The cost of medication is a critical factor for many patients managing long-term conditions that require a daily anticoagulant like Eliquis (apixaban). Due to Canada's drug price regulations, the medication is generally more affordable than in the US, but prices differ markedly between the brand-name version and its generic equivalent.
Brand-name Eliquis 5 mg Cost in Canada
Eliquis is the brand name for the drug apixaban, and it is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer. The cost for a 5 mg dose of brand-name Eliquis depends on the quantity purchased and the specific pharmacy. Here’s an overview of potential costs from various Canadian online pharmacies based on recent data:
- Online Pharmacies Canada: Lists the cost for Eliquis 5 mg as ranging from approximately CAD $165 to $475, with the price varying significantly based on the quantity in the order.
- PricePro Pharmacy: A 60-tablet supply of 5 mg brand-name Eliquis can cost around $185 USD (equating to a similar CAD price), especially when shipping to the US.
- DoctorSolve: Offers a 168-tablet supply of brand-name Eliquis for about $515 CAD, translating to a unit price of around $3.07 per tablet.
These figures represent cash prices without considering insurance coverage, which can alter the final out-of-pocket expense for eligible Canadian residents.
Generic Apixaban 5 mg Cost in Canada
Since Eliquis's patent expired, generic versions of apixaban have become available, offering a much more affordable option. Many online and local pharmacies carry generic apixaban, and the cost savings can be substantial, often representing a fraction of the brand-name price. Some typical prices for 5 mg generic apixaban are:
- Online Pharmacies Canada: Lists the price for generic apixaban 5 mg from CAD $64 to $160, with the lower price corresponding to a smaller quantity and the higher for a larger bulk order.
- RxConnected: May offer 60 generic Eliquis tablets (5 mg) for around $90 USD (about $120 CAD), with bulk ordering further reducing the unit price.
- DoctorSolve: Prices for 180 generic apixaban 5 mg tablets can be around $170 CAD, making the cost per tablet significantly lower.
This price disparity makes the generic version a primary cost-saving strategy for many patients, especially those without adequate drug coverage.
Factors Influencing the Price of Eliquis
Several factors contribute to the final price a patient pays for Eliquis or its generic equivalent in Canada. Understanding these can help in managing expenses effectively:
- Type of Medication (Brand vs. Generic): This is the most significant factor. The brand-name drug carries a higher cost due to its patent protection and the research and development investment by the manufacturer. Generic apixaban, containing the same active ingredient, is offered at a much lower price due to market competition.
- Pharmacy Type (Local vs. Online): Canadian online pharmacies, especially those serving US customers, often offer highly competitive pricing due to their business model and the volume of sales. Local Canadian pharmacies will have varying prices, and it is always wise to compare.
- Quantity Purchased: Buying a larger supply, such as a 90-day quantity versus a 30-day one, almost always results in a lower cost per pill.
- Insurance and Provincial Coverage: The final out-of-pocket cost is heavily dependent on an individual's drug coverage. For Canadians, this may include coverage through a provincial drug plan or a private insurance provider. Coverage rules and eligibility vary greatly by province and plan.
- Wholesale Pricing and Negotiations: Canada's Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) regulates the maximum prices pharmaceutical companies can charge for patented medications, contributing to lower prices for brand-name drugs compared to the US. Wholesale prices negotiated by insurance providers also impact the final cost.
Comparison: Eliquis vs. Generic Apixaban 5 mg (Typical 60-tablet supply)
| Feature | Brand-Name Eliquis (5 mg) | Generic Apixaban (5 mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (Estimate) | CAD $150–$200+ (depending on pharmacy) | CAD $65–$90+ (depending on pharmacy) |
| Active Ingredient | Apixaban | Apixaban |
| Manufacturer | Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer | Various generic drug manufacturers |
| Quality Assurance | Approved by Health Canada | Approved by Health Canada |
| Therapeutic Effect | Identical | Identical |
| Availability | Available at all pharmacies | Availability may vary by pharmacy |
Insurance and Patient Assistance in Canada
For Canadian patients, accessing Eliquis and its generic through a provincial drug plan is the most common way to mitigate costs. Many provinces include generic apixaban on their formularies, offering coverage for eligible residents. Specific rules regarding coverage, deductibles, and co-payments vary by province.
For example, the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program lists which medications are covered, and eligibility depends on factors such as age or income. Other provinces, like British Columbia, have also adjusted their PharmaCare plans to cover apixaban more broadly.
Patients should contact their provincial health ministry or drug benefit plan to confirm eligibility and the extent of coverage. Many Canadians also have private insurance through their employer, which may provide more comprehensive coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs.
Conclusion
While brand-name Eliquis 5 mg carries a moderate cost in Canada, the introduction of generic apixaban has made the medication significantly more affordable, with prices often less than half of the brand-name version. The final price for how much is 5 mg of Eliquis in Canada? depends on several variables, including the choice between brand and generic, the pharmacy, the quantity purchased, and personal insurance coverage through provincial or private plans. Comparing prices and exploring all coverage options, particularly for the generic version, is the most effective way for Canadian patients to manage the cost of this essential medication.
For additional information on provincial drug benefit programs, visit the official Canada.ca resource.
