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Zirgan Coupon - Zirgan 5g of 0.15% bottle of gel

Zirgan

ganciclovir
Used for Herpes
Used for Herpes

Zirgan, also known by its generic name ganciclovir, is an antiviral eye drop 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 comes as a gel that's placed as a drop directly into the affected eye(s). The dosage is typically taken every 3 hours while awake, then 3 times per day for a week after the eye heals. The most common side effects are blurry vision and eye irritation.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 13, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

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 herpes simplex virus (HSV) from making genetic material (DNA). This prevents the virus from making copies of itself and spreading.

Are you looking for information on ganciclovir injection (Cytovene) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsZirgan
Drug ClassAntiviral
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$575.19(save 19.53%)
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$462.83
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What are the 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%)

Other Side Effects

  • Eye swelling
  • 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 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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Zirgan (ganciclovir)

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Pros

Few side effects

Approved for children as young as 2 years old

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Cons

Need to use every 3 hours while awake until the eye heals

Not known whether it's safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Zirgan (ganciclovir)

pharmacist

  • Make sure to use Zirgan (ganciclovir) for the full amount of time your prescriber told you to, even if your eye starts to get better. Stopping Zirgan (ganciclovir) too soon can cause your infection to come back and possibly be harder to treat.

    • Wash your hands before you put Zirgan (ganciclovir) drops in your eye. Don't touch the bottle tip with your fingers, and don't let the tip touch your eye or any other surface. This helps you avoid eye infections from using medication that's been contaminated with germs.

      • To put the eye drops into your eye, tilt your head back and look up. Then, gently pull your lower eyelid down with one hand to form a pocket. Using the other hand, take the Zirgan (ganciclovir) bottle, hold it upside down above your eye, and squeeze a drop of medication into the eye. Then, close your eye and lightly press one finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1 minute.

        • If you need to use other eye drop medications in addition to Zirgan (ganciclovir), wait at least 5 minutes between each medication. This lets your eye fully absorb each medication.

          • Let your care team know if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. It's not known how safe Zirgan (ganciclovir) during pregnancy or while breastfeeding because it hasn't been studied. Your care team can discuss with you about the risks and benefits of using this medication while pregnant or breastfeeding.

            • Store the Zirgan (ganciclovir) bottle at room temperature (up to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Don't put the medication in the refrigerator or freezer.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Zirgan (ganciclovir)

              How long does it take for Zirgan (ganciclovir) to work?
              It's not exactly clear how long it takes for Zirgan (ganciclovir) to start working. But studies generally show that the medication can help heal eye infection from HSV (e.g., eye ulcers) within 7 days of starting treatment. Contact your prescriber if you're concerned with how well Zirgan (ganciclovir) is working for you.
              Is Zirgan (ganciclovir) a steroid?
              No, Zirgan (ganciclovir) isn't a steroid; it's an antiviral medication that's used to treat a herpes infection in your eye. Steroid eye drops help lessen eye inflammation, but they don't fight the virus itself like Zirgan (ganciclovir) does. Steroid eye drops typically aren't recommended for herpetic keratitis because they can worsen the infection, but they might be used if there's severe inflammation.
              Can erythromycin eye ointment and Zirgan (ganciclovir) be used together?
              Yes, erythromycin eye ointment and Zirgan (ganciclovir) can be used together if you have both a herpes infection and bacterial infection in your eye(s). Erythromycin is an antibiotic that can fight bacterial infections, and Zirgan (ganciclovir) is an antiviral medication that treats the herpes viral infection. It's best to first apply Zirgan (ganciclovir) drops, wait 5 minutes, then apply the erythromycin eye ointment. This makes sure your eye fully absorbs each medication.
              Can I use contacts with Zirgan (ganciclovir)?
              In general, it's best to avoid wearing contact lenses when you have an eye infection. This helps prevent the infection from worsening and prevent your eye from getting more irritated. Additionally, putting your contact lenses in an infected eye can contaminate the lenses, which can then spread the infection. Talk to your prescriber about when it's safe to wear contacts again.
              How long can you use Zirgan (ganciclovir)?
              Zirgan (ganciclovir) is typically used for about 7 days. But your prescriber might tell you to use the drops for a longer period of time based on how severe your infection is and how your progress with treatment seems to be going (how well your infection is getting treated and how well your eye symptoms are improving). Ask your prescriber if you're not sure how long you should be using Zirgan (ganciclovir) for.
              Does Zirgan (ganciclovir) burn the eyes?
              It's possible for you to feel a burning sensation in the eye after you place the Zirgan (ganciclovir) drop in your eye. But studies show that it's rare, especially when compared to other eye ointments. Let your prescriber know if you feel burning in the eyes and it's too bothersome. They might switch you to a different medication.
              What's the difference between trifluridine (Viroptic) and Zirgan (ganciclovir)?
              Both trifluridine (Viroptic) and Zirgan (ganciclovir) are antiviral eye medications that treats herpetic keratitis (herpes infection in the eye). One difference is how often they're each used. Zirgan (ganciclovir) is applied every 3 hours while you're awake until the infection heals, then 3 times a day for a week. On the other hand, trifluridine (Viroptic) is applied every 2 hours while awake until the infection heals, then every 4 hours while awake for a week. Although trifluridine (Viroptic) is available as a brand-name medication and lower-cost generic, Zirgan (ganciclovir) is brand name only. Talk to your optometrist or ophthalmologist if you have more questions about comparing the two medications.
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              What are the 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.

              risk-warning

              Only for use on the surface of the eye

              Since Zirgan (ganciclovir) is an eye drop medication, you should only place the medication onto the surface of the eye. Don't put Zirgan (ganciclovir) in your mouth, ears, or any other place on your body.

              risk-warning

              Don't wear contact lenses while you're using the medication

              Don't wear contact lenses while you're using Zirgan (ganciclovir). It's also generally a good idea to avoid wearing your contacts when you have an eye infection so that your eye can heal and so that your eye doesn't get even more irritated. Your prescriber will let you know when the infection is gone and when it's safe to wear contact lenses again.

              dosage

              Zirgan (ganciclovir) dosage forms

              The average cost for 1 bottle of 5g of 0.15% of Zirgan (ganciclovir) is $462.83 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 19.53% off the average retail price of $575.19.
              bottle of gel
              Bottle of gel
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              5g of 0.15%1 bottle$462.83$462.83

              Typical dosing for Zirgan (ganciclovir)

              The typical dose is 1 drop in the infected eye five times per day (about every 3 hours while you're awake). Once your eye heals, the dose gets lowered to 1 drop in the infected eye three times per day for 7 more days.

              interactions

              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.

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              How much does Zirgan (ganciclovir) cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
              Zirgan (brand)
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              $462.83

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              alternatives

              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.
              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
              Trifluridine (Viroptic)
              Used for:
              $61.64 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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              References

              Best studies we found

              Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. (2024). Zirgan- ganciclovir gel [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Bunya, V. Y. (2024). Herpes simplex keratitis. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

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

              View All References (8)

              Chodosh, J. (2020). The herpetic eye disease study: Topical corticosteroid trial for herpes simplex stromal keratitis: A paradigm shifting clinical trial. Ophthalmology.

              Colin, J. (2007). Ganciclovir ophthalmic gel, 0.15%: A valuable tool for treating ocular herpes. Clinical Ophthalmology.

              National Eye Institute. (2021). How to put in eye drops.

              Porter, D. (2024). What is herpes keratitis? American Academy of Ophthalmology.

              SafeMedication. (n.d.). How to use eye drops.

              Sahin, A., et al. (2012). Acute herpetic keratitis: What is the role for ganciclovir ophthalmic gel? Ophthalmology and Eye Diseases.

              Strasfeld, L., et al. (2010). Antiviral drug resistance: Mechanisms and clinical implications. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America.

              U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). Contact lens risks.

              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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