Is Xarelto generic available?

Xarelto is an expensive prescription drug and there is currently no generic version of Xarelto available. It is not yet definitively known when the first generic version of Xarelto will become available. Learn more about the earliest potential release date for generic Xarelto and options to save money on this medication.

What is Xarelto?

Xarelto (rivaroxaban) is a blood thinner (anticoagulant) that is approved to be prescribed to adults for:

• reducing the possible risk of blood clots and stroke for people that have atrial fibrillation which is not the result of a heart valve problem
• treating blood clots in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) and also the lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE)
• reducing the risk of getting blood clots from reoccurring for people who are at risk for DVT or PE after being treated for blood clots for a minimum of 6 months
• helping with the prevention of blood clots in the lungs and legs for people that recently had hip replacement surgery or knee replacement surgery
• helping with the prevention of blood clots for people that have been treated at a hospital for an acute illness and who after discharge are at risk of getting blood clots as a result of the loss of or reduced capability to move around and other potential risks for getting blood clots, and are not at a high risk of bleeding

Xarelto is approved for use in children for:

• treating blood clots or reducing the risk of blood clots from happening again after receiving at least 5 days of treatment with injectable or intravenous medicines used for the treatment of blood clots
• helping to prevent blood clots in children that are 2 years of age and older with congenital heart disease after the Fontan procedure

This medication is also used for adults with a low dose of aspirin for:

• reducing the risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke in those with coronary artery disease (a medical condition in which the blood supply to the heart is blocked or reduced)
• reducing the risk of a sudden decrease in blood flow to the legs, major amputation, serious heart problems or stroke in adults with peripheral artery disease (a medical condition in which the blood flow to the legs is reduced)

The medication works by slowing your body’s ability to clot by selectively blocking one of the clotting factors found in your blood, an enzyme that is called Factor Xa (“10a”).

The active ingredient in Xarelto is rivaroxaban. Rivaroxaban is part of the anticoagulant drug class, specifically the factor Xa inhibitors (blockers).

Xarelto is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Bayer. It was first approved by the FDA in 2011.

Are there cheaper alternatives to Xarelto?

There are other prescription medication alternatives to Xarelto available. These medications have different strengths, dosages, and indications.

Cheaper alternatives to Xarelto

Other common alternatives to Xarelto also include Bevyxxa (betrixaban), Angiomax (bivalirudin), Effient (prasugrel), Iprivask (desirudin), and Savaysa (edoxaban).

RELATED: Xarelto alternatives: which other blood thinners can I take?, FDA approves the first Eliquis generic, apixaban

How much will the generic cost once it’s available?

As there are no generic alternatives currently on the market, it is not possible to estimate the price of generic Xarelto. Nonetheless, generic drugs are typically much less expensive than brand-name drugs, so consumers should expect to save money on this medication once the generic alternative is available for sale.

When will generic Xarelto become available?

There is no estimated timeframe for generic Xarelto to become available. However, the drug patents for Xarelto are expected to expire sometime in 2024, which is the earliest time Xarelto generic will become available for sale. It’s possible that the manufacturer may obtain authorization to extend the patent which commonly occurs, so it’s not possible to definitively estimate the release date for the first generic.

How do you take Xarelto (rivaroxaban)?

You should take Xarelto exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider. The usage of this medicine will vary by indication. You should not stop taking this medicine unless instructed by your prescribing doctor.
The manufacturer recommends that the medication be taken accordingly:

• Atrial Fibrillation which is not the result of a heart valve problem: once per day
• Blood clots in the lungs or  veins of your legs: once or twice per day
• Knee or hip replacement surgery: once per day
• Blood clots in individuals who were hospitalized for acute illnesses: once per day
• Reducing the risk of heart attack, serious heart problems, and stroke in coronary artery disease: twice per day with aspirin 75mg to 100mg once per day as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Reducing the possible risk of a sudden reduction in blood flow to the legs, major amputation, serious heart problems or stroke in people with peripheral artery disease: twice per day with aspirin 75mg to 100mg once per day as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Xarelto is can be taken with food or without food. If you forget to take your Xarelto medication, take it once you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of Xarelto at the same time.

Xarelto side effects

The most common Xarelto side effect in adults was reported as bleeding.

The most commonly reported side effects in children:

• bleeding
• cough
• vomiting
• inflamed gut and stomach

Other possible serious side effects of Xarelto are:

• increased risk of blood clots if you stop taking the medication – individuals with atrial fibrillation that is not caused by a heart valve problem (nonvalvular) are at an increased risk of forming a blood clot in the heart

Xarelto should not be taken by people with artificial heart valves. This medication could also pass into breast milk so always consult your healthcare provider before breast-feeding if you are taking this medication.

Do not stop taking the medication without first speaking with your prescribing doctor. Stopping to take Xarelto may increase your risk of having a stroke.

Speak with your prescribing doctor about all of the possible drug interactions with any other prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. These are not all of the possible side effects of Xarelto. You should always seek the medical advice of a licensed healthcare professional for any questions or concerns relating to your medical condition or treatment.

How much does Xarelto cost?

The estimated cost for Xarelto tablet 20mg with no insurance is around $550 for 30 tablets. The manufacturer’s website states that eligible patients with commercial insurance pay $10 for each 30-day and 90-day supply of Xarelto, with no program benefit limits for the first 90 days, and a $200 limit for each 30-day supply thereafter, with a maximum benefit of $3,400 per calendar year. Those with government insurance, for example, Medicare Part D enrollees, pay $85 for a 30-day supply of Xarelto, or $240 for a 90-day supply of Xarelto, plus sales tax if applicable.

Why is Xarelto so expensive?

Xarelto is so expensive because it is a brand-name medication with no generic alternative available. Brand-name drugs are always more expensive than generic drugs. In contrast, the FDA-approved generic version of Xarelto will be much cheaper once it becomes available.