Question 1

does metformin cause megaloblastic anemia?

Accepted Answer

It can: Megaloblastic anemia is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folic acid.  Taking metformin can cause your body to "use up" vitamin b12, and become deficient in b12, which, in severe cases, could lead to megaloblastic anemia.  This can usually be corrected with a vitamin B12 pill, unless there is also a problem with absorbing b12.

Question 2

how follic acid deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia?

Accepted Answer

It just does :): Hello-
your body needs Folic Acid to make red blood cells properly.  If you do not have enough it compromises the process.  The body will not be able to produce red blood cells as well (anemia) and they will be bigger than normal red blood cells (megaloblastic = big).  Thankfully some Folic Acid replacement should fix the problem quite easily.

Question 3

why we treat megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin b12 deficiency with folates (folic acid)?

Accepted Answer

We don't: Megaloblastic anemia caused by B12 deficiency is treated with b12. Folate (folic acid) deficiency also causes meg. Anemia. Some with B12 deficiency are also deficient in b12, but if one has low B12 ; isn't deficient in folate (folic acid) there's no need to supplement with it. But it won't hurt to take folate (folic acid);if you're among the 1/3 of people with problems converting Folic Acid to it's active form you should take l-5-mthf.

Question 4

what is a megaloblastic anemia?

Accepted Answer

Big red blood cell : Is a type of anemia presented with big size of red blood cells- that results from inhibition of dna synthesis during red blood cell production.This leads to continuing cell growth without division.  It is most often due to hypovitaminosis, specifically a deficiency of vitamin B12 and/or folic acid, deficiency in micronutrient- as well as others including drugs/chemo etc. Work up needs to be done.

Question 5

are there supplements for megaloblastic anemia?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Megaloblastic anemia is caused by either a lack of Folic Acid or b12.  Folate (folic acid) is available over the counter.  There are high dose B12 supplements available by prescription.

Question 6

what differences are there in megaloblastic anemia and pernicious anemia?

Accepted Answer

Pernicious = Vit B12: Megaloblastic anemia refers to any condition which causes large red blood cells (folate (folic acid) deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, etc.) pernicious anemia can be thought of as a *type* of megaloblastic anemia which is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency secondary to malabsorption.

Question 7

what is the difference between pernicious anemia and megaloblastic anemia?

Accepted Answer

Big RBC: Pernicious anemia is deficiency of vitaminb12 due to autoimmune attack on cell of the stomach and antibody against intrinsic factor- presented with megaloblastic anemia. Pa is only one of the causes of megaloblastic anemia- however other causes that can cause def vitb12 , or folate (folic acid) or other drug eg. Bactrim- that inhibits dna synthesis in RBC production also can cause megaloblastic anemia.

Question 8

is megaloblastic anemia an inherited condition?

Accepted Answer

Not commonly: Most cases of this condition reflect deficiencies of key vitamins (b12, folic acid) and occur due to dietary deficiencies, pregnancy, pernicious anemia, medications. Rare inherited forms can occur in which the carrier proteins for B12 may be low for example.

Question 9

whats megaloblastic anemia?

Accepted Answer

Anemia: Megaloblastic anemia is anemia related most commonly to vitamin B12 and Folic Acid deficiency. These problems are easily treated with replacement of the deficient vitamin. There are other much rarer causes of megaloblastic anemia, and other illnesses that may look similar to megaloblastic anemia.

Question 10

what is the difference between megaloblastic anemia and regular anemia?

Accepted Answer

Cause: Megaloblastic anemia is caused by vitamin B12 or Folic Acid deficiency, or rarely from other causes. In the blood, the red blood cells are large. In the bone marrow, there is delayed maturation of the red blood cell precursors that give a characteristic appearance when stained and looked at under the microscope. There is no "regular anemia".

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Metformin cause megaloblastic anemia

A member asked:

Does metformin cause megaloblastic anemia?

A member asked:

How follic acid deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia?

A member asked:

Why we treat megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin b12 deficiency with folates (folic acid)?

A member asked:

What is a megaloblastic anemia?

A member asked:

Are there supplements for megaloblastic anemia?

A member asked:

What differences are there in megaloblastic anemia and pernicious anemia?

A member asked:

What is the difference between pernicious anemia and megaloblastic anemia?

A member asked:

Is megaloblastic anemia an inherited condition?

A member asked:

Whats megaloblastic anemia?

A member asked:

What is the difference between megaloblastic anemia and regular anemia?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?