Comprehensive medication guide to Eliquis including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$50 copay with most commercial plans; Medicare negotiated price of $231/month effective January 2026 with $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$520–$800/month retail; eligible patients may pay $0 with the Eliquis Co-Pay Card, or explore the BMS direct-to-patient option at 40%+ off list price.
Medfinder Findability Score
65/100
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Eliquis (Apixaban) is a prescription blood thinner classified as a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) and Factor Xa inhibitor. It is manufactured by the Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer Alliance. Eliquis is FDA-approved to:
Eliquis is one of the most widely prescribed anticoagulants in the U.S. and was among the first 10 drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation under the Inflation Reduction Act.
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![How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Eliquis Near You [2026 Guide]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fvur4atr4%2Fproduction%2Fb17b59d52a8b9c40da0a358f1b0458a501f2c690-1024x1024.png%3Frect%3D0%2C256%2C1024%2C512%26w%3D400%26h%3D200%26auto%3Dformat&w=828&q=75)
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Eliquis works by selectively and directly inhibiting Factor Xa, a key enzyme in the blood clotting cascade. By blocking Factor Xa (both free and clot-bound), Apixaban prevents the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, which reduces the formation of blood clots. Unlike Warfarin, Eliquis does not require regular blood monitoring (INR tests) and has fewer dietary restrictions. It is taken orally twice daily with or without food.
2.5 mg oral tablet — tablet
typically prescribed for DVT prophylaxis after hip/knee surgery or for dose-reduced AFib patients
5 mg oral tablet — tablet
the standard dose for most AFib, DVT, and PE indications
Eliquis (Apixaban) is the most-prescribed anticoagulant in the United States, which means demand is consistently high. While Eliquis is not on the FDA or ASHP drug shortage lists, its popularity can lead to intermittent stock-outs at individual pharmacies — especially during early-year insurance and formulary changes. No generic version is available yet (expected April 2028), so patients are limited to the brand-name product. Overall, most patients can find Eliquis with some effort, but it may require checking multiple pharmacies or using a tool like Medfinder to locate it quickly.
Eliquis can be prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers, including:
Telehealth providers can also prescribe Eliquis for established patients. Use Medfinder to find providers near you.
No. Eliquis (Apixaban) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. It does not have abuse potential. However, it is a prescription-only medication and cannot be purchased over the counter. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain Eliquis.
Boxed Warning: Premature discontinuation of Eliquis increases the risk of thrombotic events including stroke. Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia or spinal puncture, which can cause long-term or permanent paralysis.
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Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)
Factor Xa inhibitor DOAC, taken once daily; treats AFib, DVT, PE, and helps prevent heart attack/stroke in CAD/PAD patients
Pradaxa (Dabigatran)
Direct thrombin inhibitor DOAC, taken twice daily; has a specific reversal agent (Praxbind)
Savaysa (Edoxaban)
Factor Xa inhibitor DOAC, taken once daily; treats AFib, DVT, and PE
Warfarin (Coumadin/Jantoven)
Vitamin K antagonist, very affordable as a generic ($4–$10/month), but requires regular INR blood monitoring and dietary restrictions
Prefer Eliquis? We can find it.
Strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors
moderate(Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Ritonavir, Clarithromycin) — increase Apixaban levels; dose reduction required
Strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inducers
moderate(Rifampin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, St. John's Wort) — decrease Apixaban levels; avoid coadministration
Other anticoagulants
moderate(Warfarin, Heparin, Enoxaparin) — significantly increased bleeding risk
Antiplatelet agents
moderate(Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Prasugrel) — increased bleeding risk
NSAIDs
moderate(Ibuprofen, Naproxen) — increased bleeding risk
SSRIs and SNRIs
moderatemay increase bleeding risk
Diltiazem
moderatemay increase Apixaban exposure
Eliquis is a highly effective and widely prescribed blood thinner for preventing stroke in AFib patients and treating blood clots. While it remains brand-only until the generic launch (expected April 2028), the 2026 Medicare negotiated price of $231/month and the Eliquis Co-Pay Card (as low as $0 for commercially insured patients) help reduce costs significantly. Availability is generally good, though high demand can cause intermittent stock-outs at some pharmacies. If you're having trouble finding Eliquis, try using Medfinder to check pharmacy stock in real time. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your anticoagulation therapy.
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