Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke. It's primarily prescribed for people with atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) or following knee or hip replacement surgery when movement is limited.

Eliquis is also used to treat blood clot formation in the lungs, known as pulmonary embolism (PE), or blood clot formation in the deep veins of your legs, known as DVT (Deep vein thrombosis). Eliquis may also be used to lower the risk of the recurrence of blood clot development. To learn more about the conditions Eliquis treats and how it works, visit our detailed Eliquis article.

Yes, generic Eliquis (apixaban) is available, but not yet in the United States. Generic apixaban is currently available in Canada and other international markets through licensed pharmacies.

When will generic Eliquis be available in the U.S.?

Generic Eliquis will not be available in the United States until April 1, 2028, at the earliest. In 2021, the Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance announced that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit finalized a decision protecting the Eliquis patent, delaying generic apixaban launch until at least April 2028.¹

Can I buy generic Eliquis from Canada now?

Yes, you can purchase generic apixaban from Canadian pharmacies right now. 

While generic apixaban cannot be sold in the U.S. until patent protections expire, it is legally available in other countries where those patents do not apply. As a result, patients with a valid prescription can access generic apixaban through licensed Canadian pharmacies such as Canadian Pharmacy Service.

Generic apixaban is more affordable than brand-name Eliquis when compared on a per-tablet basis.

Based on current Canadian pricing, brand-name Eliquis typically costs about $1.57–$1.66 per tablet (56-tablet supply), while generic apixaban costs approximately $1.20–$1.30 per tablet (60-tablet supply). When purchased in larger quantities, generic apixaban can drop to as low as $0.93–$0.98 per tablet (180-tablet supply). While the upfront package prices may appear similar, generic apixaban offers meaningful per-tablet savings, especially for long-term treatment.

Why is generic Eliquis important?

Generic Eliquis (apixaban) provides access to one of the most effective anticoagulants on the market at a fraction of U.S. brand-name costs. Clinical studies show that apixaban is more effective at preventing blood clots and stroke than warfarin, without increasing bleeding risk. Combined with its quick onset time, generic apixaban delivers the benefits of brand-name Eliquis years ahead of the 2028 U.S. availability date.

References

1. Bristol Myers Squibb The Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance is pleased with the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upholding the Eliquis® Patents

In the United States, Eliquis is priced at a premium.

For example, the U.S. list price for Eliquis 5 mg (56 tablets) is approximately $348.62, which equates to over $6.20 per tablet.

By comparison, Canadian Pharmacy Service offers brand-name Eliquis 5 mg for as low as $1.66 per tablet (56-tablet supply), with bulk pricing reducing the cost to approximately $1.25 per tablet. Generic apixaban is available at even lower per-tablet prices through Canadian pharmacies.

U.S. Price vs. CPS Brand Price vs. CPS Generic Price

What are the side effects of Eliquis?

Common Eliquis side effects may include but are not limited to:

• Easier bleeding or bruising
• Bleeding from an injection wound
• Unusual bleeding including from the mouth or nose, rectum or vagina

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects of Eliquis:

• Non-stop bleeding from any area, including the mouth, nose, rectum or vagina
• Weakness or the feeling that you may pass out
• Dizziness and headaches
• Spitting up blood and coughing up blood
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Black or bloody stools or red, pink or brown urine

For a more detailed breakdown of Eliquis side effects, including what to watch for and when to seek care, visit our in-depth Eliquis side effects article.

What medications interact with Eliquis?

• Other anticoagulants: Tell your doctor if you are taking another blood thinner. Using more than one anticoagulant can raise the risk of serious bleeding.
• Antidepressants: This includes SSRIs such as fluoxetine and SNRIs such as desvenlafaxine/venlafaxine.
• HIV medications: Some HIV drugs can affect how apixaban works in the body.
• Seizure medications: Certain seizure drugs may change how effective Eliquis is.
• Herbal supplements: Supplements like St. John’s wort may interfere with the effectiveness of your blood thinner. 
• Over-the-counter blood thinners: Your doctor may advise you to avoid aspirin or NSAIDs unless specifically directed. If you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke, your doctor may recommend low-dose aspirin to support your cardiovascular health.

Many patients prefer Eliquis because it has fewer interactions than older anticoagulants. Still, it is important to tell your doctor about all prescription medications, over the counter drugs, and supplements you take. Having too much blood thinning effect in the body can increase the risk of serious complications or major bleeding. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new medication or supplement. 

For a complete list of Eliquis drug interactions, including food and drink considerations, visit our detailed Eliquis drug interactions article.

Is Eliquis cheaper in Canada?

Yes, Eliquis is significantly cheaper in Canada. A prescription of 56 tablets can be bought for under $100 from Canadian Pharmacy Service. Currently, Eliquis 5mg is approximately 75% cheaper from Canada. We also offer the generic version of Eliquis that offers even more savings.

Why is Eliquis cheaper from Canada?

Eliquis costs less from Canada for two main reasons:

1. Government price negotiation: In Canada, the government negotiates the price for Eliquis via regulatory boards. In contrast, Medicare and other government programs in the U.S. may be restricted from negotiating the price of Eliquis with the appropriate pharmaceutical manufacturers. 
2. Global sourcing: Canadian online pharmacies give you access to global options that are safe and offer significant savings.

Is it safe to buy Eliquis from Canada?

Yes, purchasing Eliquis from a Canadian pharmacy is safe when you use a verified, reputable pharmacy. Canadian Pharmacy Service sources medications from approved international suppliers, ensuring quality and safety standards.

Reputable Canadian pharmacies are members of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) and must meet strict safety requirements. Medications sourced through these Canadian pharmacies undergo the same quality controls as those in the United States.

How do I buy Eliquis online from Canada?

Ordering Eliquis from a Canadian pharmacy is simple and requires a valid prescription.

• Visit Canadian Pharmacy Service and search for your medication using the site’s search bar.
• Select the prescribed strength and quantity, then click Add to Cart and continue to checkout.
• Sign in to your existing account or create a new one. If you’d rather order by phone, call 1-877-204-1505.
• Upload a valid prescription online or request that we reach out to your doctor or pharmacy for you.
• Double-check your order information and complete your order.
• Your medication is shipped straight to your home.

Is there a generic alternative to Eliquis?

Yes. The generic alternative to Eliquis is apixaban.

Generic apixaban contains the same active ingredient as Eliquis and works the same way in the body. It meets the same quality and safety standards as the brand-name medication.

Is generic Eliquis available in the U.S.?

No. Generic Eliquis is not available in the U.S. yet.

Although the FDA has approved generic versions, patent protections prevent them from being sold in the U.S. until at least April 1, 2028. Until then, Americans must purchase brand-name Eliquis domestically.

Can I get generic Eliquis from Canada?

Yes. Generic apixaban is available from Canadian pharmacies now.

Because patent rules differ internationally, Canadians and Americans ordering through Canadian pharmacies can access generic apixaban before it becomes available in the U.S.

When does Eliquis go generic in the U.S.?

Eliquis will go generic in the United States on April 1, 2028, at the earliest, when Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer's patent exclusivity expires following a 2021 U.S. Court of Appeals decision.

Can I buy Eliquis from Canada?

Yes, U.S. residents can purchase Eliquis from Canadian pharmacies for personal use. Canadian Pharmacy Service ships directly to U.S. addresses with proper prescription documentation.

Can I save money by ordering Eliquis in bulk?

Yes. Ordering a larger quantity of Eliquis or generic apixaban lowers the cost per tablet.

Bulk ordering is often more cost-effective for long-term treatment.

Is there an Eliquis coupon?

You do not need an Eliquis coupon to make great savings on your medication when you buy from Canadian Pharmacy Service. Our standard Canadian pharmacy prices already provide 75% savings compared to U.S. prices without requiring any additional discounts or promotional codes.

What strengths of Eliquis are available?

Eliquis is available in 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets.

Your doctor will determine the correct dose based on your condition, kidney function, age, and other medications.

Is there a reversal agent for Eliquis?

Yes. Eliquis has a reversal agent called Andexxa (andexanet alfa).

It may be used in emergency situations involving uncontrolled or life-threatening bleeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Eliquis?

If you miss a dose of Eliquis, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.