How Much Do Blood Thinners Cost Without Insurance in 2021?

Eliquis, Xarelto, and Warfarin are some of the most popular blood thinner medications. The average retail price for a monthly supply of Eliquis or Xarelto is around $550. Warfarin is a generic medication and has an average cost of $19. This article will look at the breakdown of these blood thinners, what each cost, and explain the most popular ones. 

Using MiraRx, you can get up to 80% off blood thinner medications. Mira members also get access to affordable lab testing and low-cost urgent care visits, all for $45/mo. Sign up today and get covered in minutes.

The Cost for Blood Thinners

Below is a chart for the most commonly used blood thinner medications, Warfarin, Eliquis, and Xarelto. Warfarin is a generic medication, which is why it’s a lot more affordable when compared to Eliquis and Xarelto, which are brand-name prescriptions. The chart also includes the cost for other commonly used blood thinner medications, such as Heparin, Enoxaparin, and Savaysa.

Average Cost of Blood Thinners

The average cost for blood thinners ranges between $14.16 and $556.15.

The Cost for Blood Thinners Using MiraRx

If using MiraRx, blood thinners cost between $8.30 and $499.

Most Popular Blood Thinner Prescriptions

Warfarin Sodium: Warfarin is a commonly prescribed blood thinner. However, patients taking warfarin require regular blood monitoring. Since it’s an affordable treatment, Warfarin remains popular even with other options available. Warfarin works by keeping blood flowing freely and decreasing clotting protein production.

Xarelto: Xarelto is often used along with an aspirin regimen to prevent stroke, heart attack, and death in individuals who have coronary artery disease. Xarelto is an expensive drug, as no generic is available yet. The manufacturer does offer financial assistance to eligible individuals.

Eliquis: Eliquis is a common blood thinner prescribed to individuals with atrial fibrillation (AFib), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). It is a brand drug, so it can be expensive if you do not have insurance. However, the manufacturer does offer eligible individuals financial assistance.

Heparin Sodium: Heparin is a generic anticoagulant; this makes the cost more affordable compared to some of the newer brand-name anticoagulants available on the market. The medication is used to prevent blood clots in the lungs and legs and is often used to prevent clots during dialysis or after surgery.

Enoxaparin Sodium: Enoxaparin helps prevent blood clots, which also helps to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. It’s one of the more affordable options when it comes to blood thinners.

Savaysa: Savaysa is a brand-name prescription blood thinner medication. It is prescribed to prevent blood clots from forming. Like all anticoagulants, it works by decreasing the production of certain blood clotting proteins. Without insurance, Savaysa is a costly drug. Savaysa offers a savings card to eligible patients, which may help you save money.

Mira’s prescription portal offers discounts on these popular blood-thinning medications. Below, you can see the difference in prices compared to not using Mira and paying the retail price.

Accessing Blood Thinners at a Lower Cost

While blood thinner medication can be expensive, there are ways you can access prescriptions at a lower cost. Here are some ways you can save money.

Buy the generic version: As stated above, the generic blood thinner medication is Warfarin, and it costs significantly less than the brand-name medication. Usually, these medications are the same. Ask your healthcare provider if you can use the generic version to save on costs.

Research various pharmacies: Different pharmacies may offer the drug at various rates. Before purchasing your prescription, it may be a good idea to call first to see how much it will cost. You can also use MiraRx to check the price.

Apply for financial assistance: If you’re eligible, you may be able to receive financial assistance for prescription medications. You can do this by what the qualifications are in your state. Some pharmacies also offer discounts for those who qualify.

Use MiraRx: Using MiraRx, members get access to up to 80% off prescriptions. Oftentimes, using Mira can save members hundreds of dollars. Along with this, members get access to affordable urgent care visits and low-cost lab testing.

Blood Thinners Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dr. Amber O'Brien is a medical doctor at Mango Clinic, a clinic that helps patients to obtain health recommendations, state of the art treatments, and register with local health programs, and makes it easier for them to get healthy again. Dr. O’Brien contributed to the FAQ portion of this article.

What are blood thinners? 

“Blood thinners are medicines that are used for two major purposes. The first purpose is to prevent blood clots from forming, and the second purpose is not to let the existing blood clots get larger. In doing so, blood thinners make sure that the blood is flowing easily through the veins and arteries and therefore, prevent life-threatening diseases such a heart attack and strokes.”

Do I need a prescription for blood thinners? 

“In most cases, yes, you need a prescription for blood thinners depending on your particular condition. Many blood thinners medicines are available in pharmacies. Still, it is highly advised to use only prescribed blood thinners since using a blood thinner without a doctor’s prescription can result in adverse side effects.”

How do blood thinners work? 

“It is important to know that blood thinners don’t work by thinning your blood or breaking up the existing blood clots. Rather, they do work by preventing blood from forming new clots and hindering the growth of existing clots.  

Some blood thinners work by competing with vitamin K that your body needs to make certain proteins that make clots. While the others prevent blood cells (platelets) from joining together to form a blood clot.”

It’s also important to know that you will need regular blood tests to check how quickly your blood clots are taking Warfarin.

What conditions are treated with blood thinners? 

“Blood thinners can treat the following conditions: 

• Atrial fibrillation
• Heart and blood vessel diseases
• A heart valve replacement
• Preventing blood clots after surgery
• Hereditary heart defects
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Artificial heart valve”

What are some popular blood thinners? 

“The most popular ones are Heparin, Warfarin, Edoxaban, Apixaban, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban and Enoxaparin.” 

Do blood thinners cause any side effects or drug interactions? 

“Blood thinners can cause side effects in some people, such as it can cause huge bleeding when you get a cut. For this reason, it isn’t recommended to go for blood thinners without a doctor’s advice. However, the lifesaving benefits of blood thinners are more than some potential side effects. 

Besides, blood thinners can interact with certain medications, vitamins, and alcohol, so make sure your doctor knows all the medications and supplements you’re using. Another important thing concerning blood thinners is that you need to undergo regular blood tests to know how safe your blood is clotting and to avoid side effects such as bleeding.”

Bottom Line

Blood thinners help treat various conditions, and they are accessible through brand-name and generic prescriptions. Warfarin is the generic version of Eliquis and Xarelto, and Warfarin costs significantly less. While they are available at most pharmacies, what you pay varies by several factors, such as your insurance, the type of blood thinner you need, and where you get your script filled.