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Advantages of Eliquis or Xarelto over Coumadin?
Hi - I've been on Coumadin for 15 years and my PCP and hematologist suggested I might want to try the newer generation of blood thinners. So, I started taking Eliquis last week. I haven't noticed any changes but it does make me nervous that there is no way to know for sure if my INR is at the proper level. I realize that not having to get tested once a month is great in terms of convenience and I like that I don't have to avoid foods with Vitamin K. My question is - are there other benefits to taking Eliquis over Coumadin? The higher cost isn't too much of an issue since the copay isn't too bad with my insurance.
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@cece1112 A hematologist told me of an antidote for Eliquis: Amdexanet alfa. Most hospitals should have it on hand. Ask before going in for surgery.
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1 ReactionI was on Eliquis, doctor gave me samples. On Warfarin now. Eliquis copay is $389.
When I took Elliquis
It was something like $500 for 30 day supply but after insurance deductible my copay was around $60 for 30 days. I purchased a 30 day supply while in France in 2022, walk up price no insurance 60 euros. Just checked Trump RX but it’s not there as yet. I read that Elliquis goes off patent Nov 2026
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1 Reaction@chickenfarmer Hi. I’m on Eliquis for life. Please let me know what you mean by “…Elliquis goes off patent Nov 2026.”
Thanks,
M
THe patent expires thus opening up the possibility of lower cost generic. Bristol Myers has plenty of lawyers who are attempting to extend certain followon patents so things may be muddy for a while but there's the possibility of govt pressure plus PR that will be counterweights.
https://www.goodrx.com/eliquis/eliquis-generics-approved-patent-expiration-ways-to-save
Prices in other countries are more reasonable
FYI. I had ablation for AF in 2017 and after several months with no AF episodes my EP took me off Elliquis and prescribed daily 81mg aspirin. I have paroxysmal AFIB. There is also the watchman device which has shown to be effective in stroke prevention without Elliquis, Also there have been some recently published studies which show that Anticoagulants are no more effective than placebo or baby aspirin for some AF patients, I recommend that you research and discuss with your EP.
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4 ReactionsLots of advantages to Eliquis from a safety and convenience standpoint. As with all drugs, some will experience side effects. A number of the folks in these forums have noted gastointestinal or muscle weakness issues.
I'm currently getting generic apixiban 5mg for $47 for 90 day supply (180 tabs) from https://canadianprescriptiondrugstore.com
I found them through https://www.pharmacychecker.com
They rate and audit foreign sources and provide a convienent search function to find the best price for a given drug.
Good luck with which ever way you and your docs decide to go.
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1 Reaction@chickenfarmer
I appreciate your information in that it gives me (us) something to think on and check out. I’m sure the best physicians are trying to stay on top of the “latest greatest” so that they can pass it along to the patients. My personal preference is to not have to be dependent on ANY medications so will pursue more info on being eligible for ablation or the watchman device.
Also, thank you for the Canadian website. I know there’s alot of effort being made to reign in the pharmaceuticals industry.
@marimindy I think it means that Eliquis will be able to be made generic. This has to pass the FDA though. Eliquis can be purchased in its generic form in Europe and other areas.