Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants)
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and traditional blood thinners that prevent blood clots, stroke, and pulmonary embolism.
How Blood Thinners Work
DOACs like Eliquis (apixaban) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) directly inhibit specific clotting factors (Factor Xa or thrombin). Unlike older warfarin, they don't require regular blood monitoring and have fewer food interactions. They prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation patients and treat/prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants) — Ranked by Cost Per Claim (Cheapest First)
| # | Drug | Generic Name | Cost/Claim | Generic? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Warfarin | Warfarin Sodium | $10.00 | Yes |
| 2 | Lovenox | Enoxaparin | $94.00 | Yes |
| 3 | Pradaxa | Dabigatran | $180.00 | Yes |
| 4 | Brilinta | Ticagrelor | $229.00 | Yes |
| 5 | Savaysa | Edoxaban | $278.00 | Yes |
| 6 | Xarelto | Rivaroxaban | $321.00 | Yes |
| 7 | Eliquis | Apixaban | $510.00 | Yes |
Potential Savings
Eliquis ($510/claim) is the #1 drug by total Medicare spending ($16.5B). Its Medicare-negotiated price drops 43% in 2026 to ~$291/claim. Generic apixaban could launch in 2028. Warfarin ($8/month) works but requires blood monitoring.
First-line generic: warfarin at $8.00/claim. Ask your doctor if this is appropriate for you.
Key Facts
- 1.Eliquis is the single most expensive drug for Medicare — $16.5 billion in annual spending
- 2.Medicare negotiated a 43% price cut for Eliquis effective 2026 (from ~$510 to ~$291/claim)
- 3.Xarelto also faces a Medicare-negotiated price cut in 2026
- 4.6 million Americans have atrial fibrillation requiring blood thinners
- 5.DOACs have largely replaced warfarin despite being 30-60x more expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest option is Warfarin (generic Coumadin) at $8 per claim. Eliquis ($510/claim) is the #1 drug by total Medicare spending ($16.5B). Its Medicare-negotiated price drops 43% in 2026 to ~$291/claim. Generic apixaban could launch in 2028. Warfarin ($8/month) works but requires blood monitoring.
DOACs like Eliquis (apixaban) and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) directly inhibit specific clotting factors (Factor Xa or thrombin). Unlike older warfarin, they don't require regular blood monitoring and have fewer food interactions. They prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation patients and treat/prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
All spending data comes from the CMS Medicare Part D Drug Spending Dashboard. Patent and generic information comes from the FDA Orange Book. Prices shown are average cost per 30-day supply claim under Medicare Part D.