How to Save on Eliquis - 6 Tips While You Wait for Generics - GoodRx (2024)

Eliquis is a medication that helps prevent blood clots, stroke, and embolism (when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel). It’s often compared to warfarin (Coumadin), but it has a couple advantages: It doesn’t require regular blood tests or major dietary changes, and it interacts with fewer drugs. Plus, researchers have found that Eliquis may be more effective than warfarin at preventing stroke and embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat.

Generics for Eliquis were recently approved, but they may not be available until 2026 due to a patent dispute. Since Eliquis can be a little hard on your wallet, here are 6 ways you can save on the drug in the meantime.

How much does Eliquis cost?

Eliquis is undoubtedly a pricey medication. The list price for the most common prescription of Eliquis is about $471. A medication’s list price is its price set by the drug’s manufacturer, similar to the sticker price on a car. While few people actually pay the list price, it’s still a good indicator for the price of a drug.

The graph below shows the GoodRx list price index for Eliquis, which has tracked how the list price of the drug has changed since January 1, 2014. Since 2014, its list price has increased by 77%, or about 10% every year, including an increase this past January.

At this time, it’s unclear how much the generics will cost. But generics are usually anywhere from 80% to 85% less expensive than their brand counterparts.

Why are the Eliquis generics delayed?

The FDA approved generic versions of Eliquis from Mylan and Micro Labs in December. But Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer, the makers of Eliquis, have argued that their patent allows them to exclusively sell the drug for several more years.

As the original makers of the drug, they own the patent for it, which gives them a period of time during which no generic versions can enter the market. That patent was due to expire in February 2023, but it was extended until November 2026.

Since we may not see Eliquis generics for several years, here are some suggestions for how to bring down the cost of the brand.

1) Use your insurance

If you have insurance, the best way to save on Eliquis will probably be through your plan since most Medicare and commercial insurance plans cover it. But you may have to meet certain requirements before you can actually get coverage, such as submitting a prior authorization form or completing step therapy.

If your insurance doesn’t cover Eliquis, talk to your healthcare provider about filing an appeal for coverage. They may be able to submit a letter that explains why you need coverage for Eliquis. Or you can ask your provider about similar medication options that are covered by your plan.

2) Get a 90-day supply

Filling a 90-day supply of Eliquis instead of a 30-day supply might help you save on the total costs for your prescription. Larger prescriptions are usually cheaper in the long run. You also won’t have to make as many trips to the pharmacy, and if you have insurance, you won’t have to pay as many copays. To take advantage of this tip, just be sure to get a new prescription from your provider and approval from your insurance to get a larger quantity filled.

3) Take advantage of a manufacturer copay card

One of Eliquis’ manufacturers, Bristol-Myers Squibb, offers a copay card that may help reduce how much you pay out of pocket for the medication. It can lower your copay to as little as $10 per prescription, with a $3,800 maximum benefit per year. Keep in mind that you need commercial insurance to use the card.

Bristol-Myers Squibb also has a free trial card that allows you to get your first 30-day prescription at no cost. You can use this offer whether or not you have commercial insurance.

When you’re ready to use either of these cards, just show it to your pharmacist when you pick up your prescription.

4) See if you quality for a patient assistance program

Bristol-Myers Squibb also offers a patient assistance program that can help some people get Eliquis at little to no cost. However, you must meet eligibility requirements based on income and insurance. Most people without insurance or with limited income will qualify.

5) Get your prescription filled at a preferred pharmacy

Many insurance plans have what’s known as a preferred pharmacy network, a list of pharmacies they contract with to offer lower copays on your prescriptions. Some preferred pharmacy networks include mail order pharmacies, which can deliver certain medications to your door.

If you have insurance, check to see if your plan has lower copays for your medication at preferred retail or mail order pharmacies. Some plans may require you to go through a mail order pharmacy if you want more than a 30-day supply.

6) Look for alternatives

Finally, you can also talk to your provider and see if there are more affordable medications that you can take.

Similar medications to Eliquis include:

• Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Warfarin is a comparable generic drug that can cost as little as $4 with a GoodRx discount. However, as we mentioned, it requires regular blood testing, may limit your dietary options, and interacts with more medications and supplements than Eliquis does.

• Pradaxa, Xarelto, and Savaysa. These are also similar medications to Eliquis, but there aren’t cheaper, generic versions for them yet. Still, it’s worth seeing if they might be more affordable for you or if your insurance will cover them.