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Metanx Review
By Razvan Radu, Senior Writer, Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir (Expert Reviewer)
Rebecca Williams studied medicine at Cambridge University where she also obtained a degree in Experimental Psychology. A widely known General Practitioner in London, Rebecca also served in Community Paediatrics, and has published research in the field of complementary and alternative medicine.
Rebecca relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa where she has been able to pursue holistic community healthcare by developing a community health training program which she has taught in Mozambique, Zambia, Uganda and Nepal.
Some of Rebecca’s published research can be viewed on Researchgate.
Metanx is a form of prescription medication for people suffering of diabetic neuropathy. It is developed by Pamlab, a company that deals with natural personalized medicine. The manufacturer is US-based and has a large selection of products designed to alleviate symptoms or conditions, and have received a number of accreditations and awards for their supplements.
Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, which can have consequences on all the organs. It produces a large amount of discomfort to people that suffer from this condition, causing them to experience numbness, tingling of the extremities, speech impairment, issues with coordination, drooping of eyes and mouth, and muscle weakness. Metanx claims to ameliorate some of these symptoms, through the activated B-vitamin complex that it contains.
Generic Metanx may be available within pharmacies, however it seems that it is difficult to come across. It is best you ask a specialized opinion prior to making a purchase, given that certain side effects of Metanx or the generic version may arise.
Metanx Ingredients
Metanx contains the following ingredients: L-methylfolate Calcium (as Metafolin), Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, and Methylcobalamin.
Product Features
The product is composed of a formulation of activated B-vitamins, designed to alleviate the symptoms and consequences of diabetic neuropathy. The ingredients, L-methylfolate Calcium, Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and Methylcobalamin are actually activated forms of Folic Acid (vitamin B9), B6 and B12. The use of activated natural minerals is considered very beneficial for the human body, seeing as it’s more easily absorbed by the organism in order to be put to use.
All three active ingredients have been successfully used in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, as well as other conditions: L-methylfolate Calcium is useful in prenatal care, treating depression and dementia; Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate is used to facilitate neuro-transmission and increase cognition, and Methylcobalamin is the first-line treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The individual ingredients being used in treatment of the condition does not provide enough credibility to the medication on its own. That’s why the producers of this formula offer information regarding clinical trials and even medical samples. While this service is only offered to medical professionals, it greatly increases the credibility of the medication.
According to the manufacturer, the supplement is a very safe product, cause virtually no side effects and being easy to administer: a daily dose of two tablets should be sufficient to help people with their condition. Side effects include mild breath odor and stomach problems, while more rare but more severe side effects of Metanx may include rash, hives, tingling, difficulty breathing and swelling of the tongue. Numerous Metanx alternatives exist, that contain all or part of the key active ingredients and which claim similar health benefits.
The daily dose for Metanx tablets or capsules should be recommended by a doctor, whereas the daily dosage should not be exceeded.
Continue Your Brain Product Research: See Our Featured Product.
Advantages
- The supplement can be taken by vegetarians and vegans as well
- Product claims are realistic and well-documented
- Metanx reviews from consumers are generally positive and report high levels of efficacy
- The manufacturer provides much relevant information for this medication
- No artificial stimulants
- Both Metanx tablets and capsules are available for purchase
- Metanx alternatives are available to consumers, in the form of exact formulas or similar ones
Disadvantages
- Product is only available via prescription
- It is an expensive product: a supply for three months can cost up to $150
- Product is not available for online purchase
Conclusion
Diabetic neuropathy can greatly decrease life quality for people who suffer from this condition. Pamlab tries making life easier for these people, with a well-researched, medically-attested product. Metanx reviews from people that have already tried it place it as highly effective in relieving diabetic neuropathy symptoms. Some people have also used it as a cognitive booster, increasing their memory and reducing their mental fatigue.
Unfortunately, the product is considered very expensive by most consumers, which often pushes customers to buy generic Metanx, non-prescription supplements or other different formulations which promise similar benefits. Both of these alternatives could prove less effective than Metanx, although there are some alternatives to this product that are reported to perform just as well.
If you have been prescribed Metanx, it is highly recommended you respect the indications provided by your doctor. Do not go above or below the prescribed dose, and keep in mind that combining specialized medication with a healthy lifestyle can greatly increase the quality of your life.
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I originally had neuropathy in my right hand due to a double cervical herniation (C 5-7) even after a double laminectomy. Seven years later, I fractured my left wrist and developed neuropathy in my index finger. After surgery, my neurologist put me on Metanx. It cured all the neuropathy in both hands within two months. Note that I have always taken nutritional supplements and I am not diabetic. I had tried neurontin and lyrica, neither of which worked. I consider Metanx a miracle medicine/supplement.
Does Metanx cause weight gain?
Tresss,
According to our research, Metanx does not cause weight gain. Here is the complete list of potential side effects associated with the use of Metanx: acne, skin reactions, allergic reactions, sensitivity to sunlight, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, increased liver function test results, numbness and tingling, drowsiness, headaches, diarrhea, itching, temporary skin rash, and the feeling of swelling of the entire body.
Good from drugstore. Poor quality from Brand Direct. I have tried Brand Direct two times, same result, not nearly as good as drug store. Must be cheaper because they are too old. I can’t afford the drug store anymore. I hate it because it works for me so well.
I have diabetic neuropathy. I’ve been seeing a neurologist for it for several years. The last medication I’ve been taking for it through him is Lyrica. I started out taking 1 per day but have worked up to 4 per day! I also take Tegredol for nerve pain twice a day. Needless to say I want to sleep all the time! While with my mother at our podiatrist office I noticed a poster on his wall talking about neuropathy. I asked him if he treated it with anything besides drugs. He said yes and so I made an appointment with… Read more »
I have chemo induced peripheral neurapathy mainly in my feet, and a little in my fingers. My feet are quite bad, to the point my Dr told me to get a handicapped tag and I bought a cane for added support. My Oncologist prescribed Metanx, which I get at Walmart for 59.00 for a 1 month supply. My insurance is not covering it. I have been on it 3 months now and can’t say I have noticed too much difference but in my case, it’s hard to tell because chemo continues to do damage for several months after you are… Read more »
Go to Good RX and it might have coupons or give you discounts at specific pharmacys so you might find it cheaper. Good luck! Thoughts and prayers for your full recovery.
Too expensive for us normal people. At $100 a month there’s no way. Doctor gave me 2 months of samples and it did nothing. I don’t know if it takes longer or what…and your site doesn’t allow me to rate it 1 *. But I sure didn’t give it more.
I have been on Metanx several years now for diabetic nerve pain. My insurance covered it for 90 days $70. Now all of a sudden they consider it a “medicine food” and will not cover it. It worked great and gave me very good relief from the pain. I also had a brain blood clot and stroke so it was supposed to help my short term memory, but I didn’t notice an improvement with that. Now for a 30 day supply it is $108, so it went from 180 pills for $79 to 180 pills for $324. I can’t afford… Read more »
You can get generic. We also had trouble getting this filled for my elderly father in law, as Medicare wouldn’t cover. However, the generic version (called Foltanx) can be purchased for about $70 if u have a prescription. We got his from a local Brookshires Pharmacy and it was 60 tablets (one twice a day). So for 180 pills your cost would obviously probably be more than $70 but still less than $300+. Hope this helps but it is a shame that it isn’t covered by insurance and Medicare.
My daughter gets a 3 months supply of the name brand for $90.00 Her doctor set her up with a company called RX direct plus/Brand Direct Health. Try them or have your doctor look into it.
Cindy, your doctor may not know about it, but there is a specialty pharmacy that partners with Pamlab to offer metanx cheaper. It is called Brand Direct Health Pharmacy. Have your doctor fax or escribe your metanx prescription to Brand Direct Health. Their price, even without insurance is $58/mo which is much cheaper than any other pharmacy.
I have been using Metanx for almost a year. I am a type 2 diabetic and my neuropathy developed a short time after diagnosis of diabetes. I have been on Lyrica 75mg 3x daily along with the Metanx. Since I have been taking the Metanx, I have noticed that I could back off from my Lyrica. Love the product!! However, I was just informed that as of 4/22/16 BCBS-Primemail will no longer cover Metanx. Can you answer as to why? They gave no reason. Does any insurance cover this product? Thank you
I have Type 2 Diabetes and developed neuropathy about 2 years ago. My endocrinologist prescribed Metanx about a year ago ago. I seemed to notice some improvement but no longer. I continue to take Metanx because I can’t tell whether the pain would be worse without it.
I started using with samples my Dr. gave me for neuopathy not due to diabetes. Seems to help so far. Found coupons online.
I was recently prescribed Metanx by my podiatrist for burning tingling sensation in my feet – peripheral neuropathy (non diabetic) but I do have Chron’s and an ileostomy, I take a B12 shot once a month and 1mg folic acid per day. Will it be ok for me to take Metanx? Should I stop the Folic acid pill and and B12 shot.
I have suffered with neuropathy in my right foot since I had surgery for a ruptured disc about 14 months ago. My right foot was about 50 % numb and I had horrible tingling and cramps when I would lay down to go to bed. I have been on metanx about four months now. I would say my symptoms are 90% gone. I will keep taking it! ( I do not have diabetes, and I could not tolerate the side effects of gabapentin and Cymbalta.). I am just now seeing results. Give it time.
Apparently my neurolgist has diagnosed my problem with neuropathy, and yet i do not have Diabetes. He has prescribed Mantax twice a day and also Gralise once at night time..IAlthough i dont have Diabetes, he is treating my symptoms as such for neuropothy. Does this make sense?
It does, according to my (well-respected) neurology team; neuropathy often occurs independently from diabetes. This is my situation, as well.
I have been taking Metanx for several weeks. I have Morton’s neuroma and am a diabetic. The burning on the ball of my foot has been very bad for quite a while, at least several years. I have been going to the podiatrist for a long time. How many cortisone shots I can’t recall. At least three this year. New orthotics are helping some. The burning especially at night has given me many sleepless nights. I found a pamphlet at the foot doctor’s office in the waiting room the last time I was there. He has wanted to do a… Read more »
My doctor prescribed me metanx since I have Mthfr deficiency. I had 2 early miscarriages prior to that I had a very heard time getting pregnant with failed 3 failed iuis and 2 failed ivfs. Does metanx help you in conceiving?? Also does it help with blood clots because my doctor perceived me aspirin 325mg to take daily. But I have heard that by taking aspirin on regular basis one does not ovulate
So please help me understand is metanx enough to prevent blood clots??
Hi Karen,
My doctor prescribed it to me because of the same reasons as you. What has been your experience so far? Thanks!
I wish insurance paid for this. I have some some sort of very painful neuropathy/radiculopathy that was so bad I couldn’t stand for a week and had little sleep for 3 months. I work for a neurologist and go to pain management. I’ve been able to get metanx samples and got a coupon for Lyrica. Between the two, I’m much better. But my Lyrica Went from $25 to $160! And it’s harder to get the samples. I can’t afford either medicine now and don’t know what I’ll do! They help SO much!
Geat to know B’s are water soluble, thanks.
What does your employer (the neurologist) recommend?
Recd for what Twy? Memory? We recd Cerefolin which is also distributed by Brand Direct. I haven’t really researched it but it seems similar to Metanx. But he also recds a “cocktail” of OTC supplements for memory/dementia. I can’t remember (ha!) all of the dosages tho: B12 2000 mcg, D3 2000 IU, turmeric (curcumin) – I take between 2 to 4 capsules a day, CoQ10, folic acid (up to 5 MG, if you can find it) and fish oil 3 to 4 caps a day. Oh and alpha lipoic acid 300 mg.
Lyrica and drugs like it only “mask the pain” but doesn’t get to ROOT or cause of problem. Metanx has folic acid and L-methylfolatein its purest form whereas other neuropathy drugs don’t. If you have a genetic polymorphism, your system will not fully absorb the L-methylfolate thus will not be as effective. It increases blood flow to extremities…Google the studies.
Newly prescribed. Wanted to share that Pfizer offers patient assistance for its drugs including Lyrica. You may apply at needymeds.org or at their website directly. If you fall within their income requirements, they will send you 90 day supply to your doctor’s office for pickup at no charge.
Does metnex cause horrible dry coughing when taken with diabetic med, high blood pressure pills, cholesterol mods and depression pills.
You might check out your high blood pressure pill. ACE inhibitors and ARB have a known side effect of cough.
I used it for almost four weeks and began to feel light-headed and out of sorts. It has been almost a week since I stopped it but the effect is lingering. If someone is taking other meds, I would advise against Metanx.
I used Metanx for 2 months, as prescribed by my doctor and I’m very pleased with the results. I’m feeling way better than two months ago.
Call company directly and ask for discount. Much cheaper that way.
Do your research on this product metanx. L-Methylfolate in metanx is the purist form. Other generics or OTC are not the same & will not metabolize in your body. (d-methylfolate) I’m taking METANX & money is tight but my health & wellbeing is more important. I can sacrifice a few things to get my metanx prescription. Just started 4 month & it’s a good feeling havin feeling back.
Funny thing I had no idea what the problem was but went to the doctor for a different issue, mentioning the burning, tingling and numbness in my feet. Neuropathy was the diagnosis, and he gave me samples of Metanx. Within a week, it made a big difference. He ordered a 90 day supply for me from an out of State Pharmacy that provides medical foods. They have payment plans to better afford it. I work for an insurance company, and most do not cover it. But I have found that if they did, my copay would be higher for a… Read more »
My mother was prescribed Metanx a year ago and great improvements have been seen in her feet, since then. Basically the circulation in her feet were gone. It saved her toes and feet by greatly increasing circulation. It’s a tried and true product.
I was diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy last week and my PCP started me on Metanx; fortunately our insurance covered most of it and I only had to pay $40 for a month’s supply. I have noticed the burning feeling in my toes have gone away but now I have constant tingling in my legs. It started out in just my calves and has progressed up to my hip area and last time when I went to bed I had the same feeling in parts of my back, arms and face. How long does this side effect last?
That “side effect” could actually be your nerve endings coming back to life because they are getting better blood flow and nutrients to them. It’s kinda like when you sit on your foot and it falls asleep and you get pins and needles when stand up. It’s temporary pain, but it’s a good sign that blood is flowing through there again, when it wasn’t before .
I believe the Metanx I took has caused the pins and needles tingling in the upper and lower extremities on the left, probably now a polyneuropathy. If you read the fine print on the insert, it warns paresthesias are a side effect. One of the causes of polyneuropathy is too much Vitamin B6, present in a massive amount in Metanx. My problems started three weeks after I started the Metanx. I stopped it immediately, and my symptoms remain, three months later. I’m afraid it may have caused irreversible nerve damage.
I agree that metanx may be harmful. See my comments of 9/9/15
My doctor wanted me to try Metanx for what she calls iodiopathioc neuropathy, which could be a side effect of celiac disease. I’m still going in circles to see if I can get it covered thru my insurance, but meanwhile I’ve done my research and have found the exact equivalent active componments can be found in health food stores and also online. I was also told that it would likely take at least 8 weeks to see strong improvement because this is an issue of repair of vessels that send blood supply to the nerves, and this isn’t an instant… Read more »
I found the Metanx cheaper at direct pharmacy online. Its a shame that our insurance companies wont cover it, and the doctor recommends it. Please let me know how things turn out. I waiting on my 90 day supply in the mail.
Carole, it is true you can purchase over the counter versions of the substances contained in Metanx but the quality of the supplements and its bioavailability can vary widely. I actually went the opposite direction you did, I stopped purchasing the OTC products and switched to the more predictable quality, FDA approved, and more bioavailable form found in Metanx.
I typically take your route and search for cheaper equivalents to proprietary formulations (though often breakdown amounts are not always indicated). I’d be interested in knowing where you obtained the L-methylfolate in such a large dosage as the Metanx, which is 2.8 mg, while most brands offer this compound in 400 microgram tabs/pills/capsules, meaning that one would have to take seven of these to reach the Metanx amount. Swanson has the right active form in product # swu758 at what appears a reasonable price. Is your comparable product cheaper?
Started today . Prescribed by Doc for Diabetes II foot pain . $173.00/ 90 day supply w/shipping . Time will tell
I am 68 years old and have had a tremor since I was 15 years old . It had become so sever that I had difficulty holding any thing . I also have been a diabetic for 18 years . For years I would ask doctors for something to help with the tremors and none would tell me anything . Just recently I changed neurologist and she recommended Metanx . It immediately stopped the tremors and other problems ! Like so many others say the price is my problem . The insurance will not help.
I have taken Metanx for about 3 weeks. I’ve noticed that it is making me sick to my stomach in the mornings. Is this suppose to be taken on a lull stomach?
Unfortunately I have been diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and I heard about Metanx that is very effective in such cases. But sadly I cannot afford to buy this expensive drug and I try to replace it with something else. I have found a few alternative with B6, B12 and folic acid and I can’t wait to begin the treatment.
I read your statement on the internet about a alternative for metanx,I cannot afford metanx what did you find ? and can you share this with me.
thank you.
marjorie
Just a few important thoughts. Folate is not effective unless it is L-methylfolate. It is the active ingredient in Deplin which is an epensive antidepressant, which explains some of the other benefits mentioned above. I also get bi-weekly V B12 injections. I just found out about Metanx and will ask the Doctor about V B6. L-Methylfolate can be purchased from LifeExtension Co. for about $14.25 for 100 (1000)mg tablets.) cheaper if you go on an automatic shipment program. I take 2 a day for depression. Ask your doctor how much to take. The pharmacist at Costco looked up Methylfolate and… Read more »
I haven’t had any relief from this product. Not sure why, but it just doesn’t work.
I was told to take 2 tablets a day. I have severe
neuropathy in both feet for years. Would it be
alright to take 3 or 4 tablets aday?
Thanks, Rob
Metanx is a form of prescription medicine and in this case, we cannot offer dosage recommendations. The only one entitled to such recommendations is your doctor. Our advice is to go and talk to him about these symptoms and he can decide if your dose is too high (or too low) or if another treatment is required in your case.
I am also a big fan of Metanx. I recommend it to All of our patients with any type of nerve problems. Besides containing “healthy ” support for nerve function, it lowers the levels of homocytstien, an aminoacid that can be harmful to circulation. I see a lot of cardiologist now are recommending it as an adjunctive treatment for CAD. William : due to the nature of the product being a B 6, b12, folic acid combo, this is a relatively safe, harmless product as B vitamins are water soluable and excreted in the urine. They are not stored in… Read more »
I went to Walgreen today for a different type of Prescription for my neuropathy and I purchased
a Walgreen card for 20.00 dollars, and I was able to buy my prescription for half the price.
I tried Metanax for about a year and found no appreciable relief in my hands going numb and the pain and burning, even though the Dr felt it was nuropothy from being a type 2 diabetic. If I tried it 2 times a day, I seemed to break out on my face with pimples. It seemed OK with just 1 pill a day. I finally went to a Hand specialist and after nerve tests on my hands said it was carpel tunnel. He has since operated on both and they are now pain free and regaining good mobility.
I have been on Metanx now for two months and I have not noticed any improvement in my Neuropathy in my feet. It seems just as bad as ever. I wish there was something I could do for this condition.
Just started taking Metanx for numbness, tingling, burning in feet. Im very drowsy and sick to stomach. I dont understand the “drowsiness” if its a supplement. I will keep trying to read more about this medication. Anybody know why it causes drowsiness?
I have been taking Metanx for over a year and it doesn’t seem to make me drowsy. It does help with arm and feet pain. I can sure tell the difference if I have ran out for more than a few days. I have neuropathy and pots and vagal disorder.
my doctor prescribed Metanx for me because of the searing legpain have. Some nights I can’t even sleep it hurts so bad and I just lay in bed and cry. I have no medical insuranc, and cannot affo pay $92 for a 30 day supply ot. I purchased bottle and cannot afford any more. they really did help a lot. Is there any kind of assistance program for these that I could apply for?
This is in reply to Sharon Perdue’s review. Statin drugs for lowering cholesterol can cause searing leg pain. There many people like me that are statin intolerant. Please check this out.
I take metanex for POTS syndrome autonomic dysfection that causes my blood pressure to drop for no reason this makes my feet numb, tingel, and painful. It has worked great for me and I take klonopin and Ambien to sleep and i have had no issues with any interactions,
i was given my first 9o day dosage, to be taken 2 x a day.
from my a new doctor on jan 22nd. due to burning and numbness and cramps in my feet, i have fibromyalgia, not diabetics, and iam wondering if this is alright or if this is for diabetics only.
i still have not found any side effects anywhere andf wonder if ther are some.
also i am taking vit b2 over the counter for migrane.
I have had bilateral idiopathic sensory peripheral neuropathy (non diabetic) since 1997. I have tried Neurontin and Lyrica with no relief and have fallen twice while on Neurontin. I do not tolerate drugs well. My doctor has given me samples of Metanx which I have taken for a month now. I feel I may be getting some refief from the medication and am willing to give it a longer trial period. My question is- Do you have non diabetic patients who have gotten relief with Metanx? I take Clonazepam at bedtime and do sleep fairly well. I worry about taking… Read more »
Hi Jean I take METANX and Clonazepam also but I take Clonazepam for panic attacks and anxiety. I take 2mg three times a day. I take Metanx twice a day for neuropathy for my legs also (non diabetic). I have really bad back and neck pain. I also take Lyrica 4 times a day and numerous medications! for Depression. I have had no side affects taking Metanx with any of my prescriptions. The medication is very expensive but what are you gonna do? Hope this helps alittle good luck to you.
Renee
Physician recently prescribed Metanx and insurance company refuses to pay for medication.
We are currently going to pay out of pocket and praying for reiief of numbness, tingling and most of all burning sensation in my husbands feet.