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3. What Is NEUROCARE PLUS and What Is It Used
For? |
What Is NEUROCARE PLUS?
Neurocare Plus is a carefully designed combination capsule that brings together five scientifically validated ingredients, each targeting a different aspect of nerve health, nerve pain, and nerve repair.
Pregabalin is the prescription-strength nerve pain medicine that
calms overactive, pain-signalling nerves by binding to calcium channels and
reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, providing meaningful
relief from the burning, shooting, or electric-shock-like pain of neuropathy.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant, uniquely soluble in both fat and water, that neutralises the oxidative stress responsible for damaging nerve fibres, particularly in diabetes.
Methylcobalamin is the most active, neurotropic form of Vitamin B12
that directly supports myelin sheath repair, the protective coating around
nerve fibres that, when damaged, leads to neuropathy.
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
supports neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve impulse conduction. Folic Acid is
essential for neurological health, DNA repair in nerve cells, and reducing
homocysteine levels; elevated homocysteine is associated with nerve and
vascular damage.
What Is It Used For?
Neurocare Plus is prescribed
for people living with neuropathic pain, the chronic, often debilitating pain
that arises from damaged or dysfunctional nerves, typically felt as burning,
shooting, stabbing, tingling, or electric-shock sensations, most commonly in
the feet and hands.
Neurocare Plus primary use in
Kenya is for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, one of the most common and distressing
long-term complications of diabetes, where chronically elevated blood sugar
progressively damages nerve fibres. By combining Pregabalin's pain-relieving
action with the neuroprotective and nerve-regenerating properties of ALA and B
vitamins, Neurocare Plus addresses both the symptoms and the underlying nerve
damage simultaneously. It is also used for post-herpetic neuralgia (nerve pain
after shingles), chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, alcoholic
neuropathy, and neuropathy related to B-vitamin deficiencies.
For patients on long-term
Metformin therapy, which is known to deplete Vitamin B12 over time, the
Methylcobalamin and Folic Acid components provide critical nutritional nerve
support alongside the Pregabalin pain control.
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4. How to Take This Medicine |
Starting Dose
Pregabalin is typically
started at a low dose and increased gradually. Follow your doctor's specific
titration schedule, do not increase the dose on your own.
Typical Dosing
Usually taken once or twice
daily as directed by your doctor. The Pregabalin component determines the
dosing frequency.
With or Without Food
Can be taken with or without
food. If stomach discomfort occurs, take with food.
Morning Preferred
If once-daily dosing, morning
is preferred, ALA can have a mild energising effect that may interfere with
sleep if taken late in the day.
Do Not Stop Suddenly
Never stop Neurocare Plus
abruptly, the Pregabalin component causes withdrawal symptoms if stopped
suddenly. Always taper gradually under your doctor's guidance.
Missed Dose
Take as soon as you remember.
If close to the next dose, skip the missed one. Never double dose.
Duration
Minimum 3 months for
meaningful nerve repair benefit from the nutritional components. The Pregabalin
component provides pain control throughout. Your doctor will determine the
overall treatment duration.
Renal Adjustment
Pregabalin dose must be
reduced in kidney disease, confirm eGFR before starting and periodically during
treatment.
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5. Side Effects |
Common Side Effects
· Dizziness
(very common with Pregabalin, particularly when starting or increasing dose)
· Drowsiness
and fatigue
· Dry
mouth
· Blurred
vision
· Swollen
ankles or feet (peripheral oedema, Pregabalin)
· Weight
gain
· Bright
yellow urine (B vitamin excretion, completely harmless)
· Mild
nausea or stomach discomfort (take with food to reduce)
Uncommon Side Effects
· Memory
or concentration difficulties
· Mood
changes or euphoria (Pregabalin misuse potential, take only as prescribed)
· Constipation
· Mild
blood glucose lowering (ALA, monitor if on insulin or sulphonylureas)
· Skin
rash (rare allergic reaction)
Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention
· Suicidal
ideation or worsening depression, report any mood changes, thoughts of
self-harm, or unusual behaviour to your doctor immediately
· Severe
allergic reactions including angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or
throat, seek emergency care)
· Respiratory
depression, especially if combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol
(potentially life-threatening)
· Pregabalin
dependence and withdrawal; do not stop abruptly
· Misuse
and abuse potential; take only as prescribed
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6. Contraindications |
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⚠ The following
patients should NOT use this medication: • Known hypersensitivity to Pregabalin, Alpha Lipoic
Acid, Methylcobalamin, or any capsule component • Severe renal impairment without dose adjustment
(Pregabalin is renally cleared; dose must be reduced based on eGFR) • Pregnancy, Pregabalin is teratogenic in animal
studies; avoid unless clearly necessary • Breastfeeding, Pregabalin passes into breast milk • Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, Methylcobalamin
concern (use hydroxocobalamin instead)
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7. Safety Warnings and Special Precautions |
· MISUSE
AND DEPENDENCE: Pregabalin has significant misuse and dependence potential,
particularly at higher doses. Neurocare Plus must be taken only as prescribed, do
not increase the dose without medical advice and do not share with others.
· DRIVING:
Pregabalin causes dizziness, blurred vision, and drowsiness, do not drive or
operate machinery until you know how Neurocare Plus affects you. This is
especially important in the first few weeks or after any dose increase.
· DO
NOT STOP SUDDENLY: Abruptly stopping Pregabalin causes withdrawal symptoms, anxiety,
insomnia, nausea, sweating, and in rare cases seizures. Always reduce the dose
gradually under medical guidance.
· OPIOID
AND CNS DEPRESSANT COMBINATION: Combining Pregabalin with opioids (tramadol, morphine,
codeine), benzodiazepines, or alcohol significantly increases the risk of
life-threatening respiratory depression, avoid these combinations.
· SUICIDAL
THOUGHTS: A small number of patients on anticonvulsants experience changes in
mood or thoughts of self-harm. Report any such changes to your doctor
immediately.
· BLOOD
GLUCOSE: ALA has mild glucose-lowering properties, diabetic patients on insulin
or sulphonylureas should monitor blood sugar when starting Neurocare Plus.
· B6
ACCUMULATION: Do not take additional high-dose B6 supplements alongside
Neurocare Plus; excess B6 over time can paradoxically cause nerve damage
(pyridoxine neuropathy).
· KIDNEY
DISEASE: Pregabalin accumulates in renal impairment; check eGFR at baseline and
periodically. Dose adjustment is mandatory.
· ELDERLY:
Higher risk of falls from dizziness and unsteadiness; use lowest effective dose
and monitor closely.
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8. Drug Interactions |
Opioids
(tramadol, morphine, codeine, oxycodone): Risk
of life-threatening respiratory depression; avoid or use with extreme caution
under close medical supervision.
Benzodiazepines
/ CNS depressants (diazepam, sedatives, antihistamines): Additive
sedation and respiratory depression risk.
Alcohol:
Dramatically worsens sedation and coordination,
avoid completely.
Insulin
/ Sulphonylureas: ALA has mild glucose-lowering
properties, increased hypoglycaemia risk; monitor blood glucose.
Antacids
(aluminium/magnesium hydroxide): Reduce Pregabalin
absorption; separate by at least 2 hours.
Levodopa
alone (Parkinson's, not carbidopa-levodopa): High
B6 may reduce levodopa efficacy.
Thiazolidinediones
(pioglitazone): Combined oedema risk with Pregabalin; monitor
for fluid retention.
Thyroid
medications: High-dose ALA may affect thyroid hormone
levels, monitor if on levothyroxine.
Metformin:
Complementary, Methylcobalamin and Folic Acid
address Metformin-induced B12/folate depletion.
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9. Storage Instructions |
· Store
below 25°C in a cool, dry place.
· Protect
from light and moisture.
· Keep
in original blister packaging.
· Keep
out of reach of children.
· Do
not use after the expiry date.
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10. Prescription Status in Kenya |
Neurocare Plus is a
prescription-only medicine (POM) in Kenya. Pregabalin is a controlled/monitored
substance with significant misuse potential; a valid prescription from a
registered physician, neurologist, diabetologist, or pain specialist is
required. Available at Pharmily with a valid prescription.
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11. Patient Guidance |
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💊 Key Points
for Patients: ✔ Take Neurocare Plus exactly as your
doctor prescribed; never increase the dose on your own. ✔ Dizziness and drowsiness are very
common at first, especially after any dose increase; get up slowly from bed
or a chair and avoid driving until these side effects settle. ✔ Never stop Neurocare Plus suddenly; always
reduce gradually under your doctor's guidance to avoid withdrawal symptoms. ✔ Avoid alcohol completely while taking
Neurocare Plus, the combination is seriously sedating and unsafe. ✔ Do not drive or operate machinery
until you know how this medicine affects you. ✔ If you are on insulin or blood sugar
tablets, monitor your blood glucose more carefully in the first few weeks; ALA
has a mild glucose-lowering effect. ✔ Do not take other high-dose B6
supplements alongside Neurocare Plus without checking with your pharmacist. ✔ If you notice any changes in mood,
thoughts of self-harm, or unusual behaviour, contact your doctor or a trusted
person immediately. ✔ Bright yellow urine is completely
harmless; it is excess B vitamins being excreted. ✔ Give the nutritional components at
least 3 months to show their full nerve-repair benefit; nerve healing is a
slow process.
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12. Pharmacist / Prescriber Notes |
Neurocare Plus with Pregabalin is a significantly upgraded formulation from the previously catalogued Neurocare Plus (ALA + Methylcobalamin + Pyridoxine + Folic Acid only).
The
addition of Pregabalin elevates this from a nutritional supplement to a prescription-only
medicine; dispensing requires a valid prescription and Pregabalin-specific
counselling.
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13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
Q1: What is Neurocare Plus used for?
A: Neurocare Plus is used to
treat neuropathic pain, the burning, shooting, or tingling pain caused by nerve
damage, most commonly from diabetes, shingles, or nutritional deficiencies. It
combines Pregabalin (a nerve pain medicine) with nutrients that protect and
repair damaged nerve fibres.
Q2: Why does Neurocare Plus contain both Pregabalin and
nutritional supplements?
A: Pregabalin controls the
pain signals from damaged nerves, providing symptom relief. Alpha Lipoic Acid
protects nerves from oxidative damage.
Q3: How quickly will Neurocare Plus relieve my nerve pain?
A: Pregabalin typically begins
to reduce pain within 1–2 weeks of reaching the right dose. The nutritional
components (ALA, Methylcobalamin, Folic Acid) support nerve repair, a slower
process that shows meaningful benefit over 3–6 months of consistent use.
Q4: Why does Neurocare Plus make me dizzy and sleepy?
A: Dizziness and drowsiness
are the most common side effects of Pregabalin, particularly in the first 1–2
weeks or after a dose increase. They usually improve as your body adjusts. Rise
slowly from bed or a chair, and avoid driving until the side effects settle.
Q5: Can I stop taking Neurocare Plus if my pain improves?
A: Never stop suddenly.
Stopping Pregabalin abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, sweating,
insomnia, and in rare cases seizures. Your doctor will guide you on tapering
the dose slowly and safely.
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