Neurobion

Calm those nerves!

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Have you experienced random body pains, or lingering muscular spasms that you brush aside as fatigue? Chances are, you’re experiencing the early stages of neuropathy. This could be pain in the hand, arms and legs caused by nerve damage.

“Neuropathy is the disease of the nerves. Cramps, tingling sensations and pangangawit (numbness) are some of the symptoms to this condition. Pain limits our movements. This is common, especially in the elderly, due to nerve damage. When untreated, these cases could spiral and lead to Allodynia, the worst case of neuropathy,” informed Merck Inc.’s medical director Dr. Gio Barangan.

“Malnourished patients as well as vegetarians who don’t ingest meat as protein sources are also prone to the disease. Meat protein, red or white, is a good source of Vitamin B-complex (Thiamine, Niacin, Riboflavin, B6 and B12). Vit. B is water-soluble so you need to replenish it daily in your diet. It converts food to energy and nourishes the brain as well as the nervous system,” he added.

With the incidence of neuropathy increasing among Filipinos, the Neuropathy Awareness Movement, spearheaded by Neurobion, and simply dubbed "Feel Ko Ang Buhay,"

aims to raise the awareness bar on the symptoms and effects of nerve damage. “Neurobion is the leading global brand addressing this concern and the brand aims to widen its reach in Asia and Latin America. Merck, the makers of this wonder drug, is the oldest pharmaceutical in the world,” Dr. Barangan continued.

In a bid to draw attention to the symptoms of the disease and know how it affects the quality of life, three 90s dance groups, the Universal Motion Dancers (UMD), Sex Bomb Dancers and The Maneouvers, gathered together to drumbeat the Neuropathy Awareness Movement through a dance concert at the Trinoma Atrium recently. The reunion concert featured dance icons like Wowie de Guzman, Joshua Zamora and Jopay Paguia in leading the event while performing their greatest moves. Known for their superb routines and demanding choreography, the dancers knew too well the importance of being able to move freely without the threat of pain.

“Aside from bodily pains, depression sets in when B-complex is lacking in one’s diet. Beri-beri, which is from a deficiency in Vit. B1 (thiamine) can lead to failure of the heart. Those who ingest Metformin, as part of their medication, must give leeway to take Vit. B prior to taking their daily doses, because metformin will inhibit the absorption of Vit. B,” Dr. Barangan advised.

The discomforting pain is often felt in the morning, making it hard to even get out of bed. Such body ailments can hinder movement, making one feel helpless, out of control, and unable to enjoy life.

Neuropathy afflicts many Filipinos as early as their mid-20s, but the condition is often misdiagnosed so it does not receive the proper treatment. It is clinically-proven that Neurobion’s balanced formulation of nerve nourishing vitamins acts at the very root of these problems. Each tablet can help maintain healthy nerves, promote efficient nerve function, and reduce pain in the upper and lower extremities caused by neuropathy.

Merck is a leading pharmaceutical, chemical and life science company with a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by more than 40,000 employees in 67 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. The company’s operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA.