Hundreds of people with Peyronie's Disease and Dupuytren's Contracture have been used this product. Urologists and other specialists all over the world have worked with this medication.
No success rate claims will be made prior to FDA Clinical Trials. However, the following data was published in the International Journal of Impotence Research, September 1999, William P. Fitch III, M.D., author: Of 196 patients with curvature, 71.4% noticed decreased curvature with treatment. Of the 200 patients with measurable plaque, 86.5% had measurable improvement. 55.1% of 89 patients with decreased quality erections had improvement of erectile rigidity. 100% of the patients with pain experienced total elimination of pain. 1.4% (3 patients) reported skin irritation which was resolved with topical steroids.
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. Patients are encouraged to see their physician for an examination at least every 60-90 days, and we ask all patients to call the pharmacy at least once a month for an update.
There have been no major side effects reported to date. Some patients have experienced skin irritation. All patients are counseled on the potential side effects before we sent the medication to them.
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.
Many major insurance companies are paying for the medication because it is a prescription that should be treated as any other prescription. But some do not pay for the drug. We assist in any way we can to help the patient get reimbursed.
A pharmacist will discuss with your physician alternative formulations and doses that have had a positive effect or proven successful with other difficult to treat patients. But no drug works for everyone.
Any licensed and qualified physician in the world. The urologist who diagnoses your condition will be the best person to write your prescription. An examination by a qualified physician who is familiar with Peyronie’s Disease is recommended.
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.
Patients taking any drug classified as a beta-adrenergic blocking agent (beta-blocker) seem to respond very slowly, if at all. Beta-blockers are used primarily to treat high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythm. The medical literature reports that beta-blockers can contribute to Peyronie’s Disease. We advise patients taking a beta-blocker to visit their cardiologist or internist regarding the possibility of switching to another class of drug before starting treatment with topical Verapamil.
High doses of supplemental vitamin C appear to interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.
The Verapamil can cause irritation of the vaginal mucosa. Therefore, the medication must be removed with soap and water before intercourse. One of our pharmacists will discuss this with you when you are counseled on the use of the medication.
Hundreds of patients have been monitored with no changes occurring. But there is always that possibility. The pharmacist that counsels you will discuss this with you in more detail. The medication was developed with this possibility in mind. Very little of the medication should reach the blood circulation. Studies on this subject are being planned.
Some plaques have an enzyme called Transforming Growth Factor Beta in excess which will interfere. Other enzymes in excess such as alpha-1-antitrypsin can also prevent the drug from doing its job. Another reason could be not applying the medication thoroughly or missing applications. The pharmacist’s instructions must be followed closely. Additionally, unfortunately not every patient will respond to any given medication. However, the success rate with this medication is very high when compared to other treatment options.