Anyone taking METANX?

[KarkMuzio]

I had my Prostate taken out in 18 (Gleason 3+4) and had adjuvant radiation in 19, so far I have been undetectable. Recently I've been perscribed Metanx (L-Methylfolate, B6 and B12) for peripheral neuropathy by a Neurologist.

Is anyone in the group taking Metanx? Considering that synthetic folic acid has been studied in relation to prostate cancer and some studies have found that Folate supplements can have a positive influence on prostate carcinogenesis and progression, what were the reasons to take it???

The Neurologist says it helps nerve health and mentioned that the 3mg of Metafolin in the prescription won't hurt me.

If anyone has any experience with Metanx or has knowledgre about it's relationship to prostate cancer progression could you mention what you have learned?

Thank you so much,

Mark

[Cantabrigian51]

I took Metanx for a couple of months to help with my peripheral neuropathy. While I think it did help some, when I had my B12 measured, it was very high (1700?). So I had to stop taking Metanx. If I recall, each pill has 2000 micrograms of B12.

[KarkMuzio in reply to Cantabrigian51]

Yes, it is 2 mg of B12. I'm wondering if there was any discussion by your Doc on the potential hazard of taking it because of the synthetic folic acid? Natural folic acid from food sources has a beneficial effect on PCa but synthetic folic acid might have the opposite.

[pachydermsun in reply to KarkMuzio]

For 15 years+, husband has taken MetanX, 2/day for peripheral neuropathy (cause idiopathic). He credits it with mostly stopping the advance of the condition. Additionally it has probably not advanced with 10 chemo treatments (Jevtana and Taxotere).

[KarkMuzio in reply to pachydermsun]

Thanks Pachydermsun.....15 years is a long time. Did you test foliate levels or Vit B levels in the interm? Did he have a deficiency of anything in the first place? just wondering. His oncology docs obviously saw it on his medication list and they didn't say anything. Thanks for any aditional info!

[pachydermsun in reply to KarkMuzio]

Husband had no tests, no known deficiencies prior. GP believed MetanX would help. Husband trusted. Started with 1 pill/day. Along the way GP suggested doubling. More trust, and fear of possible advanced peripheral neuropathy. Yes, oncologist was fully aware the Mike took MetanX.

[KarkMuzio in reply to pachydermsun]

Thank you very much for your information. I really appreciate your sharing his experience.

[Cantabrigian51]

We didn’t have that discussion; I ran it by my oncologist and PCP and both thought it was fine to take. Of course they also said I would harmlessly excrete the excess B12….

[KarkMuzio in reply to Cantabrigian51]

ummm...interesting, Thanks! A friend of mine who is seeing an oncologist at Dana Farber will ask the question for me this week when he visits, I look forward to that answer too.

[V10fanatic]

After my IMRT I developed neuropathy in my legs and feet, so my Neurologist prescribed it. I did not see any measurable benefits at that time. Just this last month I decided to give it another try, but so far it has still not had any positive effect. My PCP wanted to prescribe me Lyrica and I ultimately chose the path of least resistance(side effects).

Has anyone seen benefits from Lyrica? If so, was it worth the side effects?

[docbulldog]

I am definitely in need of something that will help my neuropathy. I am set to continue chemo infusions this coming week and I’m very concerned about advancing what neuropathy I have. I will check on this and also I’ve heard that folic acid affects your PSA readings. Is that true?

[Kark in reply to docbulldog]

Yes, I have read a study in PubMed where patients PSA did lower when taken off high doses of synthetic Folic acid. Please do a search in PubMed.

[j-o-h-n]

We Greeks drink Metaxa............. try it you'll love it...... OPA!

Don't break your dishes..........

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 05/01/2023 12:31 AM DST

[gsun]

B12 will be excreted in the urine. High levels should not cause problems. I have neuropathy in my hip down to my calf. Shooting pains that were very bothersome. My GP prescribed gabapentin plus diclofenac and misoprostol. My pain went away. It's really great.

[docbulldog in reply to gsun]

Thank you for that info, how big a dose of gabapentin? And are the other items over the counter or do you have to have a prescription?

[gsun in reply to docbulldog]

Sorry for the late reply. I take 300 MG at bedtime as it can make you sleepy. They all are prescription. The diclofenac is 75 mg and the misoprostol is 200 mcg.