Table of Contents

I. One Reason Is That There Is Still No Generic Version of Eliquis in the U.S.

a. Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer Have Defended Their Eliquis Patents.

b. What's More, Brand-Name Drug Prices Are Higher in the U.S.

II. You May Find a Cheaper Alternative to Eliquis, However.

III. But You Can Still Get Eliquis With Assistance.

a. In Certain Cases, You May Be Able to Get Eliquis for Free.

b. If You're Not Eligible for That, Medicare Can Still Cover Eliquis for You.

c. If Neither Assistance nor Medicare Really Help, We're Here for You.

IV. In Short, Eliquis Doesn't Have to Be Expensive.

V. FAQs

If you take Eliquis (apixaban), maintaining a consistent supply is important. Eliquis is an anticoagulant used to prevent or treat certain types of blood clots and to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. [1]

For many patients, however, the cost of brand-name Eliquis can still be a concern. The price can vary depending on insurance coverage, Medicare benefits, pharmacy, and whether a patient qualifies for financial assistance.

So, why is Eliquis still expensive, and what options are available to help lower the cost?

Let’s take a closer look.

One Reason Is That There Is Still No Generic Version of Eliquis in the U.S.

Generic versions of Eliquis have been approved by the FDA, but they are not yet commercially available in U.S. pharmacies. FDA approval does not always mean a generic drug can immediately enter the market because patents and other legal protections may delay its launch. [2]

Generic apixaban is available outside the United States, and RxConnected offers internationally sourced generic apixaban to U.S. patients with a valid prescription. In the U.S., however, the earliest date that generic manufacturers are currently permitted to launch their apixaban products is April 1, 2028. This timing could still change depending on additional appeals or legal developments. [3]

Without generic competition in U.S. pharmacies, patients who want Eliquis generally have to rely on the brand-name medication unless they obtain generic apixaban from a Canadian pharmacy like RxConnected.

Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer Have Defended Their Eliquis Patents.

Eliquis remains an important product for Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer. Bristol Myers Squibb reported approximately $14.4 billion in worldwide Eliquis revenue in 2025, making it one of the company’s highest-revenue products. [4]

The companies have also defended the patents covering Eliquis against challenges from generic manufacturers. After generic manufacturers sought FDA approval for competing apixaban products, Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer filed patent infringement lawsuits. A federal court upheld the patents, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed that decision in 2021. [3]

These patent protections have delayed when FDA-approved generic apixaban products can be sold in U.S. pharmacies, limiting lower-cost generic competition for the time being.

What’s More, Brand-Name Drug Prices Are Higher in the U.S.

The cost of Eliquis is also part of a broader issue with brand-name prescription drug prices in the United States. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services analysis found that U.S. prescription drug prices in 2022 were about 2.78 times those in comparison countries. After estimated rebates were considered, U.S. prices for brand-name drugs were still at least 3.22 times higher. [5]

Some changes have been introduced to reduce costs for Medicare beneficiaries. Eliquis was selected for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, and CMS established a Maximum Fair Price of $231 for a 30-day equivalent supply beginning January 1, 2026. CMS compared this with a 2023 list price of $521. [6]

You May Find a Cheaper Alternative to Eliquis, However.

If the cost of Eliquis is a concern, your doctor may discuss other anticoagulants such as warfarin, also known by the brand name Coumadin. Warfarin is generally less expensive than newer blood thinners such as Eliquis, but it requires regular blood testing to make sure the dose remains within the appropriate range. [7]

Warfarin can also be affected by diet and other medications. Patients taking warfarin need to pay attention to their vitamin K intake because changes in vitamin K levels can affect how well the medication works. Because each anticoagulant has different advantages and disadvantages, the best option depends on the individual patient’s needs and preferences. [7]

Another lower-cost option may be generic apixaban. Although it is not yet commercially available in U.S. pharmacies, RxConnected offers internationally sourced generic apixaban to patients with a valid prescription. Current RxConnected pricing shows generic apixaban at a lower per-tablet cost than brand-name Eliquis.

Both Eliquis and warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding, so you should not switch medications or change your treatment without first speaking with your doctor. 

But You Can Still Get Eliquis With Assistance.

Rather stick with Eliquis? Then, there are still options for you. Let’s consider a few.

In Certain Cases, You May Be Able to Get Eliquis for Free.

Patients who are having difficulty affording Eliquis may qualify for assistance through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation. The program provides certain Bristol Myers Squibb medications, including Eliquis, free of charge to eligible patients who meet its requirements. [8]

Eligibility depends on factors such as insurance status, household income, and other program requirements, so assistance is not guaranteed. Medicare patients may also need to provide documentation of their out-of-pocket prescription expenses when applying. [8]

If You’re Not Eligible for That, Medicare Can Still Cover Eliquis for You.

If you have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage, your plan may cover Eliquis. What you pay will depend on your specific plan, pharmacy, deductible, and coverage details.

Medicare Part D changed significantly beginning in 2025. The coverage gap, commonly called the donut hole, was eliminated, and currently the annual out-of-pocket limit for covered Part D drugs is $2,100. Once you reach that limit, you enter the catastrophic coverage phase and pay no cost sharing for covered Part D medications for the rest of the year. [9]

Medicare beneficiaries can also choose the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan, which allows out-of-pocket prescription costs to be spread across the calendar year. This can make monthly expenses easier to manage, but it does not reduce the total amount you owe. [10]

For a more detailed breakdown of Eliquis costs with and without insurance, Medicare coverage, and other ways to save, read our complete Eliquis pricing guide. 

If Neither Assistance nor Medicare Really Help, We’re Here for You.

If patient assistance programs or Medicare still leave you with high out-of-pocket costs, RxConnected may offer another way to access Eliquis at a lower price. Patients with a valid prescription can compare current options for brand-name Eliquis and generic apixaban through RxConnected.

Pricing can vary depending on the strength, quantity, and product source, so it is best to check the current RxConnected price before ordering. This gives you a clearer idea of your potential cost instead of relying on a general savings percentage.

In Short, Eliquis Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive.

There are ways around the current expense of Eliquis! You just need to be aware of them. So take a look around for PAPs near you or Medicare assistance. Or to make your time even easier, just let us help you order Eliquis for some of the lowest prices possible!

FAQs

What is Eliquis and what is it used for?

Eliquis is a blood thinner that’s commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. [1] 

Why is generic Eliquis not available in the U.S.?

The FDA has approved generic versions of Eliquis, but they are not yet commercially available in U.S. pharmacies. Patent protections and related legal agreements have delayed when generic manufacturers can launch apixaban products in the United States. The earliest permitted U.S. launch date is currently April 1, 2028, although this timing could change depending on additional legal developments. [3]

How much can a Canadian online pharmacy help me save on Eliquis?

A Canadian online pharmacy like RxConnected can help you save substantially per year on Eliquis. Ordering Eliquis from Canada helps you save because getting your medication from across the border means you get access to its generic counterpart, apixaban. Generic apixaban is cheaper than brand-name Eliquis, yet both versions are therapeutically identical. 

How much more affordable is generic Eliquis?

Generic apixaban can cost less than brand-name Eliquis through RxConnected. For example, current pricing for the 5 mg strength shows 56 tablets of generic apixaban for $84, compared with $107 for 56 tablets of brand-name Eliquis. For a larger quantity, 168 generic tablets cost $182, compared with $234 for 168 brand-name tablets.

That works out to about $1.08 per tablet for the 168-tablet supply of generic apixaban, compared with about $1.39 per tablet for brand-name Eliquis. Choosing the generic option would save about $52 on the 168-tablet order at these current prices.

What will generic Eliquis cost monthly?

If you have been prescribed apixaban 5 mg twice daily, 56 tablets provide a 28-day supply and currently cost $84 through RxConnected. A larger 168-tablet supply costs $182 and provides 84 days of treatment, which works out to about $65 per 30 days.

Ordering a larger quantity may therefore reduce the average monthly cost. Prices can change, so patients should check the current RxConnected price when ordering.

Does Eliquis offer a patient assistance program?

Yes, the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMSPAF) is a patient assistance program created by the manufacturers of Eliquis. This program offers financial assistance to eligible individuals. [8] 

Is it safe to take Eliquis while pregnant?

Eliquis is not recommended during pregnancy. Available data on its use in pregnant women are limited, and treatment with Eliquis may increase the risk of bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should talk with their healthcare provider about their anticoagulation options. [1]

What if I miss a dose of Eliquis?

If you miss a dose of Eliquis, take it as soon as possible on the same day and then resume your regular twice-daily dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. [1]

DISCLAIMER: 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.