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Suggest Treatment For Peripheral Neuropathy While Having Diabetes
Question: I'm a kidney transplant patient who became diabetic due to the anti-rejection medicine. Prior to the transplant, I developed peripheral neuropathy which has continued post-transplant due to the diabetes. My podiatrist recommended Metanx as the neuropathy has begun physical damage. Knowing that I must be very careful about any supplements, I asked for approval from my nephrologist on the Metanx and was given the approval. My pharmacy, instead of Metanx gave me Foltanx RF. Besides the difference in the "delivery system" of the drugs, I've seen some postings on line that indicate Foltanx has other "natural" ingredients, as well as postings that Foltanx RF is not approved for peripheral neuropathy. My pharmacy is giving me a hard time as I called up the next day when I noticed the different drug and asked for it to be corrected. Because of the transplant, I need to steer away from most natural supplements, that is why getting my nephrologist's approval was so important and I can't make my pharmacy understand. What I want to know is:
What are the real differences between the two medicines?
What are the qualifications of the doctor answering this question - what is s/he basing their answer on?
Does the answering doctor have ties to any program or company that might "support" one product over the other?
What are the real differences between the two medicines?
What are the qualifications of the doctor answering this question - what is s/he basing their answer on?
Does the answering doctor have ties to any program or company that might "support" one product over the other?
Brief Answer:
Generic and Branded multi vitamins.
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
I am an endocrinologist and I do not have any ties with any pharma companies.
I am answering this question after comparing the ingredients of FLOTANX RF and METANX online.
Both these drugs contain vitamins like Folic acid ( Levomofolate), B6, B12. They are made by different manufactures. Foltanx RF is a generic drug and hence costs lesser compared to METANX. None of these products are useful in the treatment of pure diabetes related neuropathy ( but extremely useful in nutritional deficiency related neuropathies).
However, they are useful if there is nutritional deficiency of these vitamins or if there is nutritional deficiency related neuropathy. Many medicines including Metformin ( Glucophage) can cause vitamin deficiencies, and it is a common practice to co prescribe these multi vitamins along with diabetes medications. Nutritional deficiency can often co exist with diabetes and since there are no major adverse effects of these vitamins in smaller doses, many doctors prescribe them along with anti diabetes medications.
However, if your dietary intake is adequate, a healthy young adult may not need vitamin supplements always.
Regards
Binu
Generic and Branded multi vitamins.
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
I am an endocrinologist and I do not have any ties with any pharma companies.
I am answering this question after comparing the ingredients of FLOTANX RF and METANX online.
Both these drugs contain vitamins like Folic acid ( Levomofolate), B6, B12. They are made by different manufactures. Foltanx RF is a generic drug and hence costs lesser compared to METANX. None of these products are useful in the treatment of pure diabetes related neuropathy ( but extremely useful in nutritional deficiency related neuropathies).
However, they are useful if there is nutritional deficiency of these vitamins or if there is nutritional deficiency related neuropathy. Many medicines including Metformin ( Glucophage) can cause vitamin deficiencies, and it is a common practice to co prescribe these multi vitamins along with diabetes medications. Nutritional deficiency can often co exist with diabetes and since there are no major adverse effects of these vitamins in smaller doses, many doctors prescribe them along with anti diabetes medications.
However, if your dietary intake is adequate, a healthy young adult may not need vitamin supplements always.
Regards
Binu
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Answered by
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