Medications

Eliquis

Eliquis

Previously Found with Medfinder

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
$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
Summarize this guide with AI:

Post Author

Peter Daggett

Last Updated

February 14, 2026

Eliquis 2026 Availability, Prices, and Tips to Find

What Is Eliquis?

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:

  • Reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AFib)
  • Treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
  • Reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE after initial therapy
  • Prevent DVT following hip or knee replacement surgery

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.

How does Eliquis work?

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.

What doses are available for Eliquis?

  • 2.5 mg oral tablet — typically prescribed for DVT prophylaxis after hip/knee surgery or for dose-reduced AFib patients
  • 5 mg oral tablet — the standard dose for most AFib, DVT, and PE indications

Both strengths are taken twice daily. Tablets can be crushed and mixed with water, apple juice, or applesauce for patients who have difficulty swallowing.

How hard is it to find Eliquis in stock?

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.

The #1 Medication Locating Service

Find {drug} in-stock near you

Struggling to find {drug} in stock? We'll call the pharmacies, sit on hold, and find you one that can fill your prescription.

25K+
Trusted by 25,000+ Happy Patients

Who Can Prescribe Eliquis?

Eliquis can be prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers, including:

  • Cardiologists — most commonly for atrial fibrillation
  • Primary Care / Family Medicine physicians — for ongoing anticoagulation management
  • Internal Medicine doctors
  • Hematologists — for clotting disorders
  • Vascular Surgeons — for DVT/PE management
  • Pulmonologists — for pulmonary embolism
  • Emergency Medicine physicians — for acute clotting events

Telehealth providers can also prescribe Eliquis for established patients. Use Medfinder to find providers near you.

Is Eliquis a controlled substance?

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.

Common Side Effects of Eliquis

  • Bruising easily
  • Minor bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums)
  • Nausea
  • Anemia
  • Fatigue

Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention)

  • Major or uncontrolled bleeding
  • Spinal/epidural hematoma (in patients receiving spinal procedures)
  • Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding

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.

Alternative Medications to Eliquis

If you cannot find or afford Eliquis, your doctor may consider these alternatives:

  • 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

Important: Never switch anticoagulants without consulting your doctor. Stopping or changing blood thinners without medical guidance can increase your risk of stroke or blood clots.

Drug Interactions with Eliquis

Eliquis has several important drug interactions. Always inform your doctor about all medications you take.

Major Interactions

  • Strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitors (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Ritonavir, Clarithromycin) — increase Apixaban levels; dose reduction required
  • Strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inducers (Rifampin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, St. John's Wort) — decrease Apixaban levels; avoid coadministration
  • Other anticoagulants (Warfarin, Heparin, Enoxaparin) — significantly increased bleeding risk
  • Antiplatelet agents (Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Prasugrel) — increased bleeding risk

Moderate Interactions

  • NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen) — increased bleeding risk
  • SSRIs and SNRIs — may increase bleeding risk
  • Diltiazem — may increase Apixaban exposure

Grapefruit juice may modestly increase Eliquis levels. No major food restrictions apply.

Final Thoughts on Eliquis

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.

Learn more about {drug}

25,000+ have already found their meds with Medfinder.

Start your search today.
99% success rate
Fast-turnaround time
Never call another pharmacy