- Used to treat Alzheimer’s disease
Axona is the brand name for the generic drug Caprylidene and it is manufactured by Accera. It is available in a powder form in 40 g packets. It comes in a carton of 30 packets. The contents of the pack are added to water, shaken until blended and it is to be taken immediately.
Indications
This drug is used in the treatment of mild to moderate dementia in Alzheimer’s disease, to provide an energy source for the brain and to treat memory impairment.
Action
Caprylidene is a form of caprylic triglycerides and it is, essentially, food for the brain. In Alzheimer’s, the metabolism of glucose in the brain is severely affected and this drug metabolizes into ketones which can be utilized by the brain as alternate energy. Normally, glucose is the energy on which the brain runs. In Alzheimer’s patients, glucose uptake is severely impaired and it is this that leads to memory failing. As the glucose levels keep falling, the patient keeps getting worse and worse. Research has shown that increasing glucose levels show a marked improvement. Axona acts as a source from which the brain can draw energy even though it is losing its ability to metabolize its own glucose.
Side Effects
There are side effects associated with this drug but most are minor ones and they usually pass within a few days of taking the drug. The patient could suffer from nausea, vomiting, an upset stomach, flatulence, heartburn, indigestion, headaches and dizziness. In some, these side effects might be very mild while others might experience more severe side effects which might last a bit longer. If these side effects get bad, do inform the doctor so he can change the dosage or the drug.
Caution
When you take the patient to the doctor for the first time, it is imperative to make sure you give him the full medical history. The doctor will need to know what ailments and conditions the patient has and what medications he is taking so he can prescribe medication where there will not be interactions. The vitamins and herbal supplements he might be on should also be listed, even if they are natural to avoid any reactions. What is also important is to list out the allergies that the patient has and this should include any known medication allergies as well as food allergies, in particular, milk and soy allergies. The doctor should also be informed of any history of tobacco, alcohol or drug abuse. Any serious ailments like diabetes, cardiac, liver or kidney ailments should also be listed.
Contraindications
Patients who have a milk or soy allergy cannot take Axona which is why the doctor should be informed of these allergies before he can prescribe this medication. Patients who are alcoholic and diabetic should also avoid this drug. It should be taken with caution when it comes to patients who suffer from acid reflux or GERD, IBS or irritable bowel syndrome or any allergies.