Why Is Eliquis So Expensive & How To Get It 80% Cheaper

If you’ve ever wondered why is Eliquis so expensive and how to cut the hefty cost, you’re definitely not alone. Many people are concerned about high medication prices, especially for essential drugs like Eliquis. This anticoagulant is crucial for preventing serious health conditions, but its price tag can be a real burden.

Understanding what drives these costs and exploring different ways to save can make this important medication more affordable. In this guide, we’ll break down why Eliquis is so pricey and share some practical tips to help you save money.

What is Eliquis?

Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription blood thinner that belongs to a class of medications known as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). It works by inhibiting a specific protein involved in blood clotting, thereby reducing the risk of clot formation.

Eliquis is approved for various uses, including:

• Treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
• Prevention of DVT and PE following hip or knee replacement surgery.

How Does Eliquis Work?

Blood clots form when a protein called fibrinogen is converted into fibrin strands, which trap blood cells to form a mesh that stops bleeding. Factor Xa is an enzyme critical in converting prothrombin into thrombin, which then converts fibrinogen into fibrin.

Eliquis works by directly inhibiting Factor Xa, reducing thrombin formation and, consequently, fibrin. This process helps prevent the formation of dangerous blood clots, reducing the risk of DVT, PE, and stroke in susceptible individuals.

So… Why is Eliquis so Expensive?

Several factors contribute to the high cost of Eliquis:

Patent Protection

Eliquis is protected by patents held by its manufacturers, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer. These patents grant them exclusive rights to produce and sell Eliquis, preventing generic versions from entering the market.

This exclusivity period allows the manufacturers to set higher prices without the pressure of generic competition. The high price during this period helps the companies recoup their investment in the drug’s development.

Research and Development Costs

Developing a new drug like Eliquis is a lengthy and expensive process. It involves:

• • Discovery and Preclinical Testing: Initial research to discover potential compounds and conduct laboratory and animal testing to evaluate their safety and efficacy.
  • Clinical Trials: Multiple phases of clinical trials (Phases I, II, and III) to test the drug’s safety, efficacy, and optimal dosage in humans. These trials are costly and time-consuming.
  • Regulatory Approval: Submitting comprehensive data to regulatory bodies like the FDA to gain approval for marketing the drug. This process includes detailed documentation and often requires additional studies.
  • Post-Marketing Surveillance: Continued monitoring of the drug’s safety and efficacy after it hits the market, including conducting additional studies if required by regulatory agencies.

These stages collectively involve significant financial investment, which the companies aim to recover through the pricing of the drug.

Limited Competition

While there are other direct oral anticoagulants available, such as Xarelto (rivaroxaban) and Pradaxa (dabigatran), Eliquis has distinguished itself due to its favorable efficacy and safety profile.

Clinical studies have shown that Eliquis is effective in preventing strokes and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and in treating and preventing DVT and PE. This strong clinical performance makes Eliquis a preferred choice among healthcare providers and patients, allowing its manufacturers to maintain a premium price.

Healthcare Payers

Insurance companies and healthcare providers often prioritize effective medications that can prevent serious and costly health complications. Eliquis is recognized for its effectiveness in reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolism, which can result in significant healthcare savings by preventing expensive emergency treatments and hospitalizations.

Consequently, insurers and healthcare providers are more willing to cover Eliquis despite its high cost, recognizing that its preventative benefits can lead to long-term savings.

Additional Factors:

Marketing and Distribution:

• Marketing Costs: Promoting a drug to healthcare providers, payers, and patients involves significant marketing expenditures, including advertising, sales force deployment, and educational campaigns.
• Distribution Costs: Ensuring the drug is widely available involves logistics, storage, and distribution expenses, all of which contribute to the overall cost.

How Much Does Eliquis Cost in the US?

The cost of Eliquis can vary significantly based on several factors, including dosage, quantity, and the pharmacy where it is purchased. Here’s a detailed look at these factors and the typical costs associated with Eliquis:

1. Dosage: Eliquis is available in different dosages, primarily 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets. The prescribed dosage depends on the patient’s medical condition and specific treatment needs. Higher dosages or more frequent dosing can increase the overall cost.
2. Quantity: The cost per pill can vary based on the quantity purchased. Larger quantities often come at a reduced cost per pill. For instance, buying a 90-day supply typically lowers the cost per tablet compared to a 30-day supply. This can make long-term prescriptions more economical on a per-pill basis.
3. Pharmacy Variation: Prices can vary between different pharmacies due to factors such as location, pharmacy chain pricing policies, and whether the pharmacy is independent or part of a larger network. Online pharmacies, particularly those based in Canada, can offer significant savings compared to local U.S. pharmacies.
4. Without Insurance: Without insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for Eliquis can be substantial. On average, a 30-day supply can range from $400 to $600. This range can fluctuate based on the factors mentioned above. For many patients, especially those without adequate insurance coverage, this cost can be a significant financial burden, potentially impacting their ability to adhere to their prescribed treatment regimen.
5. With Insurance: Insurance coverage can greatly reduce the out-of-pocket cost for Eliquis. The extent of coverage depends on the specific insurance plan, including factors like copayments, deductibles, and whether Eliquis is listed on the insurer’s formulary. Some insurance plans may cover a significant portion of the cost, reducing the patient’s expense to as low as $10 to $50 for a 30-day supply, while others may require higher copayments.

What is the Cheapest Way to Get Eliquis?

For patients looking to reduce their costs, here are some strategies:

1. 90-Day Supply: Purchasing a 90-day supply often reduces the cost per pill, offering savings compared to monthly refills.
2. Canadian Pharmacies: Some patients turn to reputable Canadian pharmacies, which may offer lower prices for the same medication. Ensure the pharmacy is licensed and trustworthy.
3. Coupons and Discounts: Look for coupons or discount cards from various sources, including online platforms and pharmacy programs, to help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Purchasing Eliquis from Online Pharmacies Canada

For those considering Canadian pharmacies, here are some price comparisons from Online Pharmacies Canada:

• 2.5 mg Eliquis
  • 56 tablets: $130
  • 112 tablets: $250
  • 168 tablets: $370
• 5 mg Eliquis
  • 56 tablets: $165
  • 180 tablets: $320
  • 168 tablets: $475

You can save even more by purchasing its generic alternative called apixaban. Here is our price list for apixaban:

• 2.5 mg apixaban
  • 60 tablets: $57
  • 120 tablets: $97
  • 180 tablets: $140
• 5 mg apixaban
  • 60 tablets: $65
  • 120 tablets: $112
  • 180 tablets: $160

How to Order Eliquis Online from Online Pharmacies Canada

Ordering Eliquis from Online Pharmacies Canada is straightforward:

1. Search for Medication: Visit the Online Pharmacies Canada website and use the search bar to find Eliquis.
2. Select Dosage and Quantity: Choose the desired dosage and quantity. Opt for the generic version (apixaban) if available and more affordable.
3. Add to Cart and Proceed to Checkout: Review your selection, add it to your cart, and proceed to checkout.
4. Sign In or Register: If you have an account, sign in. New customers will need to create an account by providing contact information and a secure password.
5. Place Order: Verify your order details, including medication, dosage, quantity, and shipping address. Enter payment information and place the order.
6. Leave a Review: After receiving your order, consider leaving a review to help others make informed decisions.