Scleroderma Types Systemic Symptoms Raynaud's

Raynaud's Treatments: Medications

Mild Cases do not Require Treatment

Raynaud's is often mild and does not require treatment other than prevention techniques. However, various treatments can be used or medications prescribed when there are digital (finger or toe) ulcers, or when Raynaud's becomes painful.

Severe attacks which do not respond to the usual treatments, medications, and rewarming procedures may require hospitalization.

Raynaud's Disease: Treatments and Drugs. Medications for Raynaud's include calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers, and vasodilators. Mayo Clinic.

ACE Inhibitors: Quinapril is Not Effective for Scleroderma

The routine use of ACE inhibition in treating upper-limb digital ulcers or other vascular manifestations in patients with systemic sclerosis is not advisable. (Also see Digital Ulcers)

Alpha-adrenergic Blockers or Blood Thinners

Alpha-adrenergic blockers (such as Minipress, Cardura, or Hytrin), or blood-thinners (such as Coumadin, Trental, Warfarin) are sometimes used for Raynaud's.

Angiotensin II Antagonist

Raynaud’s Phenomenon Medication. These agents are used for vasodilation and for their possible antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Medscape.

Bosentan

A patient-centered approach to the burden of symptoms in patients with scleroderma treated with Bosentan: A prospective single-center observational study. Bosentan therapy may indirectly influence functionality and quality of life in patients with scleroderma by reducing the burden of Raynaud's and DU-related symptoms. PubMed, Exp Ther Med, 2020 Mar;19(3):1739-1746. (Also see Tracleer (Bosentan))

Low occurrence of digital ulcers (DU) in scleroderma (SSc) patients treated with bosentan for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): a retrospective case-control study. The occurrence of DU in patients with PAH–SSc receiving long–term bosentan treatment was significantly lower than in untreated patients. PubMed, Clin Rheumatol. (Also see Tracleer (Bosentan))

Calcium Channel Blockers

The first choice drugs for Raynaud's in Scleroderma patients are calcium channel blockers. ^(1,2,3) In fact, nifedipine (which is a calcium channel blocker) has been proven superior for Raynaud's Phenomenon in Scleroderma. ⁽¹⁾ Thus, nifedipine (such as Procardia XL ^® or Adalat CC ^®) is the most commonly used medication for Raynaud's in Scleroderma patients. ⁽²⁾

Nifedipine may increase symptoms of heartburn, but the heartburn will usually subside once you become used to the medication. ⁽⁵⁾

Estrogen is Good for Raynaud's

Short-Term Estrogen Administration Improves Abnormal Endothelial Function in Women With Systemic Sclerosis and Raynaud's Phenomenon. American Heart Journal 136(5):905-912.

Iloprost and Alprostadil

Intravenous Iloprost is effective for Raynaud's. However oral Iloprost was proven ineffective for Raynaud's phenomenon in scleroderma patients in a placebo-controlled, double-blind study. ⁽⁴⁾

Practical suggestions on intravenous iloprost in Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcer secondary to systemic sclerosis: Systematic literature review and expert consensus. Although these suggestions are supported by this expert group to be used in clinical setting, it will be necessary to formally validate the present suggestions in future clinical trials. PubMed, Semin Arthritis Rheum, 2019 Feb;48(4):686-693. (Also see Treatments for Digital Ulcers)

Immunosuppressants

Systemic Sclerosis(SSc) Sera Impair Angiogenic Performance of Dermal Microvascular Endothelial Cells: Therapeutic Implications of Cyclophosphamide (CYC). In SSc, CYC treatment might boost angiogenesis and consequently improve peripheral microangiopathy. PLOS One. (Also see Medications)

N-Acetylcysteine

Oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) secondary to systemic sclerosis (SSc): A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. NAC orally at a dose of 1800 mg/day showed no vasodilator effect on hands’ microcirculation after four weeks of treatment in patients with RP secondary to SSc. Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia. (Also see Treatments for Digital Ulcers)

Nitroglycerine Cream

Nitroglycerine cream may be used for Raynaud's, although it needs to be used sparingly.

Prostaglandin Patches and Infusions

Prostaglandin Infusions: In severe instances, where gangrene or loss of a digit is possible, some doctors have had success with prostaglandin infusions.

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Raynaud's Phenomenon Medication. Serotonin is a potent vasoconstrictor that is released from nerve endings and during platelet activation. However, some case reports describe exacerbation of Raynaud syndrome following the initiation of SSRI treatment. Medscape.

Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra, Revatio)

Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors and sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Increased occurrence in clinical practice and scientific reports suggest that the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are considered a risk factor for sudden deafness. PubMed, Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. (Also see Autoimmune Ear Disease)

Viagra may aggravate severe apnea. Viagra (sildenafil) taken at bedtime may worsen breathing problems in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea. WebMD. [2006] (Also see Sleep Disorders and Emotional Adjustment)

SCLERO.ORG is the world's leading nonprofit for trustworthy research, support, education and awareness for scleroderma and related illnesses. We are a 501(c)(3) U.S.-based public charitable foundation, established in 2002. Meet Our Team. Donations may also be mailed to: