Comprehensive medication guide to Trifluridine including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
With insurance or Medicare Part D, Trifluridine copays generally range from $10 to $75 depending on your plan's formulary tier.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Trifluridine 1% ophthalmic solution typically costs $300 to $400 per 7.5 mL bottle without insurance, though discount coupons can bring it down to around $201.
Medfinder Findability Score
45/100
Summarize with AI
On this page
Trifluridine is an antiviral ophthalmic solution used to treat eye infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2. It is specifically approved for primary keratoconjunctivitis and recurrent epithelial keratitis. Trifluridine is applied as eye drops directly to the affected eye and is available as a generic medication. The brand-name version was sold as Viroptic.
Trifluridine is a fluorinated pyrimidine nucleoside analogue — a modified form of deoxyuridine. When herpes simplex virus replicates in the eye, Trifluridine gets incorporated into the viral DNA. The trifluoromethyl group blocks normal base pairing, which interferes with viral DNA synthesis and halts the replication process, allowing the eye to heal.
![Why Is Trifluridine So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fvur4atr4%2Fproduction%2Fd9fe8d9dd9628a13a76eb1a92260a2f88115c635-1024x1024.png%3Frect%3D0%2C256%2C1024%2C512%26w%3D400%26h%3D200%26auto%3Dformat&w=828&q=75)
![How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Trifluridine Near You [2026 Guide]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fvur4atr4%2Fproduction%2F5680138d3b2d196c7558065fe195978487047c62-1024x1024.png%3Frect%3D0%2C256%2C1024%2C512%26w%3D400%26h%3D200%26auto%3Dformat&w=828&q=75)
We have a 99% success rate finding medications, even during nationwide shortages.
Need this medication?
Trifluridine 1% ophthalmic solution — ophthalmic
7.5 mL bottle
Trifluridine has a findability score of 45 out of 100, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate. Only a limited number of manufacturers produce the ophthalmic formulation, making it vulnerable to periodic supply disruptions. Patients may need to call multiple pharmacies or use Medfinder to locate a pharmacy with Trifluridine in stock.
Trifluridine is most commonly prescribed by ophthalmologists and optometrists who diagnose and treat herpetic eye infections. Emergency medicine physicians may also prescribe it when patients present with acute herpes simplex keratitis. Telehealth prescribing is generally not available for this medication since an in-person eye examination is typically required.
No, Trifluridine is not a controlled substance. It does not have a DEA schedule and is not subject to the prescribing restrictions that apply to controlled medications. A standard prescription from a licensed prescriber is all that is needed.
Serious but rare side effects include hypersensitivity reactions, stromal edema, increased intraocular pressure, and dry eye. Treatment should not exceed 21 consecutive days.
Know what you need? Skip the search.
Ganciclovir Ophthalmic Gel 0.15% (Zirgan)
An FDA-approved antiviral gel for acute herpetic keratitis, often considered a first-line alternative.
Acyclovir Ophthalmic Ointment (Zovirax)
Another antiviral option for herpetic keratitis, though availability varies by region.
Idoxuridine
An older antiviral eye drop that is less commonly used today due to lower efficacy.
Vidarabine
An older antiviral ophthalmic ointment that has been largely discontinued.
Prefer Trifluridine? We can find it.
Trifluridine remains an important antiviral treatment for herpes simplex eye infections, but its limited manufacturing base means it can be difficult to find in stock. With a cash price of $201 to $400 per bottle, using discount coupons or insurance coverage can significantly reduce costs. If your pharmacy is out of stock, Medfinder can help you locate a nearby pharmacy that has Trifluridine available. Always store this medication refrigerated and follow your ophthalmologist's instructions carefully.
Medfinder Editorial Standards
Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
ChatGPT
Claude
Perplexity
Grok
Gemini