5 Popular Medications That Could Soon Cost You Less

Five Well-Known Prescription Drugs That May Soon Become More Affordable

For millions of Americans, the high cost of prescription drugs has long been one of the most frustrating parts of managing their health. Whether it’s a daily pill for blood pressure or an essential treatment for diabetes, the price of staying healthy can be overwhelming. However, relief may be on the horizon. As patents expire and new federal measures take effect, several of the most commonly used medications could soon become significantly more affordable. Here’s a closer look at five popular drugs that are likely to drop in price — and why that matters for consumers.

One of the most anticipated price reductions is for Ozempic, the blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss medication. Ozempic, which contains semaglutide, has become a household name due to its remarkable ability to control blood sugar and promote weight loss. But it’s also notorious for its steep price, often costing hundreds of dollars per month without insurance. The good news is that with competing versions and biosimilars expected to enter the market in the next few years, prices could decline sharply. When patent protections on a medication like Ozempic expire, generic manufacturers are allowed to produce the same active ingredient at a lower cost, creating competition that benefits consumers. For people with Type 2 diabetes or obesity-related conditions, that change could make a life-changing treatment finally affordable.

Another drug expected to see price relief is Eliquis, one of the world’s best-selling blood thinners. Eliquis is prescribed to prevent strokes and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation and other heart conditions. For years, it’s been under patent protection, meaning only its manufacturer could sell it, keeping prices high. That exclusivity is ending soon, and several pharmaceutical companies are already developing generic equivalents. Once approved by the FDA, these generics could lower costs by 50% or more. Considering that millions of Americans rely on Eliquis daily, the potential savings could collectively reach billions of dollars each year.

Humira, long considered one of the most expensive drugs in the United States, is also becoming cheaper thanks to the rise of biosimilars. Used to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis, Humira’s price tag has been a major burden for patients — often exceeding $5,000 per month. But in 2023 and beyond, a wave of competing biosimilars has entered the market, offering the same therapeutic benefits at much lower prices. While initial discounts were modest, increasing competition is driving costs down further. This shift is being closely watched as a test case for how biosimilars could reshape the pharmaceutical landscape in favor of affordability.

A fourth medication that could soon cost less is Jardiance, another diabetes drug that has gained popularity for its dual benefits: managing blood sugar and protecting the heart. Like Ozempic, Jardiance has seen rising demand, but also rising costs. As its patent expiration approaches, generic versions are expected to arrive, potentially cutting prices substantially. This is particularly significant for older adults, many of whom take multiple medications. Lowering the price of Jardiance could not only ease financial strain but also improve adherence — meaning more people will take their medication consistently, leading to better long-term health outcomes.

Finally, Xarelto, another blood thinner commonly prescribed for preventing blood clots and strokes, is also nearing the end of its patent exclusivity period. For years, Xarelto and Eliquis have dominated the market, but that dominance is expensive for patients. Generics and lower-cost alternatives are expected soon, driven in part by new federal efforts to accelerate drug price negotiations and approvals. Once competition enters the market, experts predict that Xarelto could become far more affordable, making critical preventive care accessible to more people.

These price reductions are not happening by accident. They reflect a broader shift in how the United States — and other countries — approach the pricing of essential medications. In recent years, the U.S. government has taken steps to negotiate drug prices directly for Medicare, something that was previously prohibited. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, granted Medicare new powers to negotiate costs for high-expense drugs. The first batch of targeted drugs includes several on this list, signaling that political and public pressure for affordability is finally producing results.

The process is gradual, but the direction is clear. When patents expire and generics or biosimilars become available, prices drop dramatically. Consumers gain more choices, and pharmaceutical companies face pressure to compete not just on innovation but also on cost. Historically, generic drugs have reduced prices by as much as 80–90% once multiple versions enter the market. If that trend holds true for these high-demand medications, patients could see savings that amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.

However, there are caveats. The pharmaceutical industry often finds ways to extend exclusivity through legal maneuvers known as “patent evergreening,” where companies make small modifications to a drug’s formula or delivery method to secure new patents. Additionally, while biosimilars can be cheaper, they are more complex and costly to manufacture than traditional generics, meaning price drops might be slower. Distribution deals and insurance coverage decisions also play a role — a cheaper drug doesn’t help if it’s not widely covered by health plans. Consumers may need to advocate with their doctors and insurers to access the lowest-cost options as they become available.

Still, optimism is growing. Pharmacies and insurers are preparing for the rollout of these generics, and patients who have been struggling to afford life-sustaining treatments may soon feel real relief. Organizations that track prescription costs predict a wave of affordability by the mid-2020s, reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape. For millions of people living with chronic conditions — from diabetes to heart disease to autoimmune disorders — this could be the most significant drop in medication expenses in over a decade.

In the bigger picture, these shifts also raise important questions about the balance between innovation and accessibility. Developing breakthrough medications is expensive, but so is denying people the care they need because of high prices. The challenge for policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers is to find a sustainable middle ground — one that rewards innovation while ensuring affordability.

As patents expire, new laws take effect, and generics enter the market, the long-awaited day when essential medications stop being luxury items may finally be arriving. For patients dependent on Ozempic, Eliquis, Humira, Jardiance, or Xarelto, the future could soon look brighter — and far more affordable.