How to Help Your Patients Save Money on Zirgan: A Provider's Guide to Savings Programs

Zirgan (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15%) is an effective and well-tolerated first-line treatment for acute herpetic keratitis, but at $571–$650 per tube without insurance, cost can be a significant barrier to patient access. As the prescribing provider, you are often the best positioned person to connect patients with savings resources before they leave your office — and to reduce the callbacks, delays, and treatment gaps that result when patients can't afford their medication.

This guide covers every available cost-reduction tool for Zirgan in 2026, with actionable recommendations for implementing them in your practice.

Understanding Zirgan's Cost Landscape

Zirgan's high retail price reflects its brand-only status (no generic available), its orphan drug history, and the specialty distribution channels through which it moves. Key cost reference points:

Average retail price: $571–$650 per 5g tube

With commercial insurance: Typically Tier 3–4; prior authorization sometimes required

With Bausch + Lomb Access Program (insured): As low as $25 per fill

With Bausch + Lomb Access Program (uninsured/not covered): As little as $70 per fill

With GoodRx coupon: Approximately $35 at some pharmacies (highly variable by location)

Program 1: Bausch + Lomb Access Program

The Bausch + Lomb Access Program is the primary manufacturer savings program and should be your first resource for most patients. Program details:

Eligible commercially insured patients: no more than $25 per fill

Eligible uninsured/not covered patients: as little as $70 per fill

Allows up to 6 fills per product per 12-month period

NOT available for patients with government insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare)

Activation: Patients can download or activate a card at bauschaccessprogram.com, by calling 1-866-693-4880, or by texting BLSAVINGS to 24109. For in-office activation: stock printed copay cards from your Bausch + Lomb representative and have patients activate on the spot using their smartphone or the phone number on the card.

Implementing the Program in Your Practice: A Workflow

Keep a supply of Bausch + Lomb copay cards at the front desk or check-out area

At the time Zirgan is prescribed, give the patient a copay card and walk them through activation

Ensure your MA or front desk staff can answer basic questions about the program

For Medicare or Medicaid patients, skip to the PAP section below

Program 2: Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

For patients without any prescription drug coverage who cannot afford Zirgan even with the Access Program, the Bausch + Lomb Patient Assistance Program provides the medication at no cost. Eligibility criteria typically include:

US resident with a valid prescription

No prescription drug insurance coverage

Income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (guidelines vary)

Your staff can initiate PAP applications by contacting Bausch + Lomb at 1-800-553-5340. Third-party enrollment services like NeedyMeds or Rx Outreach can also assist patients with application paperwork.

Program 3: Prescription Discount Cards (GoodRx, SingleCare, WellRx)

Prescription discount cards can offer significant savings for patients who don't qualify for or prefer not to use the manufacturer program. Key points for providers to know:

GoodRx reports as low as approximately $35 per tube at some locations (varies by pharmacy)

SingleCare reports approximately $468 per tube — still a significant discount from retail

Discount cards cannot be used with insurance — patients use one or the other

GoodRx coupons may also reduce the Bausch + Lomb copay card benefit — advise patients to compare both options

When Cost Cannot Be Resolved: Therapeutic Alternatives

For patients who remain unable to afford Zirgan after exhausting all savings options, clinically comparable alternatives exist:

Generic trifluridine 1% ophthalmic solution: FDA-approved for herpetic keratitis, widely available, $30–$80 per bottle. Higher dosing frequency and ocular toxicity potential, but clinically comparable efficacy in randomized trials.

Generic oral acyclovir (400 mg): As low as $10–$30 for a full course. Appropriate for epithelial keratitis and widely supported by clinical evidence. Can be combined with antiviral prophylaxis for patients with frequent recurrences.

Generic oral valacyclovir (500 mg): Convenient three-times-daily dosing, widely available, low cost.

Using medfinder to Help Patients Find Zirgan

Cost isn't the only barrier — availability is equally challenging for Zirgan. Even patients who can afford it may spend hours calling pharmacies. Recommend medfinder.com/providers to your team — medfinder calls local pharmacies to find which ones have Zirgan in stock, then texts results to the patient. For a comprehensive clinical overview, see: Zirgan Shortage: What Providers Need to Know in 2026.