Alternatives to Edarbi If You Can't Fill Your Prescription

Your doctor prescribed Edarbi (Azilsartan Medoxomil) for your high blood pressure, but now you're stuck. Maybe your pharmacy doesn't have it in stock. Maybe the price without insurance — $294 to $376 per month — is more than you can afford. Or maybe your insurance requires you to try something else first.

Whatever the reason, you're looking for an alternative. The good news is that Edarbi belongs to a well-established class of medications, and there are several effective options that your doctor can consider.

What Is Edarbi and How Does It Work?

Edarbi is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It's approved by the FDA for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults.

Here's how it works: Your body produces a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes your blood vessels to tighten and narrow. This raises your blood pressure. Edarbi blocks the receptor that angiotensin II attaches to (called the AT1 receptor), which prevents this tightening. As a result, your blood vessels stay relaxed, and your blood pressure goes down.

Edarbi is taken once daily as a tablet (available in 40 mg and 80 mg strengths) and can be taken with or without food. For a deeper dive into the science, see our article on how Edarbi works.

Why You Might Need an Alternative

There are several common reasons patients look for alternatives to Edarbi:

• Availability — Edarbi is a brand-name medication with no generic currently on the market, making it harder to find at many pharmacies
• Cost — Without insurance or a copay card, Edarbi can cost over $300 per month
• Insurance requirements — Many plans require step therapy, meaning you must try a cheaper ARB before they'll cover Edarbi
• Side effects — While uncommon, some patients experience diarrhea, dizziness, or fatigue on Edarbi

If any of these apply to you, an alternative ARB may be the right move. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your medication.

ARB Alternatives to Edarbi

All of the alternatives below belong to the same drug class as Edarbi — angiotensin II receptor blockers. They work through a similar mechanism and are FDA-approved for treating high blood pressure. Most are available as affordable generics.

1. Losartan (Cozaar)

Losartan is the most commonly prescribed ARB in the United States. It's been available as a generic since 2010, making it one of the most affordable options.

• Typical dose: 25 mg to 100 mg once daily
• Also approved for: Diabetic nephropathy (kidney protection in type 2 diabetes) and stroke prevention in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart
• Generic price: Approximately $4 to $15 per month
• Key differences from Edarbi: Losartan has a shorter duration of action and may require higher doses or twice-daily dosing for some patients. Studies have shown Edarbi may provide slightly greater blood pressure reduction at standard doses, but Losartan remains highly effective for most patients.

2. Valsartan (Diovan)

Valsartan is another widely used ARB with extensive clinical data, including evidence for heart failure and post-heart attack protection.

• Typical dose: 80 mg to 320 mg once daily
• Also approved for: Heart failure and post-myocardial infarction (heart attack) management
• Generic price: Approximately $10 to $20 per month
• Key differences from Edarbi: Valsartan has strong evidence for cardiovascular protection beyond blood pressure lowering. It's widely available and well-tolerated.

3. Olmesartan (Benicar)

Olmesartan is considered one of the more potent ARBs, similar to Edarbi in its blood pressure-lowering ability.

• Typical dose: 20 mg to 40 mg once daily
• Also approved for: Hypertension only
• Generic price: Approximately $10 to $25 per month
• Key differences from Edarbi: Olmesartan has been shown in clinical studies to lower blood pressure to a degree comparable to Edarbi. It's available as a generic and is often the closest therapeutic alternative. Note: A rare side effect called sprue-like enteropathy (chronic severe diarrhea) has been reported with long-term use.

4. Telmisartan (Micardis)

Telmisartan is a long-acting ARB with evidence for cardiovascular protection from the landmark ONTARGET trial.

• Typical dose: 20 mg to 80 mg once daily
• Also approved for: Cardiovascular risk reduction in patients unable to take ACE inhibitors
• Generic price: Approximately $10 to $20 per month
• Key differences from Edarbi: Telmisartan has the longest half-life among ARBs (approximately 24 hours), providing consistent 24-hour blood pressure control. It also has some PPAR-gamma activity, which may offer metabolic benefits.

How to Switch from Edarbi to an Alternative

Switching between ARBs is generally straightforward, but it should always be done under your doctor's guidance. Here's what to expect:

1. Talk to your doctor — Explain why you need to switch (cost, availability, side effects) and ask which alternative they recommend
2. Dosing adjustment — Your doctor will determine the equivalent dose of the new ARB based on your blood pressure goals
3. Transition period — In most cases, you can switch directly from one ARB to another without a washout period
4. Monitor your blood pressure — Check your blood pressure regularly after switching to make sure the new medication is working effectively
5. Follow up — Schedule a follow-up appointment within 2 to 4 weeks to review your response to the new medication

What If You Still Want to Take Edarbi?

If Edarbi is the best medication for your blood pressure and you'd prefer to stay on it, there are steps you can take to improve access:

• Use Medfinder to find pharmacies near you that have it in stock
• Ask your pharmacist to place a special order
• Use the manufacturer's Azurity Solutions E-Z Rx copay card to pay as little as $15 per month with commercial insurance
• Check with independent or specialty pharmacies that may be more willing to stock it

For more information on finding Edarbi, see our guide on how to find Edarbi in stock near you, and for savings options, visit how to save money on Edarbi.

Final Thoughts

Edarbi is an effective blood pressure medication, but it's not the only option. If you can't find it, can't afford it, or your insurance won't cover it, there are several ARB alternatives that work through the same mechanism and are available at a fraction of the cost. Losartan, Valsartan, Olmesartan, and Telmisartan are all proven, well-tolerated medications that can help keep your blood pressure under control.

The most important thing is to keep taking a blood pressure medication. Don't let a supply issue or cost barrier put your health at risk. Talk to your doctor, explore your options, and find a solution that works for you.