Eliquis vs. Xarelto: Out-of-Pocket Cost & Generic Availability in 2025
For many patients, choosing between Eliquis (apixaban) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) often comes down to cost. In 2025, the financial dynamic for these popular blood thinners is shifting.
While a generic for Xarelto has arrived, it is currently limited to the 2.5 mg strength. Eliquis remains brand-only, but robust savings programs can significantly lower its out-of-pocket cost for many people.
Key Takeaways
- In 2025, a generic for Xarelto is available, but only for the 2.5 mg strength. Eliquis remains without a generic version.
- With manufacturer savings cards, most patients with private insurance pay as little as $10 per month for either medication.
- For Medicare patients, a new $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket pharmacy costs provides significant financial protection.
- Without insurance, the list price for both drugs exceeds $590 per month, making patient assistance programs essential.
- The most effective way to manage cost is to use official savings programs and ask your doctor about eligible generics.
How Do Eliquis and Xarelto Out-of-Pocket Costs Compare in 2025?
Your actual cost for Eliquis or Xarelto is not a single price. It depends heavily on your type of insurance coverage. Manufacturer and insurance claims data from 2025 provide a clear picture of what patients are paying on average.
The list price for a 30-day supply of Eliquis is $606 . However, very few patients pay this full amount. On average, patients with commercial insurance pay about $38 per month, and half of all Eliquis patients pay $35 or less .
For Xarelto, the listed retail price is approximately $598 for a 30-day supply . Similar to Eliquis, various programs dramatically reduce what patients pay at the pharmacy.
The table below breaks down the average monthly costs based on the type of insurance coverage.
| Insurance Type | Average Eliquis Cost | Average Xarelto Cost | Key Savings Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial/Private | Around $38 | As low as $10 with savings card | Eliquis $10 Co-pay Card; Xarelto withMe Savings Card |
| Medicare | Around $54 | Varies; out-of-pocket cap of $2,000 in 2025 | Extra Help (LIS) program; Medicare Part D changes |
| Medicaid | Around $2 | Around $1 | State-specific program benefits |
| No Insurance | Full list price (~$606) | Full list price (~$598 | Manufacturer Patient Assistance Programs |
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These figures show that with the right savings program, the out-of-pocket cost for either medication can become very manageable for most insured patients.
How Much Does Eliquis Cost Without Insurance This Year?
Paying for Eliquis without insurance coverage is challenging. You would be responsible for the full list price, which is $606 for a 30-day supply of 60 tablets . This price can vary slightly depending on the pharmacy you use.
If you do not have insurance, you should immediately explore the support options available from the manufacturer. The ELIQUIS 360 Support program can help you understand your options, which may include purchasing the medication at a potentially lower rate directly through their service .
For those who are uninsured and have limited income, you may qualify for the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Program, which provides medicine free of charge for up to one year to eligible patients . While this program is listed on a Xarelto-specific site, it is worth investigating for any prescribed Johnson & Johnson medication, and similar programs may exist for Eliquis through its manufacturer.
What Are the 2025 Xarelto Costs and Patient Assistance Options?
Xarelto's manufacturer, Janssen (a Johnson & Johnson company), offers several programs to help patients afford their medication, making the cost much lower than its retail price for most people.
The most direct help for commercially insured patients is the Xarelto withMe Savings Card. This card can reduce your copay to as little as $10 for a 30-day or 90-day supply . There are annual maximums on the savings, but this program makes Xarelto highly affordable for those with private insurance.
If you are trying Xarelto for the first time, a free 30-day trial offer is available. This can help you and your doctor decide if the medication is right for you without any initial cost.
For patients with government insurance like Medicare or those who are uninsured, support is also available:
- Medicare Patients: A major change took effect in 2025. The out-of-pocket cap for all Part D prescription drugs is now $2,000 per year. Once you spend this amount, your medications, including Xarelto, will cost you nothing for the rest of the year.
- Uninsured Patients: The Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Program may provide Xarelto at no cost if you meet certain income and eligibility requirements .
Which Anticoagulant Costs Less in 2025 (Eliquis or Xarelto)?
Determining which drug is "cheaper" is not straightforward because it depends entirely on your individual circumstances.
For most patients with commercial insurance who use the available savings cards, the cost difference is minimal. Both medications can be obtained for about $10 per month .
The calculation changes if you do not have insurance. In that case, you would face the full list price for either drug, which is over $590 for a one-month supply. At these prices, exploring manufacturer patient assistance programs becomes essential.
The most significant development in 2025 is the arrival of a generic version of Xarelto. Generic drugs typically cost 30-85% less than their brand-name counterparts. However, this generic is currently only available in the 2.5 mg tablet strength . If your prescribed dose is 2.5 mg, asking your doctor about switching to generic rivaroxaban could lead to substantial savings. For all other dosages, only the brand-name Xarelto is available for now.
When Will Generic Versions of Eliquis and Xarelto Become Available?
The timeline for generic availability is the biggest differentiator between these two drugs in 2025.
Generic Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is now available, but with a major limitation. The FDA approved the first generic versions of Xarelto on March 4, 2025 . This approval, however, is specifically for the 2.5 mg oral tablet used for certain heart and vascular conditions.
As of October 2025, the more commonly prescribed 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg strengths are not available in generic form . There is no public timeline for when these other strengths might be approved.
There is currently no generic for Eliquis (apixaban) available in the United States. Eliquis is one of the first ten drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation under the Inflation Reduction Act.
This means that a government-negotiated "Maximum Fair Price" for Eliquis will take effect in 2026. While this is not generic, it is expected to lower the cost for Medicare patients. The arrival of a true generic version of Eliquis will likely depend on the resolution of its patent protections.
How Can Patients Manage Anticoagulant Costs More Effectively?
Beyond manufacturer coupons, several strategies can help you control the cost of your blood thinner medication.
- Always Ask About Savings Cards: Before filling your prescription, visit the official Eliquis or Xarelto website to sign up for their savings programs. These are the most effective way to lower your copay .
- Switch to a 90-Day Supply: Getting a three-month supply of your medication can save you money and time. For example, using the Xarelto savings card for a 90-day supply keeps your copay at $10, which averages out to just $3.33 per month .
- Talk to Your Doctor About the New Generic: If you are on Xarelto 2.5 mg, ask your doctor if switching to the new generic rivaroxaban is appropriate for you. It will almost certainly be less expensive .
- Explore Patient Assistance Foundations: Independent co-pay assistance foundations may offer help, especially if you have a chronic illness or limited income. The Xarelto website and Medicare Rights organizations can provide lists of such foundations .
- Understand the New Medicare Cap: If you are on Medicare, be aware of the new $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket pharmacy costs . Track your spending, as once you hit this limit, your medications will be covered for the rest of the year.
What to Do Next
The cost of Eliquis and Xarelto does not have to be a barrier to your treatment. Take these steps to ensure you are paying the lowest possible price:
- Speak with Your Doctor or Pharmacist: They are your first resource. Ask them, "Are there any savings programs or generics for my prescribed blood thinner?"
- Contact the Manufacturer Directly: Visit the official Eliquis or Xarelto website or call their support lines (1-855-ELIQUIS or 888-927-3586) to get the most current information on savings cards and assistance programs .
- Review Your Insurance Plan's Formulary: Check which medication your plan prefers, as this can affect your copay. During open enrollment, look for plans that offer the best coverage for your medications.
By being proactive and using the available resources, you can effectively manage the cost of your anticoagulant therapy in 2025 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most people with private insurance using a savings card, the cost is very similar, often around $10 per month. The potential for significant savings comes if you are prescribed Xarelto 2.5 mg, as a generic version is now available and is typically much less expensive.
No. As of October 2025, there is no generic version of Eliquis (apixaban) available in the United States. The brand-name drug is still under patent protection.
Yes, but it is important to know that manufacturer savings cards cannot be used with traditional Medicare. However, they can often be used if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or other commercial insurance alongside your Medicare coverage. For help with traditional Medicare costs, look into the "Extra Help" program.
Not yet. The generic rivaroxaban currently available is only for the 2.5 mg tablet strength. The 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg strengths are still only available as brand-name Xarelto.
Your first step should be to visit the official website for your medication (Eliquis.com or Xarelto.com) and sign up for their savings program. Then, talk to your pharmacist and ask them to apply the savings card to your prescription.
Reference: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-roundup-march-4-2025
