Post-Marketing Surveillance of Fixed Dose Combination of Methylcobalamin, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Folic Acid, Biotin, Benfotiamine & Vitamin B6-Nutripathy for the Management of Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is a commonly encountered troublesome condition which is often disabling & worsens when left untreated. Traditional neuropathic pain medications primar-ily provide symptomatic relief; however, the pathogenesis of nerve damage remains unresolved. Extensive literature survey reveals that patients with peripheral neuropathy experience signifi-cant benefits with the use of B-vitamins like methylcobalamin (B12), folic acid (B9), biotin (B7), benfotiamine (B1) and pyridoxine (B6). The other well documented antineuropathic agents in-clude alpha lipoic acid, glutathione, omega fatty acids, myoinositol, certain trace elements, etc. Materials and Methods: A multicentre, prospective, open-label, non-comparative clinical study was carried out in 497 patients with peripheral neuropathy. A fixed dose combination of methylcoba-lamin, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), folic acid, biotin, benfotiamine & vitamin B6 capsule was orally ad-ministered once daily for 12 weeks. Results: Treatment led to significant reduction from baseline score in various neuropathy symptoms from the 4th week itself. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean pain score declined by 78.0%, numbness by 92.1% and muscle weakness by 96.9%. Also, there was 96.0% & 99.2% reduction in tingling & burning sensation respectively. No serious ad-verse events were reported. Conclusion: The current study confirms that fixed dose combination of methylcobalamin, ALA, folic acid, biotin, benfotiamine & vitamin B6 is effective & well tolerated in the management of peripheral neuropathy.