FDA pharmacologic class
Nucleoside Analog Antiviral
4 medicines are in FDA's class of nucleoside analog antivirals: valganciclovir (Valcyte), ribavirin, ganciclovir (Zirgan) and trifluridine; 1 combination product also contains one. 4 of the 5 are listed from generic labelers (FDA NDC Directory, October 8, 2026). The lowest pharmacy cost is ribavirin 200 mg tablet at $0.451 per tablet (NADAC).
Which medicines are nucleoside analog antiviral?
| Medicine | Brand names | Generic labelers (all forms) | Pharmacy cost | Boxed warning | Shortage | Recalls since 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valganciclovir | Valcyte | 19 labelers | $1.91 per tablet 450 mg tablet | Yes | No current entry | 2 |
| Ribavirin | none listed | 1 labeler | $0.451 per tablet 200 mg tablet | Yes | No current entry | 0 |
| Ganciclovir | Zirgan | 6 labelers | $91.24 per gram 0.15% ophthalmic gel | Yes | No current entry | 2 |
| Tipiracil and trifluridine | Lonsurf | none listed | n/a | No | No current entry | 0 |
| Trifluridine | none listed | 1 labeler | $23.02 per mL 1% eye drops | No | No current entry | 0 |
Source: FDA Established Pharmacologic Class (NDC Directory, openFDA); CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026; FDA shortages and recalls (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay?
Each medicine's most widely listed form, per unit, in the NADAC survey: what pharmacies paid, not what a patient pays; strengths differ, so compare like with like.
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price