye 3 times per day for 7 more days.
Interactions between Zirgan (ganciclovir) and other drugs
Zirgan (ganciclovir) 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 Zirgan (ganciclovir). 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.
How much does Zirgan (ganciclovir) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Zirgan (brand)
$35.00
What are alternatives to Zirgan (ganciclovir)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Zirgan (ganciclovir). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Zirgan (ganciclovir)
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