Research studies find that the erectile dysfunction drug Cialis relieves the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease. It’s believed that the medication’s ability to improve blood flow is the key to its efficacy on both fronts.
Two separate studies have found that the erectile dysfunction drug Cialis appears to help treat Raynaud’s disease. The condition causes the fingers and toes to turn white or red when exposed to cold or stress.
Between 3 and 5 percent of the U.S. population suffers from Raynaud’s, according to an article in The New York Times. Among certain populations, such as young women between the ages of 15 and 40, the percentage affected reportedly goes as high as 15 percent.
Why is it more prominent in women? It’s likely that estrogen influences how the body reacts to cold, because it’s already known that estrogen increases the risk of vascular disease. In addition, a study in Boston reportedly found that Raynaud’s was more common in women who had undergone estrogen treatments compared with women who hadn’t.
American College of Rheumatology Study
The American College of Rheumatology gave Cialis to half a group of participants with Raynaud’s—mostly women—and the other half a placebo. All 53 of the patients had experienced an episode of Raynaud’s at least four times a week, as well as finger ulcers.
The results: Most of the study participants who took the Cialis had less joint pain. In addition, all but one person saw their ulcers disappear while taking Cialis. Also in the group taking Cialis, 77 percent saw their bumps disappear.
University of Manchester Study
A second study, conducted by researchers at England’s University of Manchester, included 57 participants with Raynaud’s who were given Cialis.
After monitoring the patients for 25 days, researchers found that those taking Cialis had discolored fingers and toes 44 percent less than those with Raynaud’s who did not take Cialis.
Cialis relieves erectile dysfunction symptoms by opening blood vessels and improving blood flow, and it’s believed that these same mechanisms help people suffering from the symptoms of Raynaud’s.
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