See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Apixaban
The price of apixaban, commonly known by the brand name Eliquis, can vary significantly without insurance. Factors influencing the cost include the pharmacy, the dosage, and the quantity of medication. Without insurance, a 30-day supply of apixaban 5 mg tablets, for example, can range from approximately $300 to over $500 [1]. Prices can be lower at some online pharmacies or through discount programs.
How can I get a lower price for apixaban?
Individuals seeking a lower price for apixaban without insurance have several options. Comparing prices across different pharmacies is a primary step. Many retail pharmacies offer varying prices, and checking with multiple locations can yield savings. Additionally, online pharmacies often provide competitive pricing. Patient assistance programs offered by the manufacturer or through charitable organizations can also help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for eligible individuals [2]. Discount cards and coupons, available from various healthcare websites and pharmacy chains, may also offer immediate savings at the point of sale.
What is the difference between Eliquis and generic apixaban?
Eliquis is the brand-name version of the anticoagulant medication apixaban. Generic apixaban contains the same active ingredient and is prescribed for the same uses and at the same dosage as the brand-name drug. The primary difference lies in the manufacturer and, consequently, the price. Generic versions are typically less expensive than their brand-name counterparts. Once a brand-name drug's patents expire, other companies can produce and sell generic versions, increasing market competition and potentially lowering costs for consumers [3].
When does the patent for Eliquis expire?
The patent landscape for Eliquis is complex, with various patents covering different aspects of the drug, including its composition and methods of use. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, key patents related to apixaban have expiration dates that extend into the mid-2030s [4]. However, the exact date when generic versions can legally enter the market can be influenced by patent challenges, litigation, and regulatory approvals.
Who makes generic apixaban?
Following the expiration of key patents and the successful navigation of legal and regulatory hurdles, multiple pharmaceutical companies can manufacture and market generic versions of apixaban. These companies include those specializing in generic drug production. The availability of generic apixaban depends on each company obtaining necessary approvals from regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What are the risks of not taking apixaban if prescribed?
Apixaban is a direct oral anticoagulant prescribed to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke in conditions such as atrial fibrillation or after certain types of surgery for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Not taking apixaban when prescribed for these conditions can significantly increase the risk of serious health complications. These include stroke, pulmonary embolism (a blockage in the lung arteries), and deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs), which can be life-threatening [2][5].
How does apixaban work?
Apixaban functions by inhibiting Factor Xa, a crucial enzyme in the blood clotting cascade. By blocking Factor Xa, apixaban reduces the formation of thrombin, a key protein needed to form blood clots. This action helps to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger, thereby reducing the risk of stroke and other thromboembolic events [5].
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Sources:
[1] https://www.goodrx.com/eliquis
[2] https://www.eliquis.com/savings-and-support
[3] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs
[4] https://drugpatentwatch.com/
[5] https://www.eliquis.com/about-eliquis/how-eliquis-works