Viagra has been proven to help sufferers of Raynaud’s syndrome: a condition that is characterised by an over-reaction of the hands to cold. Raynaud’s causes blood vessels to tighten up abnormally which reduces blood flow in the fingers. But Viagra can help to open up sufferers’ blood vessels again.
Professor Chris Denton, consultant rheumatologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London, explains: “Viagra has been used to treat Raynaud’s, particularly severe cases. The drug is known to help the blood vessels in the lungs so there is no real surprise that it improves blood flow in the extremities.”
Viagra is primarily an impotence treatment but has also been used to help people with other problems. It has even been prescribed to newly born babies, and in one case earlier this year, a pregnant woman, to help her give birth.
Viagra’s versatility is seemingly matched by Cialis, another popular erectile dysfunction drug. Cialis has been proven to help muscular dystrophy sufferers, and there are currently trials being carried out as to whether Cialis can help people with head and neck cancer.