Medications

Effient

Effient

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Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.

Estimated Insurance Pricing
Most insurance plans cover generic Prasugrel as a preferred generic, with typical copays of $5–$30 per month.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Brand Effient costs $400–$733 for a 30-day supply without insurance, while generic Prasugrel runs $19–$50 with a discount card.
Medfinder Findability Score
75
/100
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Post Author

Peter Daggett

Last Updated

February 13, 2026

Effient 2026 Availability, Prices, and Tips to Find

What Is Effient?

Effient (Prasugrel) is a prescription antiplatelet medication used to reduce the risk of blood clots in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), such as stent placement. It is always taken in combination with aspirin. Effient belongs to the thienopyridine class of P2Y12 platelet inhibitors and is manufactured by Daiichi Sankyo and Eli Lilly. It was FDA-approved to help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and stent thrombosis in patients who have had a coronary stent placed.

How does Effient work?

Effient is a prodrug that gets converted into its active form in the body. The active metabolite irreversibly binds to and blocks the P2Y12 ADP receptor on the surface of platelets. By blocking this receptor, Effient prevents ADP-mediated platelet activation and aggregation, which reduces the formation of dangerous blood clots. This mechanism is especially important in patients with coronary stents, where clot formation can lead to life-threatening stent thrombosis. The effects last for the lifespan of the platelet (7–10 days).

What doses are available for Effient?

  • Effient 5 mg tablet
  • Effient 10 mg tablet
  • Prasugrel 5 mg tablet (generic)
  • Prasugrel 10 mg tablet (generic)

The standard maintenance dose is 10 mg once daily. Patients weighing less than 60 kg are typically prescribed the 5 mg dose.

How hard is it to find Effient in stock?

Effient (Prasugrel) scores a 75 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it is generally available at most pharmacies. Generic Prasugrel is widely stocked, though brand-name Effient may not be carried at every location. Because Prasugrel is a niche cardiac medication prescribed primarily after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), smaller or independent pharmacies may not keep it on hand. If your pharmacy is out of stock, most can order it within 1–2 business days. There are no major FDA-listed shortages for Prasugrel as of early 2026.

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Who Can Prescribe Effient?

Effient is most commonly prescribed by cardiologists and interventional cardiologists, typically initiated during or after a PCI procedure. Internal medicine physicians, emergency medicine doctors, and hospitalists may also prescribe or continue Effient therapy. Because Effient is used specifically for acute coronary syndrome patients managed with PCI, it is not typically prescribed in a primary care or telehealth setting without cardiology involvement.

Is Effient a controlled substance?

No, Effient (Prasugrel) is not a controlled substance. It does not have a DEA schedule and has no potential for abuse or dependence. It is a standard prescription medication that can be prescribed and refilled without the restrictions that apply to controlled substances.

Common Side Effects of Effient

  • Easy bruising
  • Minor bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums)
  • Headache
  • Back pain
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Cough
  • Hypertension or hypotension
  • Rash

Serious side effects include significant or fatal bleeding, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. Effient carries a boxed warning about bleeding risk. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual or prolonged bleeding.

Alternative Medications to Effient

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix) — Another thienopyridine P2Y12 inhibitor. Less potent than Prasugrel but carries a lower bleeding risk. Available as a low-cost generic and is the most commonly prescribed antiplatelet after aspirin.
  • Ticagrelor (Brilinta) — A direct-acting, reversible P2Y12 inhibitor that does not require metabolic activation. Taken twice daily with similar efficacy to Prasugrel but a different safety profile.
  • Cangrelor (Kengreal) — An IV P2Y12 inhibitor used in the hospital during PCI procedures. Has rapid onset and offset of action but is not a long-term oral alternative.

Drug Interactions with Effient

  • Warfarin and other anticoagulants — Significantly increased bleeding risk when combined with Effient.
  • NSAIDs — Chronic use of NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) increases the risk of bleeding.
  • Heparin and low-molecular-weight heparins — Increased bleeding risk.
  • Fibrinolytic agents (Streptokinase, Alteplase) — Increased bleeding risk.
  • SSRIs and SNRIs — May increase bleeding risk when used with Effient.
  • Other thienopyridines (Clopidogrel, Ticlopidine) — Should not be combined with Effient.
  • Opioids — May reduce absorption of oral P2Y12 inhibitors like Effient.

Final Thoughts on Effient

Effient (Prasugrel) is an effective and widely available antiplatelet medication for patients with acute coronary syndromes who have undergone PCI. With generic Prasugrel now available, the cost has dropped significantly — from hundreds of dollars per month for brand Effient to as low as $19 with a discount card. Most pharmacies stock the generic version, and insurance coverage is generally favorable. If you are having difficulty finding Effient or Prasugrel in stock, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy near you that has it available. Always consult your cardiologist before making any changes to your antiplatelet therapy.

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