Apixaban in 2026: Where Do Things Stand?

If you've had trouble filling your Apixaban prescription recently, you're not alone. Since generic Apixaban entered the market in late 2024, many patients have experienced inconsistent availability at their local pharmacies. Some weeks it's there, some weeks it's not — and for a medication you need to take every single day, that's unacceptable.

Here's the latest on the Apixaban supply situation in 2026 and what you can do to make sure you stay protected.

Is Apixaban Still in Shortage?

Technically, Apixaban has not been listed on the FDA's official drug shortage list. However, "not on the shortage list" doesn't mean "easy to find." The reality on the ground is more nuanced.

What's actually happening:

• Brand-name Eliquis is generally available, though at a premium price ($500–$600/month without insurance).
• Generic Apixaban availability varies significantly by pharmacy, region, and manufacturer. Some generic manufacturers have had production delays or limited distribution.
• Many patients report that their pharmacy has a different manufacturer's generic version than what they filled last month, which can be confusing (though all FDA-approved generics contain the same active ingredient).

The bottom line: Supply is improving compared to early 2025, but pockets of scarcity persist — especially for specific generic manufacturers or in certain geographic areas.

Why Is Apixaban Hard to Find?

Several factors are contributing to the ongoing availability challenges:

Generic Market Growing Pains

When a blockbuster drug like Eliquis goes generic, it doesn't happen overnight. Multiple manufacturers are competing for market share, wholesalers are adjusting their contracts, and pharmacies are figuring out which versions to stock. This transition typically takes 12–18 months to fully stabilize.

Massive Patient Demand

Apixaban is prescribed to millions of Americans for atrial fibrillation, DVT, PE, and post-surgical clot prevention. With the U.S. population aging, the number of patients needing anticoagulation therapy continues to grow year over year.

Supply Chain Complexity

Generic medications often rely on active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) suppliers overseas. Any disruption — from regulatory inspections to shipping delays to raw material shortages — can ripple through the supply chain and affect what's on your pharmacy's shelf.

For a deeper look at the factors behind availability issues, see our article on why Apixaban is so hard to find.

How Much Does Apixaban Cost in 2026?

One of the biggest developments for Apixaban patients in 2026 is the availability of lower-cost generic options:

• Brand-name Eliquis: $500–$600/month (60 tablets of 5 mg) without insurance
• Generic Apixaban: $30–$80/month without insurance, depending on the pharmacy and manufacturer
• With insurance: Most patients with commercial insurance pay $10–$50/month. Medicare Part D copays vary but are often $30–$90/month for brand or lower for generic.
• Eliquis Savings Card: Commercially insured patients can use the manufacturer savings card to pay as little as $10/month for brand-name Eliquis.

For a complete breakdown of savings options, read our guide on how to save money on Apixaban.

New Options for Patients in 2026

The good news is that 2026 brings more choices than ever for Apixaban patients:

Multiple Generic Manufacturers

Several manufacturers now produce generic Apixaban, which means more supply in the pipeline and increasing competition that should continue to drive prices down. If one manufacturer's version is unavailable, your pharmacist can often substitute another.

Mail-Order Pharmacy

If you're tired of the weekly pharmacy lottery, consider switching to a mail-order pharmacy through your insurance plan. You'll typically get a 90-day supply delivered to your door, often at a lower copay than monthly retail fills.

Online Pharmacy Options

Services like Cost Plus Drugs, Amazon Pharmacy, and Honeybee Health offer competitive pricing on generic Apixaban and may have more consistent stock than your local retail pharmacy.

How to Find Apixaban in Stock Right Now

If you need Apixaban today, here's your action plan:

1. Search on Medfinder to see which pharmacies near you have it available right now.
2. Call independent pharmacies — they often have more sourcing flexibility than chain pharmacies.
3. Ask your pharmacist about other manufacturers' generic versions or whether they can transfer your prescription to another location.
4. Contact your doctor if you're at risk of running out. They may have samples or can discuss temporary alternatives.

For more detailed tips, see our full guide on how to find Apixaban in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Apixaban supply situation in 2026 is improving, but it's not perfect yet. Generic availability is expanding, prices are dropping, and more pharmacies are building reliable stock. But some patients are still hitting roadblocks.

The most important takeaway: never stop taking your blood thinner without talking to your doctor. Apixaban carries a boxed warning about the increased risk of stroke and blood clots when the medication is stopped prematurely.

Stay proactive. Refill early. Use tools like Medfinder to stay ahead of supply issues. And if you need help, your doctor and pharmacist are your best allies.