Eliquis Is a Prescription Blood Thinner Used to Prevent Strokes and Treat Blood Clots

Eliquis (Apixaban) is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) — a type of blood thinner that helps prevent dangerous blood clots from forming in your body. It's one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States and is used by millions of patients to reduce the risk of stroke, treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and manage pulmonary embolism (PE).

Whether you've just been prescribed Eliquis or you're researching it for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know in 2026.

What Is Eliquis?

Here are the basics:

• Brand name: Eliquis
• Generic name: Apixaban
• Drug class: Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC) — Factor Xa Inhibitor
• Manufacturer: Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer Alliance
• FDA approved: Yes
• Controlled substance: No
• Available forms: 2.5 mg and 5 mg oral tablets
• Generic available: Generic Apixaban has been FDA-approved from several manufacturers (Indoco, Hetero Labs, Sun Pharma, Accord), but is not yet on the market. Generic launch is expected in April 2028.

Eliquis belongs to a newer class of blood thinners that replaced older medications like Warfarin (Coumadin) for many patients. Unlike Warfarin, Eliquis doesn't require regular blood monitoring or strict dietary restrictions. For a deeper look at how it works in your body, see our guide on how Eliquis works.

What Is Eliquis Used For?

Eliquis is FDA-approved for several conditions:

1. Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AFib) — Reduces the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat.
2. Treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — Blood clots that form in deep veins, usually in the legs.
3. Treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) — Blood clots that travel to the lungs.
4. Prevention of recurrent DVT and PE — After initial treatment, Eliquis can reduce the risk of these clots coming back.
5. DVT prevention after surgery — Used to prevent blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery.

Doctors sometimes prescribe Eliquis off-label for other conditions, including cancer-associated blood clots and left ventricular thrombus.

How Is Eliquis Taken?

Eliquis is taken by mouth twice daily, with or without food. Here are the key details:

• Typical dose: 5 mg twice daily for most conditions.
• Reduced dose: 2.5 mg twice daily for certain patients with AFib who meet at least two of these criteria: age 80 or older, body weight 60 kg (132 lbs) or less, or serum creatinine 1.5 mg/dL or higher.
• After hip/knee surgery: 2.5 mg twice daily, typically for 12 days (knee) or 35 days (hip).
• Can't swallow tablets? Eliquis tablets can be crushed and mixed with water, apple juice, or applesauce.
• Missed dose: Take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Do not double up.

Important: Never stop taking Eliquis without talking to your doctor. The FDA boxed warning states that stopping Eliquis suddenly increases the risk of stroke and blood clots.

Who Should Not Take Eliquis?

Eliquis is not right for everyone. You should not take Eliquis if you have:

• Active pathological bleeding — If you are currently bleeding internally or have a condition that causes uncontrolled bleeding.
• Severe allergy to Apixaban — If you've had a serious allergic reaction to Eliquis or any of its ingredients.
• Prosthetic heart valves — Eliquis is not recommended for patients with mechanical heart valves.

Your doctor should also use caution if you have severe liver disease or are taking medications that strongly interact with Eliquis. Check our drug interactions guide for more details.

How Much Does Eliquis Cost?

Eliquis is a brand-name medication, and it's not cheap:

• Cash price: $520 to $800 per month (60 tablets) at retail pharmacies without insurance.
• With commercial insurance: Copays vary widely. The Eliquis Co-Pay Card can reduce your cost to as low as $0 for eligible commercially insured patients (valid through December 31, 2026).
• Medicare patients: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the negotiated Medicare price drops to $231 per month starting January 1, 2026. Medicare Part D also caps total out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 per year.
• Uninsured patients: Bristol-Myers Squibb offers a direct-to-patient option at more than 40% off list price. The BMS Patient Assistance Foundation provides free Eliquis to qualifying patients with financial hardship.

For a complete breakdown of all savings options, see our guide to saving money on Eliquis.

Final Thoughts

Eliquis is a widely used, effective blood thinner that has become a first-line treatment for stroke prevention and blood clot management. It's easier to take than older blood thinners like Warfarin, with no regular blood tests or dietary restrictions required. However, it does come with risks — especially related to bleeding — and it's important to take it exactly as prescribed.

If you've been prescribed Eliquis, make sure you understand your dosage, know the side effects to watch for, and explore your options for reducing costs. And if you're having trouble finding it at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate Eliquis in stock near you.