Apigat and Eliquis: Affordable Indian Alternatives for Blood Thinner Apixaban
Apixaban, a widely used oral anticoagulant, plays a critical role in preventing strokes, blood clots, and other serious cardiovascular complications. Marketed under the brand name Eliquis and generic alternatives like Apigat, Apiban, and Apigy, this medication is part of a class of drugs known as Factor Xa inhibitors. However, in the United States, the cost of apixaban therapy can be prohibitively expensive for uninsured or long-term users. Thankfully, Indian pharmaceutical companies offer the same active ingredient at a fraction of the price—without compromising on quality.
What Is Apixaban?
Apixaban is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to:
- Prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Lower the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
- Reduce the risk of DVT and PE after hip or knee replacement surgery
It works by selectively inhibiting Factor Xa, an enzyme responsible for blood clot formation, thereby reducing the risk of clot-related health issues.
Common Brand and Generic Names
Brand Name: Eliquis
Generic Name: Apigat
Also referred to as:
Possible Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Easy bruising
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding gums
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts
Serious Side Effects (less common):
- Unexplained bleeding (e.g., internal bleeding, blood in urine or stools)
- Severe headaches or dizziness (signs of possible brain bleed)
- Low blood pressure or fatigue (indicating blood loss)
Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any signs of unusual bleeding and undergo routine monitoring as needed.
Cost Comparison: India vs. United States
U.S. Pharmacy Pricing:
- Eliquis 5mg (60 tablets): $550 – $620 USD (retail)
Indian Pricing:
- Apigat 5mg (60 tablets): ~$45 USD
- Eliquis (Pfizer India) 5mg (60 tablets): ~$65 USD
- Apiban or Apigy: Varies by supplier, typically ~$35–50 USD
Estimated Savings:
- Up to 90% savings compared to U.S. pharmacy prices
Conclusion: Safe, Effective, and Affordable Options Abroad
For patients prescribed apixaban for clot prevention or stroke reduction, Indian-made alternatives such as Apigat, Apiban, and Apigy offer a safe and dramatically more affordable option. With prices as low as 10% of the U.S. cost, they make long-term anticoagulant therapy accessible to a wider range of patients.
As with any prescription medication, especially blood thinners, patients should consult with their healthcare provider before switching to an international brand to ensure proper dosing and monitoring.
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