Anyone use methylene blue for PMR?

Methylene blue is used in the ICU setting through an IV for rare disorders such as methemoglobinemia, cyanide poisoning, and nitrate poisoning. Surgeons sometimes use it in the operating room for staining purposes.

It is a potent MAOi inhibitor which means there are several serious life threatening drug drug interactions. Less potent MAOi inhibitors developed for depression are for the most part not prescribed anymore for this reason.

By PMR do you mean Polymyalgia Rheumatica? I’ve been out of healthcare for a long time but most patients respond well to traditional treatments. Are you an outlier? I would think hard about using such a dangerous medicine as methylene blue for a condition that has many safer treatments. Definitely don’t take without discussion with your doctor

I used it about once or twice a week for whatever, being 74. Had a colon resection 3 months ago and I haven't used it lately. I'd like to use DMSO. A lot of info on both. YouTube.

@laura1970

I’m an icu physician and have used it in that setting but it’s touted for potent anti-inflammatory properties and there are some PO formulations out there. I do not have PMR or any autoimmune problems, but my wife is dealing with it right now and not having a great time with steroids.

I had been taking methelene blue for about a month when I was diagnosed with PMR. Just two weeks ago. My doc advised me to stop. I did but haven’t noticed anything…it didn’t prevent me from getting sick.

@bonandrods

@richardlevrault
Do you think it helped with pain at all?

I am an ICU nurse and I have PMR. not able to take prednisone adrenal insufficiency and ET. METHOTREXATE saved my life. Much less side effects than prednisone. That with hydrocortisone was the answer for me. Good luck

@richardlevrault tudies have shown that methylene blue is sufficiently absorbed from the gut to cause significant inhibition of MAO-A.

This is from AI:

Because of the risk of this severe drug interaction, oral methylene blue should not be used casually or without medical supervision, especially by individuals taking medications that affect the serotonin system. If you are considering taking oral methylene blue, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to understand all the potential risks and interactions.

Yes! And it's been incredible! No complications

@richardlevrault I really didn’t notice ANY difference when I stopped. The hideous pain came while I was taking it and I went on Prednisone. My doc said to stop any OTC meds I was taking, so I did. Again, I didn’t notice any difference.