Vistide

Indicated For

CMV retinitis, HIV

About This Medication

# Vistide (Cidofovir) Patient Assistance: Important Information ## Program Status Vistide (cidofovir) is no longer actively available through a current manufacturer patient assistance program from Gilead Sciences. The drug has been discontinued, and no active prescription assistance program is currently identified for this medication. ## About Vistide (Cidofovir) Vistide is an antiviral medication used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, a serious eye infection that can cause blindness in people with AIDS. It works by stopping the growth of the virus and is typically administered intravenously by healthcare providers. ## Historical Program Information Historically, Gilead Sciences offered patient assistance for Vistide through their "Gilead Advancing Access" program. This program provided support to patients who met specific eligibility criteria, including those without prescription drug coverage and those meeting income guidelines. The program featured same-day access capabilities, allowing patients to receive their initial 30-day supply on the day they visited their healthcare provider with a prescription. ## What This Means for Patients If you need cidofovir or similar antiviral medications: **Explore Alternative Options:** - Contact your healthcare provider about alternative CMV retinitis treatments that may have active patient assistance programs - Ask about generic versions or other antiviral medications - Inquire about clinical trials that may provide free medication - Contact your state's pharmaceutical assistance program, as many states offer prescription cost-reduction programs for residents - Investigate Medicare Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) if you qualify - Look into the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which allows you to spread medication costs throughout the year **For Uninsured or Low-Income Patients:** - Visit Partnership for Prescription Assistance (helpingpatients.org) to search for active programs for alternative medications - Contact your local health department for information about HIV/AIDS treatment resources - Reach out to AIDS service organizations in your area for financial assistance and medication access programs - Ask your healthcare provider about manufacturer programs for alternative antiviral medications **For Medicare Beneficiaries:** - Review your Part D plan options during the annual enrollment period - Apply for Medicare Extra Help if your income and assets fall below program limits - Use the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan to spread costs over the year - Check if your state offers additional pharmaceutical assistance programs ## Income Eligibility Historical Gilead Advancing Access programs typically required patients to have no prescription drug coverage and meet specific income guidelines, though exact thresholds are not currently available. Current eligibility requirements cannot be confirmed as the program is no longer active. ## Insurance Requirements Historically, the program was designed for patients without prescription drug coverage. However, with the program discontinued, current insurance requirements cannot be specified. ## Application Process Because Vistide's patient assistance program is no longer active, the traditional application process is not available. Instead: 1. **Contact your healthcare provider** to discuss alternative treatment options with active patient assistance programs 2. **Call Gilead Sciences** at 1-800-445-3235 (1-800-GILEAD-5) to inquire about any remaining resources or alternative medications 3. **Visit Partnership for Prescription Assistance** at helpingpatients.org to search for active programs for alternative medications 4. **Apply for Medicare Extra Help** if eligible, by contacting Social Security or visiting Medicare.gov 5. **Contact your state pharmaceutical assistance program** using Medicare's search tool ## Timeline and Delivery Historically, Gilead's program offered same-day access through a voucher system, with initial 30-day supplies available at local pharmacies and refills sent directly to the prescriber's office. This timeline is no longer applicable as the program is discontinued. ## What to Do If You're Denied or Cannot Access This Program Since the program is no longer active, consider these alternatives: - **Ask your doctor about clinical trials** for CMV retinitis treatments - **Explore other manufacturer assistance programs** for alternative antivirals - **Contact AIDS service organizations** for emergency medication assistance - **Apply for Medicaid** if you qualify based on income and disability status - **Use community health centers** that may offer sliding-scale fees - **Contact the CDC** for information about expanded access programs or treatment protocols ## Important Disclaimer This guide is based on historical information about Vistide's patient assistance program. The program is no longer active, and Vistide has been discontinued. Medication availability, eligibility requirements, and assistance programs change frequently. Always verify current information directly with: - Your healthcare provider - Gilead Sciences at 1-800-445-3235 - Partnership for Prescription Assistance at helpingpatients.org - Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE - Your state health department This information is not a substitute for professional medical or financial advice. Consult with your healthcare provider and a patient advocate for personalized guidance on accessing HIV/AIDS medications and treatment.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026