Why Is Eliquis So Expensive?
Eliquis is a prescription medicine used to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke. It belongs to a group of drugs called anticoagulants or blood thinners. Doctors often prescribe Eliquis to people who have atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism (PE). These conditions can lead to dangerous clots that may cause serious health problems, including strokes or even death.
It helps by blocking a certain clotting protein in the blood called Factor Xa, making it harder for clots to form. Since Eliquis is very effective and easy to use, it has become a common medicine for many people at risk for clot-related problems. Unlike older blood thinners such as warfarin, itt does not require frequent blood tests or major changes in diet.
Although Eliquis has many benefits, one primary concern for patients is its cost. Some people are surprised when they learn how expensive it can be, especially if they do not have insurance or a discount plan. The high price may cause people to skip doses or avoid taking the medicine altogether, which puts their health at serious risk.
Understanding why Eliquis is expensive and what options are available can help people make better choices for their treatment. It is also helpful to know when this medicine might become more affordable.
Understanding the High Cost of Eliquis
The cost of Eliquis is high for several reasons. First, Eliquis is still protected by patents. A patent is a legal right that gives the company that makes the drug the exclusive right to sell it for a certain number of years. During this time, no other company can make or sell a generic version of Eliquis in the United States. Without generics, there is no price competition, which keeps the price high.
Another reason for the high cost is the research and development involved in making the drug. Companies spend many years and a lot of money to create new medicines. These costs include lab research, clinical trials, and safety studies. Once a drug is approved, the company tries to recover those costs and make a profit, which adds to the price patients pay.
Marketing and advertising also play a role. Drug companies spend money to promote their products to doctors and patients. These expenses are part of the overall cost of the medicine. Also, the healthcare system in the United States does not have a set price for prescription drugs, so prices can vary and often remain high.
Why Is Eliquis So Expensive?
One major factor is patent protection. The company that developed Eliquis holds patents that prevent generic competitors from entering the market until at least 2026. This legal exclusivity allows them to maintain control over pricing, keeping the cost high without competition to drive it down. As long as the patent is in place, patients are left with no lower-cost alternatives.
Marketing and distribution expenses also contribute to the price. To ensure that it reaches a wide market and is adopted by healthcare providers, companies invest heavily in advertising and sales strategies. These costs, too, are factored into the retail price of the medication.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get Eliquis?
One of the most affordable ways to get Eliquis is by purchasing it through Canadian sources, where prices are significantly lower than in the United States. In Canada, prescription medications are regulated by the government, which helps keep costs down. This allows patients to access the same high-quality medications at a fraction of the price they would pay in the U.S., where a 30-day supply can cost upwards of $500 without insurance.
You can buy Eliquis from Canada through 365 Script Care, a trusted prescription referral service that offers a more affordable alternative for patients struggling with high medication costs. With 365 Script Care, you can receive a 60- to 90-day supply of Eliquis at a significantly reduced price. The process is simple, secure, and ensures you get authentic medications from reliable sources, helping you stay consistent with your treatment without breaking the bank. Check out our guide on 8 mistakes to avoid when buying supplements online to ensure you’re buying safely.
If you are looking for even greater savings, you may be eligible for additional discounts. For more discounts, you can get an Eliquis coupon by contacting our team. These savings can make a meaningful difference, especially for patients who require long-term anticoagulant therapy and need to manage their health on a fixed budget.
How Much Does Eliquis Cost Monthly?
The Eliquis price without insurance can be very high in the United States, but affordable options are available through services like 365 Script Care. Eliquis (both 2.5 mg and 5 mg) is available at $159.00 for 60 tablets, which covers one month of treatment for most users. This offers considerable savings for patients who pay out of pocket.
If you’re looking for an even more affordable alternative, the generic version of Eliquis—Apixaban—is also available through 365 Script Care. A 30-day supply (5 mg, 60 tablets) costs just $77.19, while a 90-day supply (180 tablets) is $214.41, providing additional savings for long-term users.
Is There a Cheaper Alternative to Eliquis?
Yes, there are several cheaper alternatives to Eliquis (Apixaban), though each has different benefits, side effects, and monitoring requirements.
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) alternatives similar to Eliquis include:
- Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)
- Pradaxa (Dabigatran)
- Savaysa (Edoxaban)
These drugs work similarly by preventing blood clots but differ in dosing and side effect profiles. They are often priced similarly to Eliquis but may have coupons or insurance coverage that affects cost.
Warfarin is the most cost-effective alternative. However, it requires frequent blood testing and dose adjustments due to its narrow therapeutic window and interactions with food and other drugs.
Heparin and other injectable anticoagulants like Lovenox (enoxaparin) are alternatives but are generally used in hospital settings or short-term treatment rather than long-term stroke prevention.
Why Do Doctors Prefer Eliquis?
Doctors often prefer prescribing Eliquis (Apixaban) over other blood thinners due to its strong balance of effectiveness, safety, and convenience. As a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), it is used to prevent and treat blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem. Compared to older anticoagulants like warfarin, Eliquis offers several important advantages that make it a top choice among healthcare providers.
One of the main reasons doctors favor Eliquis is its lower risk of major bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding. Clinical studies have shown that Eliquis has a better safety profile compared to many other blood thinners, reducing the chance of serious, life-threatening bleeding complications. This gives doctors greater confidence when prescribing it to elderly patients or those with other health conditions.
Another benefit is that Eliquis does not require routine blood monitoring. Unlike warfarin, which needs frequent INR testing and dose adjustments, it has predictable effects and a fixed dosing schedule. This makes it easier for patients to manage their medication and reduces the burden on both patients and providers.
Eliquis also has fewer food and drug interactions, which helps patients maintain a stable level of anticoagulation. Warfarin users, for instance, must avoid certain foods high in vitamin K and be cautious about combining the drug with other medications. It minimizes these concerns, offering more dietary flexibility and a lower risk of complications from other prescriptions. Since many patients who take Eliquis also manage high blood pressure, it’s helpful to understand how to choose the right hypertension medication to complement your treatment plan.
Final Thoughts
It is a highly effective blood thinner that provides stroke and clot prevention without the need for constant monitoring or dietary restrictions. However, its price remains a serious concern for many patients, especially those without insurance. Patent protection, high research and development costs, and the absence of generic competition in the U.S. all contribute to the medication’s elevated price. Managing conditions like atrial fibrillation or DVT often benefits from a comprehensive approach to health. Combining weight loss medication with an active lifestyle can improve outcomes and reduce cardiovascular risk alongside Eliquis use.
Fortunately, affordable solutions are available. Patients can reduce their costs significantly by ordering through our website, where both brand-name Eliquis and its generic alternative, Apixaban, are available at a much lower price. These options can help individuals maintain consistent access to the medication they need—without sacrificing quality or safety.
By understanding why Eliquis is so expensive and exploring safe, budget-friendly alternatives, patients can make informed decisions that support both their health and financial well-being.