Plavix Has Lost Patent Protection: Lower Cost Generics Now Available

Bristol Meyers Squibb lost patent protection for its anti-clotting drug Plavix on May 17, 2012. Generic versions of clopidogrel, the active ingredient in Plavix, are expected to drive down the price of brand name Plavix. This will produce savings for consumers who purchase generic clopidrogrel, as well as for those who continue to take brand name Plavix.

Generic Plavix may be sold under the name clopidogrel, and is also marketed by various manufacturers as Cipla, Clopivas, Clopilet, Ceruvin, Clavix, Deplatt, Clopivas AP, Clopigrel A, Clopitab A, Lupin, Zyllt, Kardogrel, Clopidogrel Krka, and Lavigard, among others.

Bristol Meyers Squibb is being proactive in an attempt to keep patients taking Plavix, rather than switching to generics. Since generics will be cheaper, Bristol Meyers Squib is introducing a program that will cap the maximum amount patients will have to pay out of pocket at $37 a month.

The Plavix Choice Program is open to patients who pay for Plavix entirely out of pocket, as well as those who are covered by private health insurance. While patients with private insurance that carries a copay are generally eligible for the program, patients receiving Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, VA, DOD or TRICARE, who are covered by insurance that pays 100% of prescription drug costs do not qualify for Plavix Choice

Consumers have two ways they can participate in the program. They can apply for a copay card, and pay less for Plavix at their regular pharmacy, or they request to have the Plavix shipped directly to their health care provider.