ITV’s Dr Amir Khan said the tablet could help – but not everyone could be eligible
Those battling a “painful” health condition that gets worse in the winter and is capable of turning fingers “blue” might be eligible to take a type of medication. People need to ask their doctor about it, as it cannot be found without a prescription.
TV host Cherry Healey shared a question from a listener of her wellness podcast, which she co-presents with ITV’s Dr Amir Khan. She revealed: “[The podcast listener] has Raynaud’s and this year in winter, it is a terrible time for me. My hands and feet go purple to white and are so painful.”
Cherry had some understanding, claiming that she too battles the same condition during colder months. Her medically qualified co-presenter said this was a common condition that can be managed through straightforward household treatments – though some sufferers may want to ask their doctor about medication.
He said: “[Doctors] can give you medication to take regularly. In the wintertime, you can take medication to relax the blood vessels. It’s the same medication that [doctors] give people with high blood pressure.”
The ITV regular, who features on daytime shows including Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, clarified that the treatment functions to “open up” blood vessels which constrict during a Raynaud’s episode, reports the Express.
The NHS website identifies the drug that could be prescribed as nifedipine. Beyond its use in preventing people from developing future heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
Nifedipine is strictly prescription-only in the UK and usually comes in tablet or capsule form. People who struggle with those kinds of medicines may be able to get them in liquid or drop form.
The majority of adults over 18 years are suitable for nifedipine treatment. But, this medication isn’t appropriate for everyone across the UK. Medical professionals might refuse to prescribe this treatment if any of the following circumstances affect the patient:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to nifedipine or any other medicine
- Have liver disease
- Have any heart problems (other than high blood pressure), including a recent heart attack, heart failure or unstable angina
- Have diabetes
Patients on this medication will be warned to cut grapefruit (including its juice) from their diet. This is due to grapefruit potentially boosting nifedipine levels in the system, leading to adverse effects like headaches, flushing and sensations of dizziness or lightheadedness.
What is Raynaud’s?
The NHS explains that this condition triggers a reduction in blood circulation to fingers and toes. This can result in skin losing its normal colour, which typically comes from proper blood flow throughout our bodily networks.
Occasionally, the skin becomes white, purple or blue when blood vessels react excessively to cold weather or conditions. Raynaud’s symptoms might last anywhere from several minutes to a few hours.
Medical experts suggest this is generally triggered by low temperatures, though there have been instances where emotional stress or worry has also sparked a flare-up of Raynaud’s. The official guidance reads: “It’s common and does not usually cause severe problems. You can often treat the symptoms yourself by keeping warm.”
Contact a doctor if:
- You have symptoms of Raynaud’s that are very bad or getting worse
- Raynaud’s is affecting your daily life
- Your symptoms are only on 1 side of your body
- You also have joint pain, skin rashes or muscle weakness
- You’re over 30 years old and get symptoms of Raynaud’s for the first time
- Your child is under 12 years old and has symptoms of Raynaud’s
