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Ganciclovir Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Ganciclovir Valcyte (valganciclovir) Valacyclovir
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Ganciclovir Valcyte (valganciclovir) Valacyclovir
Prescription only

Prescribed for CMV Infection, CMV Prophylaxis, CMV Retinitis. Ganciclovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Prescribed for CMV Prophylaxis, CMV Retinitis. Valcyte may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Valacyclovir is an antiviral prodrug that is rapidly converted into acyclovir in the body. It should be started at the first sign of genital herpes or cold sore symptoms but is not a cure for these... View more

More about Ganciclovir More about Valcyte (valganciclovir) More about Valacyclovir
Ratings & Reviews

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Valcyte has an average rating of 5.0 out of 10 from a total of 2 ratings on Drugs.com. 50% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 50% reported a negative effect.

Valacyclovir has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 from a total of 495 ratings on Drugs.com. 81% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 12% reported a negative effect.

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View all 2 reviews

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Side Effects Experienced by Users * Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified.

View all Ganciclovir side effects

View all Valcyte side effects

View all Valacyclovir side effects
Drug Class
Generic Availability

Lower cost generic

Lower cost generic approved

Lower cost generic
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 10 powder for injection
Strength 500 mg
Per Unit* $29.80
Cost* $297.99

View all Ganciclovir prices

Quantity 88 mL
Strength 50 mg/mL
Per Unit* $12.80
Cost* $1,126.50

View all Valcyte prices

Quantity 30 each
Strength 500 mg
Per Unit* $2.29
Cost* $68.73

View all Valacyclovir prices

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Dosage Forms Available
  • Intravenous powder for injection
  • Intravenous solution
  • Oral powder for reconstitution
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet
Brand Names
Cytovene

N/A

 Valtrex
Half Life The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

5.8 hours

4.08 hours

3.1 hours
CSA Schedule ** View glossary of terms
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 253 drugs are known to interact with Ganciclovir:

  • 16 major drug interactions (59 brand and generic names)
  • 234 moderate drug interactions (574 brand and generic names)
  • 3 minor drug interactions (9 brand and generic names)

A total of 250 drugs are known to interact with Valcyte:

  • 15 major drug interactions (58 brand and generic names)
  • 232 moderate drug interactions (568 brand and generic names)
  • 3 minor drug interactions (9 brand and generic names)

A total of 67 drugs are known to interact with Valacyclovir:

  • 23 major drug interactions (109 brand and generic names)
  • 38 moderate drug interactions (126 brand and generic names)
  • 6 minor drug interactions (18 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Food can enhance the levels of ganciclovir in your body. To ensure maximal oral absorption... View more
  • Food can enhance the levels of valGANciclovir in your body. To ensure maximal oral absorption... View more

No known alcohol/food interactions. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

February 17, 2017

March 29, 2001

June 23, 1995
WADA Class View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A
More Information
Patient resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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