If you are taking Eliquis to prevent blood clots or strokes, you may have wondered: Why is Eliquis so expensive compared to similar medications?
Eliquis is a prescription anticoagulant that effectively prevents strokes and blood clots, but comes with a significant price tag that can burden many patients. This blood thinner costs hundreds of dollars monthly, making it one of the more expensive cardiovascular medications available.
Understanding why Eliquis is so expensive involves examining multiple industry factors, from research costs to patent protection. This article will look into the key reasons behind Eliquis’s high price and practical strategies for managing these expenses effectively.
What is the current cost of Eliquis?
The retail price of Eliquis is $783.42 for 60 tablets of 5 mg each.. This translates to approximately $390 for a typical 30-day supply, making it a major monthly expense for patients requiring long-term anticoagulation therapy.
Eliquis usually costs more than other blood thinners. The 2.5 mg and 5 mg Eliquis tablets cost the same price, with variations depending on the pharmacy and quantity purchased.
Why is Eliquis so expensive?
Understanding why Eliquis is so expensive can be attributed to many reasons:
Patent protection and market exclusivity
At present, Eliquis may not be available in a generic version because it remains under patent protection. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two generic versions of Apixaban, the manufacturer of Eliquis has exclusive rights to make and sell Apixaban under the brand name Eliquis. This exclusivity eliminates competition and allows Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer to maintain higher pricing without generic alternatives driving costs down.
Research and development investments
Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name medications are safe and effective. Pharmaceutical companies like Bristol-Myers Squibb invest billions of dollars in clinical trials, safety studies, and regulatory approval processes spanning decades.
The manufacturer or producer of a brand-name medication can sell the medication for up to 20 years to recover these massive development costs.
Manufacturing and quality standards
Advanced manufacturing and producing processes and strict quality control measures are required to deliver medications like Eliquis. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to meet FDA safety and efficacy standards, adding significant costs to the production process that are ultimately reflected in the retail price.
Marketing and promotional expenses
Pharmaceutical businesses spend large amounts of money marketing and promoting their products to healthcare providers and patients. While necessary for education and awareness, these promotional activities contribute to the medication’s overall cost structure.
Cost-saving strategies for Eliquis
Despite the high cost, several options can help patients manage Eliquis expenses more effectively.
Manufacturer assistance programs
Bristol-Myers Squibb offers cost assistance through a copay card and Eliquis’s free trial offer card. With manufacturer copay assistance, qualifying patients could get a 30-day prescription for as low as $10, depending on program terms and yearly limits.
Pharmacy discount programs
Patients can save significantly on Eliquis through pharmacy discount programs. With GoodRx Medicine, the cost can be as low as $228.00 for 60 tablets, offering substantial savings for uninsured or underinsured individuals compared to standard retail prices.
Medicare pricing changes
Thanks to pricing negotiations finalized in August 2024, the US government set Eliquis’s Medicare cost at $231.00 per month starting January 1, 2026, significantly lowering current retail prices and offering major relief to Medicare beneficiaries.
Long-term cost management
If your insurance company approves, you can get a 90-day supply of Eliquis. Through bulk purchasing arrangements, you could reduce your trips to the pharmacy and decrease the overall cost of the medication.
Conclusion
Understanding why is Eliquis so expensive reveals a complex web of factors including patent protection, extensive research and development costs, sophisticated manufacturing requirements, and promotional expenses.
While the current retail price of $783.42 for 60 tablets presents a significant financial burden, various assistance programs, discount options, and upcoming Medicare pricing changes offer hope for more affordable access. Eliquis is so expensive because of its brand-name status without generic competition.
However, future pricing negotiations and assistance programs can help patients manage these costs effectively while maintaining essential cardiovascular protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will generic Eliquis become available to reduce costs?
A generic version of Eliquis, called Apixaban, has been FDA-approved but may not be available yet. The brand manufacturer retains exclusive rights until patent expiration, after which generic competition should significantly lower prices.
Does insurance coverage affect Eliquis out-of-pocket costs significantly?
Yes, most medicare plans cover Eliquis, but you may need prior authorization before your insurance provider covers the medication. Coverage varies by plan, substantially affecting final patient costs and copay amounts.
Can patients use multiple discount programs simultaneously for Eliquis?
No, patients cannot use multiple discount programs for Eliquis at the same time, especially with Medicare or other insurance. To get the best savings, they must choose between a manufacturer coupon, a pharmacy discount, or insurance; only one can be applied per purchase.
How does Eliquis pricing compare internationally versus US costs?
The cost of Eliquis is higher in the United States than in other countries due to different pricing regulations and healthcare systems, making international price comparisons particularly striking for patients.
What happens if patients cannot afford Eliquis treatment?
Patients should discuss alternative options with their doctor if the cost is excessive. Depending on individual medical conditions and requirements, various blood thinners with different pricing structures may be available.
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