CLL and Brittle nails: Does anyone that's got... - CLL Support

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CLL and Brittle nails

BayfieldAnnette profile image
22 Replies

Does anyone that's got CLL and on chemo tablets get brittle nails.

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BayfieldAnnette profile image
BayfieldAnnette
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22 Replies
annmcgowan profile image
annmcgowan

Hi I have brittle nails with Ibruitinib. I use Biotin and nail strengtheners like hard as nails.

Good luck

Ann

Panz profile image
Panz in reply toannmcgowan

Nails!!! What nails??? lol

🙏☘️😍💕

annmcgowan profile image
annmcgowan in reply toPanz

I used to have long strong nails. Alas no more sounds like you are the same or even worse.☹️

bkoffman profile image
bkoffmanCLL CURE Hero

Very common on ibrutinib.

GMa27 profile image
GMa27

During IV chemo had to take my acrylics off. Brittle nails. Used nail polish with biotin in it. After chemo nails were super strong.

Mick491 profile image
Mick491

Yes got brittle nails on ibrutinib. Also having skin peeling and splitting on both hands and feet.

Mick

210savannah profile image
210savannah in reply toMick491

Me too! I told my oncologist and he acted like he had not heard of that side effect. 🙄🙄 Its really the only problem I have other than the occasional mouth sore.

Mick491 profile image
Mick491 in reply to210savannah

Get the mouth sores too. But it's better than the alternative lol

MF79 profile image
MF79

Not great 3 years post FCR. I keep them short

KL2018 profile image
KL2018

Get this- I am on W & W and have nail issues! Pre-diagnosis I found my nails changing, becoming very ridged. I wonder if it is also just CLL related?

Penkman profile image
Penkman

I do since I started on Ibrutinib. Been on it since last September and my nails have grown thinner and weaker to the point where they split so easily making even the simple task of pealing an orange with them impossible. They are also growing much quicker which may explain why they become thinner if the growing process changes it's emphasis to length rather than thickness.

Several related issues on this site have suggested taking Biotin and I asked my Haematologist two weeks ago if it was ok to take and he said it was.

I have started taking a 5000 microgram capsule once a day to see if it helps but I am assuming that as visible nails are "dead" that it will only start working on new growth.

I try and keep my nails cut really short but when they do split, I use my wife's clear Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Nail Hardener which helps them splitting further and seems to stay on for about a week.

livinglifewell profile image
livinglifewell in reply toPenkman

I took the 5,000 mcg of biotin daily for 4 months and there was NO improvement in my finger & toenails. Still weak, ridged, split, torn easily, and too soft to be filed. The cuticles are in rough shape too. I read on pub-med that something is happening at the nail plate level.

Big_Dee profile image
Big_Dee

Hello BayfieldAnnette

I am not sure what you mean by chemo pills, but I just finished IV Bendamustine & Rituximab. I was told not to take Biotin while on chemo. Check with your doctor, hope you get it sorted out.

BayfieldAnnette profile image
BayfieldAnnette in reply toBig_Dee

Thank you my husband on ibrutinib.

pkpayne profile image
pkpayne

I'm on Ibrutinib and Venetoclax and my nails are like paper. I take 10,000 mg of Biotin daily but I don't think it's helped. My nails were very thin prior to starting any of this. My skin is also very very dry.

Paula

Villager profile image
Villager

5th year on Ibrutinib. Occasional brittle nails. Primary side effects are bruising (forearms), night leg cramps. I had an episode of mouth sores. My dentist prescribed a mouthwash that helped. “Wavy hair” a real anomaly. I would attribute this drug and the knowledge of my oncologist-hematologist to prolonging my current healthy life.

halldp profile image
halldp in reply toVillager

Smiling as I read your post. I have nail brittleness, splitting finger skin, cramps, occasional mouth sores and wavy to curly hair if I let my hair grow out a little. My barber was amazed recently when I had a haircut. Being Swiss and Western European descent my hair is thin. Ibrutinib has been a blessing to me as are my Doc’s at UCSD Moore’s Cancer center and my wonderful RN wife.

Yes - Also I have all the bruising, skin pre-cancers and some that have to be cut out by the Derm Doc, bleeding (I work with my hands with tools). Most dangerous are any infections I may get. Lastly, stay positive, exercise, walk and love others to push through those afternoons when I’m feeling soo exhausted.

Villager profile image
Villager in reply tohalldp

Yes, life certainly is an adventure.

Cherish every moment!

annmcgowan profile image
annmcgowan in reply toVillager

Hi which mouth wash did your dentist recommend? I use Difflam and Gengigel products, both are good.

Ann

LynnB1947 profile image
LynnB1947

Very similar to Villager (@Villager) - 5 yrs now on ibrutinib. Same side effects but except no mouth sores. I get leg cramps, finger cramps, hand cramps, torso cramps, etc. I guess cramps everywhere except for heart cramps, thank goodness. I split a nail this morning. When working outside I wear gloves to protect the nails. Fatigue is also a side effect.

DrLV profile image
DrLV

I have been on ibrutinib for almost seven years. Brittle nails is a common problem, but it sure beats the alternative. LOL

country76 profile image
country76

Congratulations!!! Do you stay on Venataclax until ,o1 Cll on sensitive test?

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