Axona

Indicated For

Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's disease

About This Medication

# Axona Patient Assistance Guide: How to Get Axona (Caprylidene) at Low or No Cost **Axona (caprylidene) is a prescription medical food designed to help manage the metabolic processes associated with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) by providing ketones as an alternative brain energy source.** [1][2][6] This guide explains eligibility for patient assistance, application steps, and options if no formal program exists, helping patients and caregivers access this powder formulation (40g packets mixed into a drink, taken once daily under medical supervision).[1][2] ## About Axona (Caprylidene) Axona contains a proprietary formulation of over 95% pure caprylic triglyceride, a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) derived from fractionated palm kernel or coconut oil, which is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA.[1][6] Unlike standard foods or drugs, Axona is classified as a **medical food**—formulated for the dietary management of specific nutritional needs in mild to moderate AD, where the brain may struggle to use glucose effectively.[1][3][6] Taken orally once daily as a shake, Axona elevates serum ketone levels to support brain energy needs.[1] Clinical studies showed patients with mild-to-moderate AD had significant cognitive improvements by day 45 (measured by ADAS-Cog score) compared to placebo, with benefits maintained at 90 days.[2] It's supplied in cartons of 30 individual 40g powder packets (20g caprylic triglycerides per packet).[1] **Important note:** Axona requires a prescription and medical supervision. The FDA has noted past labeling issues (2013 misbranding determination), but it remains available by prescription. It's not FDA-approved as a drug to treat AD, and efficacy is debated by some experts, including the Alzheimer's Association.[6] ## Who Qualifies for Assistance? Accera, Inc. (now associated with Cericin) does not appear to offer a publicly documented patient assistance program (PAP) for Axona based on current information.[2] However, many pharmaceutical companies provide free or discounted medication to uninsured or low-income patients. **Qualification typically focuses on medical need (mild-moderate AD diagnosis), U.S. residency, and financial hardship.** Contact Accera at (877) 649-0004 or visit www.about-axona.com for the latest.[2] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Without a specific Accera PAP, general pharmaceutical assistance follows **Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines**, often 400-500% FPL or higher. Here's a sample table based on standard U.S. PAP criteria (2026 estimates; verify current FPL at ASPE.hhs.gov): | Household Size | 400% FPL (Approx. Annual Income) | 500% FPL (Approx. Annual Income) | |---------------|---------------------------------|---------------------------------| | 1 (Individual)| $60,000 | $75,000 | | 2 (Couple) | $81,000 | $101,250 | | 3 | $102,000 | $127,500 | | 4 | $122,400 | $153,000 | *Notes: Thresholds vary; some programs have no income limit if uninsured. Assets may be reviewed. Always confirm with manufacturer.* ## Insurance Requirements Most PAPs require patients to be **uninsured or underinsured** (e.g., high copays/deductibles). Medicare Part D patients may qualify if they hit the "coverage gap" or have limited income. **Medicaid recipients usually don't qualify.** Private insurance denial letters help applications. Since Axona is a medical food, coverage varies—some plans cover it as DME (durable medical equipment) or pharmacy benefit.[6] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get a Prescription:** Ask your doctor for an Axona prescription, noting mild-moderate AD diagnosis. 2. **Contact Accera:** Call (877) 649-0004 or check www.about-axona.com for PAP details. If no program, ask about compassionate use, samples, or discounts.[2] 3. **Gather Documents:** Prepare proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs), residency (utility bill), prescription, insurance info/denial, doctor's note. 4. **Apply:** Download forms online or request by phone/mail. Submit via mail, fax, or portal. 5. **Follow Up:** Track status weekly. ## Timeline and Delivery Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks if a program exists. Approved patients receive 1-3 months' supply shipped free to home or pharmacy. Refills auto-ship until reauthorized. ## Alternatives if Denied or No Program - **General PAPs:** NeedyMeds.org, RxAssist.org, or Partnership for Prescription Assistance (1-888-477-2669) list options. - **Manufacturer Samples:** Request free packets from your doctor. - **Discount Cards:** GoodRx, SingleCare for ~$89/pack (vs. list price).[4] - **Biosimilars/Alternatives:** No biosimilars; consider other MCT oils (e.g., over-the-counter caprylic acid supplements), but consult MD—not prescription equivalents.[1] - **Clinical Trials:** Search ClinicalTrials.gov for AD nutrition studies. ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and not medical/financial advice. Axona availability/programs may change; contact Accera directly. Consult your healthcare provider before starting. No formal PAP confirmed in sources—eligibility not guaranteed. Word count: 950.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026