Eliquis Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

The Eliquis Situation in 2026: What You Need to Know

If you take Eliquis (Apixaban) to prevent strokes or treat blood clots, you may have heard talk of shortages or had trouble finding it at your pharmacy. With major pricing changes, supply chain shifts, and millions of patients depending on this medication, 2026 is a year of transition for Eliquis. Here's what's actually happening and what it means for you.

Is Eliquis Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Eliquis is not listed on the FDA or ASHP drug shortage lists. There is no formal manufacturing shortage. Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer continue to produce and distribute both the 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets.

That said, many patients are reporting difficulty finding Eliquis at their local pharmacies. This isn't a shortage in the traditional sense — it's a supply-demand imbalance at the pharmacy level. Some pharmacies run out between deliveries, especially in busy areas or at the beginning of the year when insurance plans reset.

Why Is Eliquis Hard to Find?

Several factors are contributing to availability challenges in 2026:

Overwhelming Demand

Eliquis is the most prescribed anticoagulant in the United States. With an aging population and growing diagnoses of atrial fibrillation, demand continues to climb year over year. Individual pharmacies can't always keep up.

Medicare Price Negotiation Transition

2026 marks the first year that negotiated Medicare prices take effect under the Inflation Reduction Act. Eliquis was one of the first 10 drugs selected. The new Medicare price dropped from about $521 to $231 per month. While this is a win for Medicare patients, the pricing transition is causing disruption across the supply chain as pharmacies, wholesalers, and PBMs adjust.

No Generic Available

Despite FDA approval of several generic Apixaban manufacturers, generic Eliquis is not expected to launch until April 2028. Until then, there's only one product on the market — brand-name Eliquis. For more on why, see Why Is Eliquis So Hard to Find?

Insurance Formulary Changes

New year, new insurance rules. Some plans have changed their Eliquis coverage for 2026, requiring prior authorization or step therapy. This can cause prescription shifts and temporary demand spikes at certain pharmacies.

How Much Does Eliquis Cost in 2026?

The cost of Eliquis varies significantly depending on your coverage:

• Cash price (no insurance): Approximately $520-$800 per month for 60 tablets
• With Medicare Part D (negotiated price): Around $231 per month, with the new $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap for all Part D drugs
• With commercial insurance: Copays vary widely, from $0-$100+ per month depending on your plan
• With Eliquis Co-Pay Card: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0
• SingleCare discount: As low as approximately $156 for 28 tablets (5 mg)
• Direct-to-patient program: More than 40% off list price for cash-paying patients through the Eliquis 360 Support Program

For a full breakdown of savings options, read How to Save Money on Eliquis in 2026.

New Options for Eliquis Patients in 2026

Medicare Negotiated Pricing

The biggest change in 2026 is the new Medicare negotiated price. If you're on Medicare Part D, your Eliquis costs should be significantly lower than in previous years. Combined with the $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap, many Medicare patients will see real savings.

Direct-to-Patient Program

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer launched a direct-to-patient option through the Eliquis 360 Support Program. Cash-paying patients can get Eliquis shipped directly at more than 40% below the list price. This bypasses the retail pharmacy entirely. Call 855-354-7847 to learn more.

Patient Assistance Programs

If you're uninsured or underinsured, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation may provide Eliquis for free. You can apply at bms.com or call 1-800-736-0003.

How to Find Eliquis in Stock

If your local pharmacy is out of Eliquis, here's what to do:

1. Use Medfinder to search for pharmacies near you that have Eliquis in stock
2. Try independent pharmacies — they often manage inventory more closely than large chains
3. Ask your pharmacist to order it — most can get it in 1-2 business days from their wholesaler
4. Consider mail-order pharmacy — 90-day supplies are often more reliable than retail
5. Refill early — don't wait until your last pill to request a refill

For more detailed strategies, see How to Find Eliquis in Stock Near You.

Final Thoughts

Eliquis is not in a formal shortage, but the combination of sky-high demand, Medicare pricing changes, and the absence of a generic means some patients will continue to face availability challenges in 2026. The situation should improve as the supply chain stabilizes and especially when generic Apixaban launches (expected April 2028).

In the meantime, plan ahead, use tools like Medfinder, and stay in touch with your doctor and pharmacist. If you're having trouble affording Eliquis, explore the savings programs available. And if you're considering switching medications, read our guide on Alternatives to Eliquis.

Most importantly: never stop taking Eliquis without talking to your doctor. The risk of stroke and blood clots increases when you discontinue this medication abruptly.