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How to Buy Eliquis from Canada?

Posted on by Candrug Store
Pharmacist reviewing prescription information on a computer in a licensed pharmacy for patients looking to buy Eliquis from Canada

For millions of Americans living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) or those who’ve experienced deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism, Eliquis (apixaban) isn’t just another prescription, it’s a lifeline that prevents potentially fatal blood clots. Yet this essential anticoagulant comes with a staggering price tag in the United States. Without insurance, a 30-day supply of Eliquis can cost upward of $600, and even with Medicare Part D or private insurance, out-of-pocket expenses often exceed $400-$500 monthly due to high deductibles and copays.

For seniors on fixed incomes and the millions of Americans with inadequate insurance coverage, these costs are simply unsustainable. The Commonwealth Fund reports that nearly 30% of working-age Americans with insurance are underinsured, meaning their coverage doesn’t adequately protect them from high medical costs. When you’re choosing between a life-saving medication and groceries or rent, the system has clearly failed.

This financial crisis has driven countless Americans to look beyond U.S. borders for relief. A 2023 Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that nearly 1 in 5 American adults, approximately 23%, have purchased prescription medications from another country, with Canada being the most popular destination. The reason is simple: the same FDA-approved Eliquis that costs $600 in the U.S. can be purchased from a licensed Canadian pharmacy for $120-$150, representing savings of 75-80%.

The National Bureau of Economic Research estimates that approximately 8 million Americans purchase prescription drugs from Canadian pharmacies annually, driven by cost savings that can reach 80% or more. Whether you’re new to cross-border purchasing or looking to confirm you’re doing it safely, this article will provide the clarity and confidence you need to access affordable, life-saving treatment.

What is Eliquis?

Eliquis is the brand name for apixaban, an oral anticoagulant (blood thinner) manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer. It belongs to a class of medications called direct factor Xa inhibitors and is prescribed to:

  • Reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by heart valve problems
  • Treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
  • Prevent DVT and PE following hip or knee replacement surgery

Dose and Administration

Eliquis is typically taken twice daily with or without food. The standard dosage varies based on the condition being treated:

  • For atrial fibrillation: Usually 5 mg twice daily (some patients may receive 2.5 mg twice daily based on age, weight, and kidney function)
  • For DVT/PE treatment: 10 mg twice daily for 7 days, followed by 5 mg twice daily
  • For DVT/PE prevention after surgery: 2.5 mg twice daily

It’s essential to take Eliquis exactly as prescribed and not miss doses, as this can significantly affect its effectiveness in preventing dangerous blood clots.

Mechanism of Action

Eliquis works by selectively blocking factor Xa, a critical enzyme in the blood clotting cascade. By inhibiting this factor, apixaban prevents thrombin formation and subsequent clot development. Unlike older anticoagulants like warfarin, Eliquis does not require regular blood monitoring (INR tests) or strict dietary restrictions, making it considerably more convenient for patients.

Side Effects

The most significant risk with Eliquis is bleeding, which can range from minor bruising to serious internal hemorrhaging. Common side effects include:

  • Easy bruising
  • Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
  • Heavier menstrual bleeding
  • Pink, red, or brown urine
  • Red or black, tarry stools

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention:

  • Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
  • Coughing up blood or vomit resembling coffee grounds
  • Severe headaches, dizziness, or weakness (possible signs of internal bleeding)
  • Unusual swelling, pain, or discomfort, especially after an injury

Always discuss potential risks and drug interactions with your healthcare provider before starting Eliquis.

Key Takeaway – Eliquis (apixaban) is a twice-daily blood thinner that prevents dangerous clots and stroke by blocking factor Xa, a key clotting protein. Unlike warfarin, it doesn’t require routine blood monitoring or dietary restrictions, making it more convenient, but the main risk is bleeding, from minor bruising to serious internal hemorrhaging that requires immediate medical care. Missing doses can increase clot risk, so strict adherence to your prescription schedule is critical for this life-saving medication.

Eliquis vs Apixaban

Availability in the U.S. and Canada

While brand-name Eliquis is available in both countries, the generic landscape differs significantly. In the United States, generic apixaban became available in 2023 following patent litigation settlements with Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer. However, even generic versions in the U.S. remain expensive due to limited competition and high launch prices.

In Canada, Health Canada approved generic apixaban in 2022 from manufacturers including Apotex, Sandoz, and Teva. These Health Canada-approved generics meet strict bioequivalence standards, ensuring they contain the same active ingredient (apixaban) in the same dose and work identically to the brand-name medication. The earlier approval and greater manufacturer competition have resulted in significantly lower prices for Canadian patients and Americans purchasing from Canadian pharmacies.

Cost Comparison: USA vs. Canada

The price disparity between U.S. and Canadian pharmacies is striking:

Medication US Price (30-day supply) Canadian Price (30-day supply) Potential Savings
Eliquis $550-$600 $120-$180 70-80%
Apixaban $400-$500 $80-$120 75-85%

According to the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB), U.S. brand-name drug prices average 3.44 times higher than Canadian prices. For patients on fixed incomes or with high-deductible insurance plans, these savings can mean the difference between affording treatment or going without.

Even when comparing generic-to-generic, Canadian pharmacies offer substantial savings. A 90-day supply of generic apixaban from a Canadian pharmacy can cost as little as $240-$360, while the same quantity in the U.S. often exceeds $1,200-$1,500.

Key Takeaway – Both brand-name Eliquis and generic apixaban are available through licensed Canadian pharmacies, with Health Canada-approved generics meeting the same safety and efficacy standards as the brand-name version. Canadian prices are dramatically lower, typically 70-85% less than U.S. prices for both brand and generic versions, saving patients hundreds of dollars per month on this essential blood thinner.

Can You Buy Eliquis from Canada to US?

Yes, Americans can purchase Eliquis from Canadian pharmacies for personal use. While the FDA officially prohibits importing prescription medications from other countries, it has historically exercised enforcement discretion for individuals importing up to a 90-day supply of medication for personal use. This means that while technically not FDA-approved, personal importation from Canada has rarely been prosecuted and is widely practiced by millions of Americans.

How to Get Eliquis from a Canadian Pharmacy

Purchasing Eliquis from Canada involves several straightforward steps:

  1. Obtain a Valid U.S. Prescription: You’ll need a current prescription from your U.S. healthcare provider. Most reputable Canadian pharmacies require this before filling any order, ensuring you’re receiving appropriate medication under medical supervision.
  2. Find a Licensed Canadian Pharmacy: Not all online pharmacies claiming to be “Canadian” are legitimate. Look for pharmacies verified by:
    • CIPA(Canadian International Pharmacy Association) – a certification organization for licensed Canadian pharmacies serving international patients. Licensed Canadian pharmacies will display their provincial pharmacy license number (typically from provinces like British Columbia, Manitoba, or Ontario) and have verifiable physical addresses.
  1. Submit Your Prescription and Place Your Order
    Most Canadian pharmacies allow you to upload your prescription through their website or have your doctor fax it directly. You’ll create an account, select your medication and dosage, and complete payment through secure checkout.
  2. Receive Your Medication
    Orders typically arrive within 2-4 weeks via mail. First-time orders may take slightly longer as the pharmacy verifies your prescription and processes paperwork. Plan ahead and don’t wait until you’re down to your last few pills.

Benefits of Buying Eliquis from Canada

Dramatic Cost Savings

The primary driver for purchasing from Canada is simple economics. With savings of 70-85% compared to U.S. retail prices, Canadian pharmacies make life-saving medication accessible to patients on fixed incomes, those with high-deductible insurance plans, and the uninsured. For many Americans, this isn’t about preference, it’s about survival.

According to a 2024 West Health-Gallup survey, nearly 18 million Americans have personally known someone who died because they couldn’t afford their medication. Canadian pharmacy access helps prevent such tragedies.

Health Canada-Approved Quality

Medications from licensed Canadian pharmacies are approved by Health Canada, which maintains regulatory standards comparable to the FDA. Health Canada ensures that both brand-name Eliquis and generic apixaban meet strict requirements for safety, efficacy, purity, and quality control. You’re receiving the same medication, made by the same or equivalent manufacturers, held to equally rigorous standards.

Convenience and Accessibility

Reputable Canadian online pharmacies offer:

  • Home delivery 
  • Automatic refill reminders
  • Online pharmacist consultations
  • Discreet, secure packaging
  • 90-day supply options

For seniors with mobility challenges, rural residents far from pharmacies, or busy working adults, this convenience is invaluable.

Lifeline for the Uninsured and Underinsured

With approximately 26 million Americans uninsured and countless others underinsured with inadequate coverage, Canadian pharmacies provide critical access to necessary medications. Even patients with Medicare Part D often face coverage gaps (the “donut hole“) where Eliquis costs become prohibitively expensive. Canadian pharmacies bridge this gap, helping patients maintain prescribed treatment without choosing between medication and basic living expenses.

Key Takeaway – Yes, Americans can legally purchase up to a 90-day supply of Eliquis from licensed Canadian pharmacies for personal use, and the FDA has historically not enforced importation restrictions against individual consumers. Licensed Canadian pharmacies offer Health Canada-approved medications at 70-85% lower prices than U.S. pharmacies, with convenient home delivery and the same quality standards, making essential anticoagulation therapy accessible to millions of uninsured, underinsured, and fixed-income Americans who would otherwise struggle to afford treatment.

Is it safe to buy eliquis from Canada?

The short answer is yes, but only when you purchase from a properly licensed and verified Canadian pharmacy. The key to safe cross-border medication purchasing lies in knowing how to distinguish legitimate Canadian pharmacies from fraudulent online operations that may sell counterfeit or substandard medications.

You can buy Eliquis online for as low as $1.17 per tablet from a Canadian pharmacy through CanDrugStore.com

How to Choose a Safe Canadian Pharmacy

Not all websites claiming to be “Canadian pharmacies” are legitimate. According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), approximately 95% of online pharmacies operate illegally or don’t meet safety standards. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Verify Licensing and Certifications

Legitimate Canadian pharmacies will display:

Provincial Pharmacy License: All Canadian pharmacies must be licensed by the province in which they operate (such as British Columbia, Manitoba, or Ontario). Look for a visible pharmacy license number on the website, typically displayed in the footer or “About Us” section. You can verify this license by contacting the provincial pharmacy regulatory authority.

CIPA Certification: The Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) certifies reputable Canadian pharmacies that serve international patients. CIPA members must:

  • Hold valid Canadian pharmacy licenses
  • Employ licensed pharmacists
  • Require valid prescriptions from healthcare providers
  • Maintain secure ordering and payment systems
  • Comply with Canadian and international pharmacy standards

Look for the CIPA seal on the pharmacy’s website and verify membership at cipa.com.

Red Flags to Avoid

Stay away from pharmacies that:

  • Don’t require a valid prescription from your doctor
  • Offer prices that seem “too good to be true” (significantly below even Canadian averages)
  • Lack a verifiable physical address or phone number
  • Don’t have licensed pharmacists available for consultation
  • Send unsolicited emails or spam advertising medications
  • Have websites with poor grammar, spelling errors, or unprofessional design
  • Don’t use secure (HTTPS) payment processing
  • Are based in countries other than Canada despite claiming to be “Canadian”

Check for Required Prescription Process

Legitimate pharmacies always require a valid prescription. If a website offers to sell you Eliquis without a prescription or offers to have a doctor “approve” your order with just an online questionnaire, it’s not operating legally. Your prescription should come from your own healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Look for Professional Customer Service

Reputable Canadian pharmacies provide:

  • Licensed pharmacists available for consultation
  • Multiple contact methods (phone, email, fax)
  • Clear shipping and handling policies
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Privacy policies protecting your personal and medical information

How Ordering from a Licensed Canadian Pharmacy Works

Here’s the typical process when ordering from a legitimate Canadian pharmacy like CanDrugstore:

Step 1: Place Your Order

Search for your medication (Eliquis or generic apixaban) on the pharmacy’s website, select your dosage and quantity (up to a 90-day supply), and add it to your cart. You can order online, by phone (toll-free customer service), or by fax/email.

Step 2: Submit Your Prescription

You must provide a valid prescription from your U.S. healthcare provider. You can:

  • Upload it through the pharmacy’s secure website
  • Fax it to the pharmacy (typically a toll-free fax number)
  • Have your doctor fax it directly
  • Mail the original prescription

Step 3: Confirmation Call

Reputable pharmacies will call to confirm your order details, verify your shipping address, and answer any questions. This confirmation step ensures accuracy and provides an opportunity to speak with pharmacy staff.

Step 4: Processing and Filling

Once your prescription is verified and your order is processed, the pharmacy fills your prescription within 3-5 business days (unless the medication is on backorder, in which case you’ll be notified).

Step 5: Shipping

Your medication ships via insured mail service. Delivery typically takes 2-4 weeks from the time your order is processed. Plan ahead, order at least 30 days before your current supply runs out to avoid interruption in treatment.

Step 6: Delivery to Your Door

Your medication arrives in discreet packaging with clear labeling and pharmacy information.

Payment and Security

Legitimate pharmacies use secure payment processing systems that protect your financial information. They accept major credit cards and may offer other payment options. They will never ask for unusual payment methods like wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, these are signs of fraud.

Key Takeaway – Buying Eliquis from Canada is safe when you use a properly licensed Canadian pharmacy verified by organizations like CIPA or PharmacyChecker. Legitimate pharmacies require valid prescriptions, display provincial pharmacy licenses, employ licensed pharmacists, and use secure ordering systems, avoid websites that don’t require prescriptions, offer suspiciously low prices, or lack verifiable contact information. When ordering from a reputable pharmacy, expect a straightforward process: submit your prescription, receive confirmation, and have your medication delivered to your door within 2-4 weeks with significant cost savings.

Conclusion

For millions of Americans living with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism, Eliquis isn’t optional, it’s essential for preventing life-threatening blood clots and strokes. Yet with U.S. prices often exceeding $600 per month, too many patients face impossible choices between their health and financial survival.

Licensed Canadian pharmacies offer a safe, legal, and dramatically more affordable solution. With savings of 70-85%, you can reduce your monthly Eliquis costs from over $600 to as little as $80-$180. For seniors on fixed incomes and the millions of uninsured or underinsured Americans, these savings are life-changing.

The key is verification. Only purchase from pharmacies that are:

  • Licensed in a Canadian province
  • Certified by CIPA or PharmacyChecker
  • Requiring valid prescriptions from your healthcare provider

When you order from a legitimate Canadian pharmacy, you receive Health Canada-approved medications that meet rigorous quality standards, significant cost savings, convenient home delivery, and professional pharmacist support.

Remember to plan ahead, orders typically take 2-4 weeks for delivery, so order at least 30 days before your current supply runs out. Stay in contact with your U.S. healthcare provider, and never stop taking Eliquis without medical supervision.

You deserve access to life-saving medication without choosing between your health and financial stability. By purchasing Eliquis from a licensed Canadian pharmacy, you’re taking control of both.

References

Pharmacist reviewing prescription information on a computer in a licensed pharmacy for patients looking to buy Eliquis from Canada

How to Buy Eliquis from Canada?

For millions of Americans living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) or those who’ve experienced deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism, Eliquis (apixaban) isn’t just another prescription, it’s a lifeline that prevents potentially fatal blood clots. Yet this essential anticoagulant comes with a staggering price tag in the United States. Without insurance, a 30-day supply of […]