Xarelto Generic Is Still Years Away: Here’s How to Save While You Wait – GoodRx
Here’s some information about Xarelto and how you can save.
How popular is Xarelto?
Xarelto is the third most popular anticoagulant drug. Other anticoagulants include Coumadin (jantoven, warfarin), Pradaxa, and Eliquis. Commonly referred to as blood thinners, these drugs help to prevent blood clots that can cause deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, angina, stroke, and heart attack.
When will generic Xarelto be available?
As of March 2019, there is no generic available for Xarelto. However, it may become available as generic rivaroxaban in 2021, when the patent for the brand drug expires. While you might have to wait two more years to save with the generic, there are other ways to cut costs on Xarelto in the meantime.
Luckily, there are some ways you can save while you wait.
Savings tip #1: Use your insurance
The best way to save on Xarelto is to use your insurance. Yes, Xarelto is covered by most insurance plans, but there is a catch. Most plans require that patients submit a prior authorization form or complete step therapy before they will cover the drug. You can learn more about these restrictions here, but in essence, they make getting your drug more complicated.
If you find that Xarelto isn’t covered by your insurance plan, ask your doctor about an appeal. The exact process will depend on your insurance, but often requires that you work with your doctor to submit an appeal letter.
Savings tip #2: Pay as little as $10 per month with a savings card
Manufacturer Janssen offers a savings card to help insured patients afford Xarelto.
Savings tip #3: Apply for a patient assistance program
Janssen, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, also offers a patient assistance program for uninsured patients
Savings tip #4: Talk to your doctor about alternatives
While Xarelto doesn’t have a generic, there are a couple of alternatives. Be sure you speak with your doctor to see if these alternatives will work for you.
- Coumadin (warfarin, jantoven). Coumadin is a popular anticoagulant that has two affordable generic alternatives, warfarin and jantoven, that can cost as little as $4 for a one month supply. Very affordable, but what is the downside? Well, Coumadin can raise your risk of bleeding and bruising, so it requires regular blood tests to ensure its effectiveness.
- Other anticoagulants. Pradaxa and Eliquis are both still only available in brand form, so they don’t have cheaper generic versions. Still, they may be more affordable than Xarelto, especially if they are covered by your prescription insurance.
For more information on how Xarelto compares to other anticoagulants, check out Iodine’s page on Xarelto alternatives. As always, you’ll want to speak with your doctor if you think other medications might work better for you.
Savings tip #5: Fill a 90-day supply
Filling a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day supply can help shave a little more off of your out-of-pocket costs. Be aware that you will need a new prescription from your doctor, and approval from your insurance to fill for a higher quantity. Check in with your doctor, insurance, and/or pharmacist.
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