blood thinner Tag - PrescriptionPoint

blood thinner

Is It Safe to Buy Eliquis from Canada? A Complete Guide for U.S. Seniors

Categories:
Woman receiving a home delivery package from a Canadian pharmacy, representing safe and reliable access to Eliquis from Canada

Prescription drug prices in the U.S. are higher than in many other countries. To reduce costs, the U.S. launched programs to import drugs from Canada. The goal is to make medications more affordable for American patients. The FDA’s rule points to high U.S. drug prices. These prices are driving cross-border sourcing. This suggests some Americans may turn to Canadian pharmacies for affordable medications. Canadian pharmacies offer significant savings on life-saving medications like Eliquis. But is it safe to buy Eliquis from Canada?

The short answer is yes, when done correctly. Licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense drugs that meet Health Canada’s safety standards. Yet, choosing the right pharmacy is crucial for your safety. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover safety protocols, legal considerations, and step-by-step ordering instructions. You’ll also learn how to identify legitimate pharmacies and avoid dangerous counterfeits.

What Is Eliquis (Apixaban)?

Eliquis is a brand-name blood thinner containing the active ingredient apixaban. It belongs to a class of medications called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). These drugs prevent dangerous blood clots.

The medication has revolutionized blood clot prevention since its FDA approval in 2012. Unlike older blood thinners like warfarin, Eliquis doesn’t require frequent blood monitoring. This makes it more convenient for patients and doctors alike.

Approved Uses & Administration

Eliquis treats several serious conditions:

Standard dosing varies by condition. Most patients take 5mg twice daily for atrial fibrillation. DVT and pulmonary embolism treatment usually begins with 10mg twice a day for seven days. After that, the dose reduces to 5mg twice daily. Your doctor sets the dose based on your condition, age, weight, and kidney function. Never adjust your dose without medical supervision. Take Eliquis with or without food at the same time each day.

Mechanism of Action

Eliquis works by blocking Factor Xa, a key protein in the blood clotting process. When Factor Xa is inhibited, your blood takes longer to clot. This prevents dangerous clots from forming in your blood vessels. The drug is highly selective for Factor Xa. This specificity reduces the risk of excessive bleeding compared to older anticoagulants. However, all blood thinners carry some bleeding risk. Eliquis reaches peak blood levels within 3-4 hours after taking a dose. The medication stays active in your system for about 12 hours. This is why most patients take it twice daily.

Common Side Effects & Risks

The most serious risk with Eliquis is bleeding. This can range from minor bruising to life-threatening internal bleeding. Seek immediate medical attention for signs of serious bleeding:

  • Unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Blood in urine or stool
  • Vomiting blood or coffee-ground material
  • Severe headache or dizziness
  • Weakness or fainting

Common mild side effects include:

  • Easy bruising
  • Minor bleeding (nosebleeds, gum bleeding)
  • Nausea
  • Skin rash

Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take. Some drugs increase bleeding risk when combined with Eliquis. Never stop taking Eliquis without medical supervision, as this increases stroke risk.

Why Consider Buying Eliquis from Canada?

Canadian pharmacies may present affordable options for U.S. patients facing high medication costs. The potential benefits could extend beyond just lower prices.

Major Cost Savings

The price difference is dramatic. The official list price for a 30-day supply of Eliquis is $606. However, many U.S. pharmacies sell a 30-day supply of 5mg Eliquis for around $700 to $750.

The PMPRB, an independent board under Health Canada tracks drug prices through its CompassRx report. In one 2018 to 2019 edition, brand-name Eliquis was listed at 146.88 Canadian dollars. That is about 110 to 120 US dollars. 

At PrescriptionPoint, a trusted licensed Canadian pharmacy partner, we offer a 30-day supply of brand-name Eliquis 5mg for approximately $70—a significant savings compared to U.S. prices. If you’re looking for an even more affordable option, the generic version, apixaban, is also available and typically ranges between $60 and $100 per month through our service.

These savings come from Canada’s drug pricing rules. The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) enforces them. It is an independent body that reports to Parliament. The board sets maximum prices for new patented drugs. Companies must follow these limits. This keeps medicine prices lower in Canada. 

Brand drug prices are 2.78 times higher in the U.S. than in Canada, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Health Canada–Approved Quality

Canadian medications meet the same rigorous standards as U.S. drugs. Health Canada, the country’s FDA equivalent, ensures all medications are safe and effective. Their approval process mirrors FDA requirements.

Generic medications must prove bioequivalence to brand-name drugs. This means they work identically in your body. Health Canada’s standards for generics match or exceed U.S. requirements.

Manufacturing facilities undergo regular inspections. Quality control measures ensure consistent potency and purity. Licensed Canadian pharmacies only dispense Health Canada-approved medications.

Convenience, Privacy & Access

Canadian pharmacies offer discreet home delivery throughout the U.S. Most orders arrive within 2-3 weeks via standard mail. Express shipping options are available for urgent needs.

Packaging is discreet with no identifying marks about the contents. This protects your medical privacy during delivery. Most pharmacies use secure, tamper-evident packaging.

For uninsured Americans, Canadian pharmacies provide access to essential medications. You don’t need insurance coverage to order. Payment options include credit cards, bank transfers, and money orders.

Is It Legal to Import Eliquis from Canada?

The rules around importing prescription drugs can be complex. In some cases, it may be allowed for personal use. Checking FDA guidelines and state laws can help with understanding the process.

FDA Personal Importation Policy

The FDA officially prohibits importing prescription drugs from other countries. However, they exercise “enforcement discretion” for personal imports under specific conditions:

  • The medication is for personal use only (up to 90-day supply)
  • You have a valid U.S. prescription
  • The drug is not available in the U.S.
  • The medication is not a controlled substance
  • The product doesn’t pose unreasonable health risks

People often import to save money, but the FDA doesn’t permit it for that reason. The FDA rarely takes action against individuals importing for personal use. Their focus is on commercial importers and dangerous products.

U.S. and State-Level Importation Laws

Several U.S. states are exploring prescription import programs. Florida launched the first approved one in 2023. These aim to cut costs for state health programs. Some rules apply to personal imports. It’s best to check with a doctor or pharmacist.

How to Choose a Legitimate Canadian Pharmacy

Selecting a reputable Canadian pharmacy is crucial for your safety. Several verification methods help identify legitimate providers.

Licensing & Provincial Regulation

All legitimate Canadian pharmacies must be licensed by their provincial pharmacy regulatory body. Each province maintains a public database of licensed pharmacies. Verify your chosen pharmacy appears in these official listings.

Key provincial regulators include:

Check the pharmacy’s license number against the official database. Legitimate pharmacies prominently display their license information on their websites.

CIPA & IPABC Certification

The Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) provides additional verification. CIPA members must meet strict standards for licensing, prescription requirements, and patient safety. Look for the CIPA seal on pharmacy websites. CIPA pharmacies have served over 10 million U.S. patients since 2002 with a perfect safety record, according to CIPA.com. This demonstrates the reliability of certified providers. The International Pharmacy Association of British Columbia (IPABC) offers similar certification for B.C.based pharmacies. Their members follow enhanced safety protocols and quality standards.

Prescription & Contact Requirements

Legitimate pharmacies always require valid prescriptions from licensed U.S. doctors. They never sell prescription medications without proper documentation. Be wary of any pharmacy offering to sell prescription drugs without a prescription.

Reputable pharmacies provide clear contact information, including:

  • Physical address in Canada
  • Licensed pharmacist available for consultation
  • Secure website with SSL encryption

How to Buy Eliquis from Canada: Step-by-Step

Ordering from a Canadian pharmacy may involve a few basic steps. This process is often followed by people looking to import medications. Here’s how to order Cialis from Prescriptionpoint.com

Obtain and Submit Your Prescription

If you’re planning to import Eliquis for personal use, you need a valid prescription from a U.S. doctor. Make sure to include any required documents. This could be a letter from your physician. It should explain why you need the medication. 

The FDA may allow a 90-day supply. But this is only under certain conditions. Submit your prescription through our secure online portal. We accept digital photos or scanned copies.

It may be a good idea to include accurate contact details and a shipping address when placing an order. Adding a phone number could help if we need to reach out. Double-checking the information might help avoid any issues.

Pharmacist Review & Consultation

A licensed Canadian pharmacist reviews every prescription before it is filled. This helps ensure the medication and dosage are correct. The review is required by Canadian pharmacy regulations. Patients can ask questions about their medication. The pharmacist will give advice to support safe and proper use. These services are only offered by licensed pharmacies that follow national standards.

Payment, Shipping & Customs

Canadian pharmacies (including Prescriptionpoint.com) often accept payments like personal checks, certified checks, e-checks, and money orders. Credit cards may not always be accepted. Shipping to the U.S. usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Costs can vary depending on the order. Sometimes shipments are delayed by customs inspections. If customs contacts you, giving them a valid prescription and saying the medicine is for personal use usually helps. Some pharmacies follow this process.

Cost Comparison: Canada vs. U.S. Pharmacies

The following table shows typical monthly costs for Eliquis:

Medication U.S. Price Canadian Price Savings
Brand Eliquis 5mg (60 tablets) US$700-$900 US$60-$70 approximately US$630-$840
Brand Eliquis 2.5mg (60 tablets) US$700-$900 US$80-$90 approximately US$610-$820

*Prices as on July 2025.

Risks & How to Avoid Counterfeits

While legitimate Canadian pharmacies are safe, counterfeit drug risks exist online. Recognizing warning signs protects your health and money.

Recognizing Rogue Sites

Illegitimate online pharmacies often share common characteristics:

  • No prescription required for prescription medications
  • Prices too good to be true (90% below market rates)
  • No verifiable physical address or phone number 
  • Websites with poor English or obvious grammatical errors
  • Unsolicited email advertisements
  • No licensed pharmacist available for consultation

These sites often sell counterfeit or contaminated medications. Products may contain wrong ingredients, incorrect dosages, or harmful contaminants.

Health Canada Seizure Data

Health Canada regularly seizes counterfeit medications entering the country. Their enforcement actions target fake versions of popular drugs including blood thinners.

Common counterfeit drug problems include:

  • Wrong active ingredient or dosage
  • Contamination with harmful substances
  • Poor manufacturing quality
  • Expired or degraded medications

Stick to licensed, certified pharmacies to avoid these risks. The small additional cost is worth your safety and peace of mind.

Alternatives to Eliquis & Assistance Programs

Some people look into other options to manage costs. These might include alternative treatments or assistance programs.

Other DOACs & Warfarin

Other direct oral anticoagulants include:

  • Xarelto (rivaroxaban): Taken once daily for most conditions. 
  • Pradaxa (dabigatran): Requires twice-daily dosing. 
  • Savaysa (edoxaban): Once-daily dosing.

Warfarin remains an effective, inexpensive option. However, it requires regular blood monitoring and dietary restrictions.

Discuss these alternatives with your doctor. The best choice depends on your specific condition, other medications, and personal preferences.

Co-pay Cards & Patient Aid

Bristol Myers Squibb offers an Eliquis co-pay card for eligible patients. This can reduce monthly costs to $10 for commercially insured patients. Income and insurance restrictions apply.

Patient assistance programs may provide free medications for qualifying low-income patients. Applications require financial documentation and doctor approval.

You can compare U.S. programs with Canadian prices. Some people find long-term savings through Canadian pharmacies. It depends on your needs and what you’re eligible for.

FAQs

Is Canadian generic Eliquis safe? 

Yes, when purchased from licensed pharmacies. Health Canada uses rigorous safety and bioequivalence standards. Verify pharmacy licensing through provincial bodies or CIPA certification. Always use a valid prescription.

What is the price of Eliquis in Canada? 

The price of Eliquis in Canada is around $70 for a 30-day supply of the 5mg brand version.

Can prescription medication be mailed from Canada to the US? 

The FDA generally does not allow drug imports. However, it may permit a 90-day supply for personal use.

Is Canadian pharmacy service legitimate? 

A: Licensed Canadian pharmacies are legitimate and safe. Confirm licensing by provincial pharmacy authorities. Look for CIPA or IPABC accreditation. Ensure they require prescriptions and provide pharmacist consultation.

Is generic Eliquis as good as brand Eliquis? 

Yes, generic apixaban is bioequivalent to brand Eliquis. It meets the same quality and effectiveness standards. Generic versions offer significant cost savings without compromising safety or efficacy.

How long does shipping take from Canada? 

Standard shipping typically takes 2-4 weeks via Canada Post to USPS. Customs processing can occasionally cause delays.

Do I need to notify my doctor about ordering from Canada? 

Yes, inform your doctor about your medication source. This ensures proper medical record keeping and allows them to monitor your treatment effectively. Most doctors support cost-saving measures for patients.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Buying Eliquis from licensed Canadian pharmacies can lead to significant savings without compromising quality or safety. The key is to choose a trusted, certified provider and follow the proper procedures.

PrescriptionPoint.com is a CIPA-certified Canadian pharmacy partner that offers affordable pricing on brand-name and generic medications. You can buy Eliquis from Canada through our secure platform and have it shipped directly to your door.

We recommend speaking with your doctor about Canadian pharmacy options. They can help provide the appropriate prescription and monitor your treatment.

For Americans on fixed incomes and patients facing high U.S. drug prices, Canadian pharmacies like PrescriptionPoint offer access to life-saving medications at more manageable costs. With the right precautions, this can be a safe, effective, and reliable cost-saving strategy.

Take the next step by discussing options with your healthcare provider and exploring certified Canadian pharmacies like PrescriptionPoint.com. Your health and financial peace of mind are worth it.

 

Sources

Post categories

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in posts
Search in pages

At present, a power outage is affecting some of our services including our call center, email, and live chat. Our customer service is of the utmost importance and our team will tirelessly work until these services may resume. We apologize for any delays or hardships caused by this disruption in service, -- thank you for your patience.