Is Prasugrel a safe, equal substitute for Effient?
Effient, the brand-name product of a prescription medicine containing generic active ingredient prasugrel, is a platelet inhibitor indicated for the reduction of thrombotic cardiovascular events. Effient (prasugrel) is distributed in the U.S. by Eli Lilly and Company. The generic version, prasgurel, is now available in the U.S. Brand-name Effient is especially expensive for those that have to pay out-of-pocket, so hopefully this generic availability will help access. Discount coupons for Effient and Prasugrel for use at local pharmacies, such as Walgreens or Walmart, are available on PharmacyChecker.com.
Despite a generic now being available in the U.S., consumers do have other low-cost alternatives—both domestically as well as through international online pharmacies—as discussed below.
Effient (prasugrel) Discount Coupons at Local Pharmacies
If you prefer to shop at your local U.S. pharmacy, drug discount cards can offset the out-of-pocket costs of brand-name drugs. These cards are not insurance cards—rather, they work like coupons. PharmacyChecker.com provides drug discount card pricing information on our website. To search for local prices with these cards, scroll to the bottom of the Prasgurel price comparison page or the Effient price comparison page. Click on "Search U.S. Local Pharmacy Pricing" and enter your ZIP Code. If discount prices are available through pharmacies in your local area, you can select the pharmacy, print the discount card and bring to your local pharmacy with your prescription.
Effient (prasugrel) Online Pharmacy Savings
If Effient is still out of reach, even with easily accessible discounts available online, certified online pharmacies can be valuable to consumers seeking affordable, prescription medications. International medications approved for sale in countries with strong drug regulatory authorities, e.g. Canada, can be ordered online. These medications cost much lower than those in the U.S. For some people, this could mean the difference between obtaining a much-needed prescription medication or having to go without.
In fact, in the United Kingdom and Australia, Eli Lilly and Company (the very same company that distributes Effient® in the U.S.) distributes Effient® at prices far lower than in the United States. Currently, you can find 56 tablets of Effient 10 mg sold outside the U.S. for as little as $130 from any of the several PharmacyChecker.com verified international pharmacies, which dispense the medication from licensed pharmacies. This international, online price for brand-name Effient is more than an 75% discount off the standard U.S. price. Prasugrel 10 mg is sold for around $45 for 100 tablets. The same amount of Prasugrel has an average retail price for $950 in the U.S. That's a 95% savings.
When brand-name versions are out of reach, generic versions—meaning a drug comparable to a brand-name drug in dosage form, strength, route of administration, and intended use—typically become available sooner in other countries due to differences in patent law. Prasugrel was available in India before it was in the U.S.
Bottom line, there is a lot to consider before making any changes to your medication and deciding which option is best for you. Medications sold in pharmacies outside the U.S. have been approved for sale in their country of origin; however, they may not be approved by the FDA. Determining confidence in a less expensive alternative, such as an international source, should include a discussion with your physician. Most importantly, if you choose to switch to a lower-cost alternative, be sure to keep your provider informed and let them know how the switch is working so they can monitor your health.
We also strongly recommend that you do not buy medications online from websites that have not been verified by PharmacyChecker.com or another qualified credentialing group. For more on what we do to protect consumers online, please read our post on why you can trust PharmacyChecker.com.
