Table of Contents

I. What is Apixaban?

II. Apixaban: The Generic Version of Eliquis

III. Side Effects of Generic Eliquis

IV. How Does Medicare Part D Cover Eliquis in 2026?

V. Where to Fill Your Prescription

VI. FAQ: How Can U.S. Patients Get Generic Eliquis Before It Launches in U.S. Pharmacies?

What is Apixaban?

Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription anticoagulant, or blood thinner, used to prevent and treat certain types of blood clots. In adults, Eliquis is approved to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE, and prevent DVT following hip or knee replacement surgery. [1] Unlike some other anticoagulants, Eliquis does not require routine monitoring with international normalized ratio (INR) testing or other coagulation tests. [2]

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Apixaban is the active ingredient in Eliquis and belongs to a class of medications called factor Xa inhibitors. Factor Xa plays an important role in the blood-clotting process. By inhibiting factor Xa, apixaban decreases the generation of thrombin and the development of blood clots. [1]

Apixaban: The Generic Version of Eliquis

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first generic versions of Eliquis in 2019. [3] However, active patents or exclusivity rights can delay when an FDA-approved generic can be sold. According to Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer, the earliest generic manufacturers are permitted to launch apixaban products in the United States is April 1, 2028, although this timing could change because of additional appeals or legal challenges. [4] Until then, U.S. patients with a valid prescription can order generic apixaban through Canadian pharmacies such as RxConnected.

To learn more about Eliquis pricing and patents, read our guide on why Eliquis is so expensive.

The generic version of Eliquis contains the same active ingredient, apixaban, as the brand-name medication. In general, FDA-approved generic drugs are required to provide the same clinical benefit and risks as their brand-name counterparts and must be bioequivalent to the original drug. [5]

Side Effects of Generic Eliquis

FDA-approved generic medications are required to provide the same clinical benefits and risks as their brand-name counterparts. [5] Generic apixaban carries the same types of safety considerations as brand-name Eliquis. 

The most common adverse reactions reported in adults taking Eliquis are related to bleeding. Eliquis can cause serious and potentially fatal bleeding, and people taking it may bruise more easily or take longer than usual to stop bleeding. [1]

Signs and symptoms of bleeding that require medical attention may include:

• Unexpected bleeding or bruising
• Bleeding that lasts a long time or cannot be controlled
• Frequent nosebleeds or unusual bleeding from the gums
• Menstrual or vaginal bleeding that is heavier than normal
• Red, pink, or brown urine
• Red or black stools
• Coughing up blood or blood clots
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Unexplained pain, swelling, dizziness, or weakness [1]

Patients should not stop taking apixaban without first speaking with their healthcare provider. Prematurely discontinuing Eliquis without adequate alternative anticoagulation can increase the risk of blood clots. [1]

Apixaban also requires special consideration before spinal or epidural procedures. Patients taking Eliquis who receive spinal or epidural anesthesia or undergo a spinal puncture can develop an epidural or spinal hematoma, which may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Patients should tell their healthcare provider that they take apixaban before undergoing these procedures. [1]

Certain medications can interact with apixaban or increase the risk of bleeding. These include:

• Aspirin and other aspirin-containing medications
• Other blood clot medications
• Warfarin sodium
• Clopidogrel 
• Heparin
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [1]

Patients should tell their doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and supplements they take before starting apixaban.

How Does Medicare Part D Cover Eliquis in 2026?

Medicare Part D underwent major changes beginning in 2025. The previous coverage gap, often called the “donut hole,” was eliminated on January 1, 2025. [6] Now, Medicare Part D has an annual out-of-pocket limit of $2,100 for covered prescription drugs. Once a beneficiary reaches this limit, they enter the catastrophic coverage phase and pay no cost sharing for covered Part D medications for the rest of the year. [7]

Eliquis is also one of the medications included in the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. Beginning January 1, 2026, the negotiated price for a 30-day supply of Eliquis is $231. This is a 56% reduction from the 2023 list price of $521. [8]

People with Medicare prescription drug coverage can also choose the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. This voluntary option allows beneficiaries to spread their out-of-pocket costs for covered medications across the calendar year instead of paying the full amount at the pharmacy. The program can make prescription expenses easier to manage from month to month, but it does not reduce the total cost of the medication. [9]

Where to Fill Your Prescription

Eliquis and generic apixaban may not be appropriate for everyone. Your doctor can determine whether apixaban or another anticoagulant is suitable for your condition and individual risk factors. If apixaban is prescribed, RxConnected offers both brand-name Eliquis and generic apixaban for patients with a valid prescription.

Generic apixaban contains the same active ingredient as Eliquis and is used to help prevent or treat certain types of blood clots. Patients should take apixaban exactly as prescribed and should not stop treatment without first speaking with their healthcare provider. If you have questions about whether Eliquis or generic apixaban is right for you, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.

FAQ: How Can U.S. Patients Get Generic Eliquis Before It Launches in U.S. Pharmacies?

U.S. patients with a valid prescription can order generic Eliquis, called apixaban, through reputable Canadian pharmacies such as RxConnected. Although the FDA approved the first generic versions of Eliquis in 2019, patent and exclusivity issues have delayed when generic apixaban can launch in the United States. The earliest permitted U.S. launch date is currently April 1, 2028, although that timing could still change.

Generic apixaban contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Eliquis and is used to help prevent or treat certain types of blood clots. However, it should be taken with the same care as Eliquis because it can increase bleeding risk, interact with other medications, and should not be stopped without medical guidance.

To order generic Eliquis safely:

1. Confirm with your doctor that apixaban is appropriate for your condition.
2. Get a valid prescription before placing an order.
3. Choose a reputable Canadian pharmacy that requires prescription verification.
4. Share your full medication and supplement list with your doctor and pharmacist.
5. Watch for bleeding symptoms, including unusual bruising, red or black stools, red or brown urine, coughing up blood, vomiting blood, dizziness, or weakness.
6. Take apixaban exactly as prescribed.
7. Continue treatment unless your healthcare provider tells you to stop.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.