Can Levodopa medication cause anaemia and... - Cure Parkinson's

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Can Levodopa medication cause anaemia and low haemoglobin levels?

PDbeater profile image
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I have recently been diagnosed with a low red blood count (RBC) as well as reduced haemoglobin levels. It appears that the red blood cells are being broken down resulting in a yellow tinge to the skin because of the release of the pigment bilirubin. The cause of this is presently being investigated however in doing my own research I read that levodopa can cause haemolytic anaemia. I wonder if anyone else has had the same experience and if so what was done to treat the problem.

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Boscoejean profile image
Boscoejean

well I guess it can happen and the recommendations on how to deal with it are probably not going to make it all that easy:

"levodopa can cause anemia and lower hemoglobin levels. Levodopa is a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. It can cause hemolytic anemia, which is when red blood cells break down too early. Levodopa can also cause vitamin B6 deficiency anemia, which can lead to severe anemia.

Explanation

Hemolytic anemia

Levodopa can cause hemolytic anemia, which can be detected with a Coombs test. Symptoms include fatigue, dark urine, pale skin, and jaundice.

Vitamin B6 deficiency anemia

Levodopa is metabolized into dopamine, which requires vitamin B6. A deficiency in vitamin B6 can cause anemia. This type of anemia can mimic myelodysplastic syndrome.

Treatment

To treat levodopa-induced anemia, you can reduce your dose of levodopa and take vitamin B6 supplements. "

park_bear profile image
park_bear in reply toBoscoejean

B6 is largely misunderstood. Anyone interested in B6 should start here: healthunlocked.com/cure-par...

Boscoejean profile image
Boscoejean

okay here comes something that totally surprised me:

"Mucuna pruriens, or velvet bean, is not known to cause hemolytic anemia directly, but it has been studied for its potential in treating and preventing hemolytic anemia. Some research suggests that Mucuna pruriens may have beneficial effects on blood cell production and could potentially help in cases of anemia caused by other factors.

How Mucuna Pruriens Might Impact Hemolytic Anemia:

Potential Benefits:

Research suggests that Mucuna pruriens may have protective effects against hemolytic anemia induced by phenylhydrazine, a chemical that causes red blood cell damage.

Increased Blood Cell Production:

Studies have shown that Mucuna pruriens extracts may increase the production of red blood cells, which can help combat anemia.

Liver Function:

Some studies indicate that Mucuna pruriens may improve liver function, which can be crucial in the context of hemolytic anemia, as the liver plays a role in red blood cell production and breakdown.

Treatment of Anemia:

In some cultures, Mucuna pruriens is used as a traditional remedy for anemia.

In Summary:

While Mucuna pruriens is not known to directly cause hemolytic anemia, it has been shown to have potential benefits in treating or preventing anemia related to other factors.

It is important to note that these are preliminary findings, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Mucuna pruriens on hemolytic anemia.

If you are concerned about hemolytic anemia or any other health issues, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. "

PEL159Sky profile image
PEL159Sky in reply toBoscoejean

I take Mucuna Pruriens powder in the morning with filtered hot water and 3 capsules of Dopa Mucuna capsules and it works well even after taking C8 MCT Oil. Thank you for the affirmation.

MarionP profile image
MarionP

You mean like jaundice? Suggest liver disease issue. Pale poop? Once again, I typically start out by looking at basic health chemistry and thinking horses not zebras. These are things important to bring back to a doctor.

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