FDA pharmacologic class
Direct thrombin inhibitors
3 medicines are in FDA's class of direct thrombin inhibitors (direct thrombin inhibitors): dabigatran (Pradaxa), argatroban and bivalirudin. All 3 are listed from generic labelers (FDA NDC Directory, October 8, 2026). The lowest pharmacy cost is dabigatran etexilate 150 mg capsule at $0.795 per capsule (NADAC).
Which medicines are direct thrombin inhibitors?
| Medicine | Brand names | Generic labelers (all forms) | Pharmacy cost | Boxed warning | Shortage | Recalls since 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dabigatran | Pradaxa | 16 labelers | $0.795 per capsule 150 mg capsule | Yes | No current entry | 9 |
| Argatroban | none listed | 8 labelers | n/a | No | No current entry | 1 |
| Bivalirudin | none listed | 9 labelers | n/a | No | No current entry | 1 |
Source: FDA Established Pharmacologic Class (NDC Directory, openFDA); CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026; FDA shortages and recalls (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay?
Each medicine's most widely listed form, per unit, in the NADAC survey: what pharmacies paid, not what a patient pays; strengths differ, so compare like with like.
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price