These relax blood vessels so more blood reaches your fingers and toes. Your doctor starts at a low dose and builds up slowly to limit side effects.
Raynaud's is when cold or stress makes the small blood vessels in your fingers and toes tighten, so they turn white, then blue, then red, and can hurt. In some people this leads to sore spots on the fingertips that are slow to heal, called finger ulcers. Calcium channel blockers relax these blood vessels and are the usual first medicine. They are used this way based on long experience.
Reduces how often Raynaud's happens and how bad it is.
Easy to take, and widely used.
Helps prevent painful finger ulcers.
A long track record and low cost.
A helpful bonus if your blood pressure runs high.
Your doctor chose this because the likely benefits outweigh the risks for you. Here is the honest, full picture.
Nifedipine is often the preferred Raynaud's medicine in pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning, so the right choice can be made.
This guide is for learning, not medical advice. Myositis care is different for everyone, and many of these medicines are used based on specialist experience rather than a formal Canadian myositis approval. Never start, stop, or change a medicine without your own doctor. Your doses are decided with your care team at the Centre.