Metanx® Overview for Healthcare Professionals
Metanx® is a prescription medical food for the dietary management of endothelial dysfunction in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
How is Metanx® different than over-the-counter vitamins?
Traditional over-the-counter vitamins are synthetic forms of the nutrients found in nature. This is the case for common B-vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Each of these must be converted into their natural, active forms before they can actually be used by the body's cells for such vital functions as DNA production, cell reproduction and homocysteine metabolism.
| B Vitamin | Active Form | |
|---|---|---|
| Folic acid |  |
L-methylfolate |
| Vitamin B6 | |
Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate |
| Vitamin B12 | |
Methylcobalamin |
Metanx® has a unique formulation providing the active forms of folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 to manage the numbness, tingling and burning sensations associated with diabetic neuropathy.
| Each Metanx® tablet contains: | |
|---|---|
| L-methylfolate Calcium (as Metafolin®) | 3mg |
| Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate | 35mg |
| Methylcobalamin | 2mg |
One Metanx® tablet is equivalent to taking 19 folic acid tablets (1mg each), 2 B12 tablets (1mg each), and 2 B6 tablets (25mg each). You would need to take a handful of over-the-counter tablets to equal one dose of Metanx®.
Did you know?
Up to 50% of individuals are unable to fully convert folic acid into the active form of folate, L-methylfolate.6,7
Metanx® is immediately available to manage the numbness, tingling and burning sensations associated with diabetic neuropathy.
What Causes Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
How diabetes leads to nerve damage is a subject of intense research, but two main factors are likely involved:8
- Elevated blood sugar levels directly damage the nerves and reduce their ability to send out signals.
- Elevated blood sugar levels also damage the blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the nerves, starving them of the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive.
If you have diabetic neuropathy, there is a good chance that you have reduced blood flow to the nerves in your hands and feet. As a result, your nerves may become damaged and lose the ability to repair themselves.
How Does Metanx® Work in Diabetic Neuropathy?
Metanx® provides nutritional management of endothelial dysfunction associated with numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in diabetes patients with neuropathy.
When Should I Feel the Difference with Metanx®?
Metanx® works to maintain blood flow in the vessels that carry important nutrients and oxygen to the nerves so they can function properly.4 If you have nerve damage, it may take some time before you begin to feel the difference.
Evidence has shown that patients taking Metanx® have experienced a difference within 1 week or up to 4 months.3,11 Individual results may vary. Do not stop taking Metanx® without first talking to your doctor.
Because Metanx® provides distinct nutritional management of endothelial dysfunction associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, you may begin to feel the difference once you have addressed this nutritional need in one or more of the following:
- Numbness
- Burning, Shooting Pain (especially at night)
- Tingling
- Improved sleep
How is Metanx® Dosed?
The usual adult dosage is one tablet twice daily and it is ok to take both tablets at the same time. For best results, you should take Metanx® exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Once you begin to feel the difference with Metanx®, your doctor may reduce your dosage down to one tablet daily.
Is Metanx® Safe?
Metanx® is well tolerated in short-term and chronic therapy. The side effects and / or discontinuation rates are similar to a sugar pill.5,9 For complete prescribing information, see the Metanx® package insert.
Where can my patients get Metanx®?
Metanx® is available by prescription only and is available at your local pharmacy.
If Metanx® is not covered by your insurance plan, Metanx® may be less expensive than your insurance co-payment so consult with your pharmacist. Click here to learn how you can save an average of 20% on your Metanx® prescription.