Close-up of hands with Eliquis tablets showing affordable options when you buy Eliquis from Canada
Oct 6, 2025 Author By Medications Canada

If you’re among the millions of Americans struggling to afford Eliquis, you’re facing an impossible choice: pay hundreds of dollars each month for a medication that prevents life-threatening blood clots, or risk your health by skipping doses or discontinuing treatment altogether. Eliquis (apixaban) has become one of the most commonly prescribed anticoagulants in the United States, yet its price remains out of reach for many patients, even with insurance coverage.

This article examines whether purchasing Eliquis from Canada is safe, legal, and practical for Americans seeking affordable access to this essential medication. Understanding your options matters because medication non-adherence due to cost can lead to serious health consequences, including stroke and pulmonary embolism.

Drawing on FDA guidance, pharmaceutical supply chain data, and information from certified pharmacy organizations, we’ll explore the development and availability of Eliquis, the legal landscape surrounding cross-border medication purchases, how to identify legitimate Canadian pharmacies, and the substantial cost savings available through CIPA-certified sources like MedicationsCanada.com.

What is Eliquis?

Eliquis (apixaban) is a prescription anticoagulant used to lower the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism (PE). 

Brand Eliquis

Eliquis, an anticoagulant, was developed jointly by Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb starting in 2007. The medication received U.S. approval in December 2012. By 2023, Eliquis had become the 28th most frequently prescribed drug in the United States, with over 19 million prescriptions written.

Generic Eliquis

While a generic version of Eliquis (apixaban) was approved by the FDA in 2019, patent litigation has delayed its wide availability in the U.S.

Generic versions are available in several other countries, including Canada, at a much lower cost. The FDA’s Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA: 210128) confirms that approved generics contain the same active ingredients, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as the brand-name drug and must meet the same standards for quality and efficacy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Monday it has approved the first generic version of Bristol-Myers Squibb Co and Pfizer Inc’s blood thinner Eliquis. The approval was granted to Micro Labs Ltd and Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc, the agency said.” (Reuters News December 23, 2019)

The availability of generic medications raises an important question about pharmaceutical supply chains: regardless of whether a medication is brand-name or generic, where do the active pharmaceutical ingredients actually come from? Understanding the source of these ingredients is crucial for patients concerned about drug quality, safety, and the factors that influence medication costs in the United States.

Where are the active ingredients for medications sold in the U.S. obtained?

Information about the U.S. prescription drug supply chain remains fragmented and inconsistent, suggesting that no single entity has a complete understanding of drug sourcing.

According to a 2012 USA Today article, approximately 80 percent of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and 40 percent of finished medications come from outside the United States, primarily from countries like India and China. This means that even the U.S. sold medications often rely on a global supply chain for their production. U.S. sold Eliquis 

Is it against the law to order medications from outside the USA?

About five million Americans buy medication internationally each year because of high costs in the United States. – New York Times, March 24, 2014, by Op-Ed Contributor Gabriel Levitt

The FDA explains that it “typically does not object to personal imports of drugs that FDA has not approved under certain circumstances.” They also publish guidance for the personal importation of drug or device products.

If you’re considering purchasing Eliquis or its generic form (apixaban) from Canada or other countries, you may wonder about the legality. Under federal law, importing prescription medications for personal use is generally prohibited, yet millions of Americans continue to do so each year. This creates a regulatory gray area where enforcement remains inconsistent and politically contentious.

In practice, the FDA typically exercises discretion and allows shipments that meet certain criteria: the medication must be for personal use, prescribed by a licensed physician, and limited to a 90-day supply or less. Statistics show that fewer than 1% of prescription drug orders are intercepted at the border.

Additionally, several states have explored or implemented their own prescription importation programs, and some lawmakers have advocated for federal reforms to make Canadian drug importation officially legal, though comprehensive legislation has yet to pass. In February 2021, H.R. Bill 832 was introduced in the House of Representatives with the goal of amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to permit personal importation of safe and affordable medications from approved Canadian pharmacies. However, as of 2025, this legislation remains stalled and has not been enacted into law.

How does one safely purchase medications from Canadian online pharmacies?

When considering purchasing medications from Canada, it’s essential to verify that you’re working with a legitimate, regulated pharmacy. The Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) serves as a vital resource for patients seeking safe access to Canadian medications. Established in 2002, CIPA is a non-profit organization that certifies and monitors online pharmacies operating in Canada. CIPA-approved pharmacies must meet rigorous standards, including proper licensing in their Canadian province, employing licensed pharmacists to review all prescriptions, sourcing medications exclusively from approved manufacturers, and maintaining secure handling of patient information and medication shipments.

For Americans seeking a trusted option, MedicationsCanada.com stands out as an active CIPA member with a proven track record. As a CIPA-certified member, MedicationsCanada.com adheres to all Canadian regulatory requirements and provides you with access to both brand-name Eliquis and its generic equivalent, apixaban, at significantly reduced prices compared to U.S. retail costs.

You can buy brand-name 5mg Eliquis for about $1 per pill online from MedicationsCanada.com.

Our platform offers straightforward ordering processes, requires valid prescriptions from licensed healthcare providers, and ships medications directly to your homes. Our team is available to answer questions about medications, potential interactions, and proper usage, providing an additional layer of safety and support for you navigating your treatment options.

Call us toll-free on +1-866-481-5817 or email info@medicationscanada.com.

Comparing the Cost of Eliquis: U.S. vs. Canadian Pharmacies

Eliquis Prices in the United States

According to data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and GoodRx, a 30-day supply of brand-name Eliquis 5mg (60 tablets) costs between $550 and $650 without insurance at U.S. retail pharmacies. Even with insurance coverage or discount cards, patients often pay around $450 or more—a price point that remains financially burdensome for many Americans managing chronic conditions.

Eliquis Through Canadian Pharmacies

In contrast, the same 30-day supply of brand-name Eliquis 5mg (60 tablets) purchased through MedicationsCanada.com costs approximately $120 to $150 USD. This represents a potential savings of up to 75% compared to U.S. retail prices, making long-term anticoagulation therapy significantly more affordable for patients who pay out of pocket or face high deductibles.

Generic Apixaban: Even Greater Savings

For those seeking additional cost reduction, generic apixaban available through Canadian pharmacies offers an even more economical option. A 30-day supply of generic apixaban 5mg typically costs between $70 and $90 USD. As an FDA-equivalent generic, it contains the same active ingredient and meets identical standards for safety and efficacy as the brand-name medication, providing therapeutic benefits at a fraction of the cost.

Conclusion

The stark price difference between U.S. and Canadian pharmacies reveals why millions of Americans turn to cross-border medication purchases each year. While Eliquis can cost $550 to $650 per month in the United States, the same brand-name medication is available through CIPA-certified Canadian pharmacies for as little as $120 to $150, with generic apixaban offering even greater savings at $70 to $90 per month. These savings can transform medication adherence from an impossible burden into a manageable reality, potentially preventing the devastating health consequences that occur when patients ration or discontinue anticoagulation therapy due to cost. If you’re considering this option, start by verifying that any pharmacy you consider is CIPA-certified and requires a valid prescription from your healthcare provider.

Contact MedicationsCanada.com at +1-866-481-5817 or info@medicationscanada.com to discuss your options with licensed pharmacists who can guide you through the ordering process. Ensure your shipments don’t exceed a 90-day supply for personal use, and maintain open communication with your prescribing physician about your treatment plan. Taking control of your medication costs doesn’t mean compromising on safety—it means making informed choices that support both your health and financial wellbeing.

References

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