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Why Is There Still No Generic Eliquis in the U.S.? Patent Delays and Affordable Alternatives
Why Is There Still No Generic Eliquis in the U.S.? Patent Delays and Affordable Alternatives
- Jason K
Eliquis (apixaban) is one of the most commonly prescribed blood thinners for preventing strokes and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). While the drug has been on the market since 2012, many patients wonder why a lower-cost generic is still not available in the United States.
The short answer: patent protections and legal strategies have kept generic Eliquis off the U.S. market. Meanwhile, patients continue to face high out-of-pocket costs. In this article, we explore why generic Eliquis is still unavailable in the U.S., how Canada now offers a generic version, and what Americans can do to save on this essential medication.
The Patent Timeline for Eliquis in the U.S.
Eliquis is jointly marketed by Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS). The original patents on the drug were expected to expire in 2022. However, both companies employed a common pharmaceutical strategy known as “patent evergreening,” where they filed additional patents to extend exclusivity on the product.
These additional patents focused on specific aspects of Eliquis, such as manufacturing processes and formulations. The extended protection currently pushes the U.S. patent expiration date to 2028, according to court rulings that upheld BMS’s claims against generic manufacturers.
As a result, generic versions of apixaban are effectively blocked from entering the U.S. market until that date, unless future legal rulings or settlements change the outcome.
Canada Now Offers a Generic Version of Apixaban
In contrast to the U.S., Canada’s patent protections for Eliquis expired earlier, allowing Canadian pharmacies to begin offering generic apixaban in 2023. The generic contains the same active ingredient, is approved by Health Canada, and is widely prescribed as a lower-cost alternative to brand-name Eliquis.
This difference in availability has created an opportunity for Americans to legally access the same medication at a significantly lower cost by purchasing from licensed Canadian pharmacies or prescription referral services.
Why the Generic Delay Matters
The delay in generic Eliquis availability in the U.S. has real consequences. Patients who can’t afford the high cost of their medication may:
Skip doses
Split pills
Stop taking the drug altogether
All of these actions can increase the risk of life-threatening blood clots or stroke, particularly for people with atrial fibrillation.
Access to a more affordable, equally effective generic version could improve adherence and overall health outcomes.
Is It Legal to Buy Eliquis or Apixaban from Canada?
Yes, under U.S. federal guidelines, individuals are allowed to import up to a 90-day supply of medication for personal use from a foreign pharmacy, provided the drug is:
Prescribed by a licensed U.S. healthcare provider
Not a controlled substance
Intended for personal use only
Many Americans now use licensed Canadian pharmacy referral services to safely order their prescriptions online and have them shipped to their homes.
How to Access Generic Apixaban from Canada
If you and your doctor decide that switching to generic apixaban is right for you, here are the steps to get started:
1. Ask your U.S. healthcare provider for a prescription for apixaban.
2. Choose a trusted Canadian prescription referral service that sources from licensed pharmacies.
3. Submit your prescription and order online or via fax to 1-833-209-3705.
4. Receive your medication at your home—most deliveries take between 7 and 14 days.
It’s important to ensure the pharmacy or service you’re using is reputable and transparent about where the medications are coming from.
Alternatives to Eliquis
If cost is still a concern, talk to your doctor about other direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as:
Xarelto (rivaroxaban) – another widely used anticoagulant that may be more affordable for some patients
Warfarin (Coumadin) – a traditional blood thinner that is less expensive but requires regular blood tests and dietary restrictions
However, Eliquis is often preferred due to its proven efficacy, lower bleeding risk compared to warfarin, and no required INR monitoring.
Final Thoughts
The lack of a generic version of Eliquis in the U.S. is largely due to extended patent protections and legal battles, not the unavailability of alternatives. Patients who need this essential blood thinner and are struggling with cost should know that generic apixaban is available in Canada—and can legally be imported for personal use.
By working with a reputable Canadian pharmacy referral service and using a valid prescription, Americans can access the medication they need at a more affordable price—without compromising on quality.