Verapamil

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Since July 11, I've been applying Transdermal Verapamil 15% to both palms. It's hard to tell whether it's helping or not. I know it can take several months to notice any difference. From the little I know, Verapamil – an oral medication used to treat heart issues – has the potential to "block voltage-gated calcium channels in cardiac nodes and vessel lining smooth muscle" and "decrease myofibroblast-mediated contracture."

What does THAT mean?!  

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, verapamil relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload." 

Since I tend to have low blood pressure, my physician's assistant advised me to monitor mine once I start using topical Verapamil.

Some of my questions were answered on this FAQ page about topical Verapamil, which has been used successfully to treat Peyronie's disease in men (affects penis).  

* When can I expect results? "The treatment time ranges from three to twelve months, with the average being three to nine months. Some patients experience improvement during the first month of treatment. A few patients have been treated as long as six months with no results and experience dramatic results during the seventh month. Every patient is different and unpredictable."

* How does the drug work? "The complete mechanism of action is not fully understood. However, it appears that the Verapamil penetrates into the plaque or scar tissue, blocks calcium from entering the tissue, and causes the body to produce an enzyme, collagenase, that remodels the plaque." 

* Will I have to use the drug forever? "No. It appears that once all the plaque is gone, that it does not return. Longer observation will be required in order to fully answer this question accurately. Remember, additional trauma could cause the disease to return."

You can barely see the gritty bits of Verapamil on my palm.

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