Zirgan
(ganciclovir)
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Treats eye herpes (herpetic keratitis).
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Zirgan (ganciclovir) is a first-choice medication for treating mild cases of herpes infections in the eye.
Quick facts about Zirgan
- Drug class: infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Since Zirgan (ganciclovir) is used externally, there are fewer serious side effects.
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What to expect from Zirgan, on one page
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Downsides
- Zirgan (ganciclovir) is expensive with no generic version.
- You can't wear contact lenses while using Zirgan (ganciclovir).
- Some people may find Zirgan (ganciclovir) inconvenient since it has to be used throughout the day, and even 1 week after the ulcers have healed.
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What to expect from Zirgan, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Zirgan (ganciclovir) is an antiviral for your eye that prevents the herpes virus from replicating.
Quick facts about Zirgan
- Drug class: infection
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Herpetic keratitis
Dosage forms
- Eye gel
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Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 1 (10ml-of-500mg) vial of ganciclovir near
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Zirgan (ganciclovir) for Herpes of the eye (herpetic keratitis)
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Eye irritation
- Blurry vision
- Eye redness
- Punctate keratitis (eye problem)
Side effect rates for Zirgan (ganciclovir)
- Blurry vision60%60%
- Eye irritation20%20%
- Punctate keratitis (eye problem)5%5%
- Eye redness5%5%
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Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Zirgan.
Zirgan (ganciclovir)
Placebo
People taking Zirgan felt side effect more
People taking Zirgan felt side effect less
No difference
Risks and Warnings for Zirgan (ganciclovir)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Zirgan (ganciclovir) should only be used in the eye. Make sure the tip of the container doesn't touch your eye or any other surfaces.
Common concerns from people taking Zirgan (ganciclovir)
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- Zirgan (ganciclovir) can cause some eye discomfort. Blurry vision is common, but if you begin to have severe discomfort or can't see, let your doctor know immediately.