brittle nails and hair

[Vinweesel2023]

I have been on acalabrutinib for almost two years and I am beginning to think I could be the poster child for side effects. My hair is very brittle and breaking off and my nails seem to be disintegrating. They split down the middle and then peel in layers. I already take 10,000 biotin once a day and 2 1200mg +D3 per day. Open to suggestions.

[albie58]

Hi!

I've been on Acala for the same time as you and found the same issues. My dermatologist said to keep my nails trimmed short and use a good hand cream throughout the day. However, I have found a small tube of nail conditioner from Elon Essentials that works on my nails. They also make a shampoo and conditioner that works great and really helps with my dry hair. I also use Biosilk which I put on my ends before drying and also before I go to bed. That routine has helped immensely. I've also added yogurt to my diet on a regular basis, and that has helped as well. The link for Elon Essentials is: elonessentials.com/

I hope this helps!

[Vinweesel2023 in reply to albie58]

Thank you I will give it a try.

[Gampo]

Hi, I experienced similar issues with Acalabrutinib. My hair was falling out steadily for the first months and then intermittently thereafter. I got a blood test for b vits and found I needed more than just the Biotin I'd been taking, so that might be worth a check. I used a good hair oil overnight before washing - Fushi and Kama Ayurveda - and I leave my conditioner on for a few minutes before washing it out. This helps with the brittleness. I'm also using a Kansa Scalp Brush to massage and invigorate my scalp a few times a week. It doesn't break the hair and it certainly stimulates. kamaayurveda.com/uk/en_GB/ Might be worth checking your Vid D levels too as that affects nails. Good luck

[Vinweesel2023 in reply to Gampo]

I did have vitamin D checked and it is good. I will ask about testing vitamin b. I have never had trouble with brittle nails or hair. My hair used to be waist length and healthy.

[GoldenLoverMN]

I had the same problem with acalabrutinib. I started taking a colostrum supplement daily and both my nails and hair are stronger after a few months on the supplement. I use the powder form and have been taking it for approximately one year. Good luck!

[Vinweesel2023 in reply to GoldenLoverMN]

Can you give me the name of the colostrum supplement that you take.

[GoldenLoverMN in reply to Vinweesel2023]

Gladly, I use Adapt Naturals. I hope that it helps you...

[jerryjerry]

The same happened to me with Ibrutinib. Biotin and other topical cares helped a little, but not much. People told me it was a small price to pay to get rid of the CLL. But, when my toenails started falling off, it became more than a cosmetic problem.

Fortunately, I was able to stop the treatment and everything returned to normal.

An interesting aside. I have very curly hair and it went straight. Now, it is curly again.

I still take the biotin, and my wife as well.

[Vinweesel2023 in reply to jerryjerry]

I wish I could say the same about stopping treatment. My oncologist has told me that I would have a year to live if I stopped. She also told me right off the hop that I would not lose my hair and that it isn't a side effect from the drug. I have an issue with just one toe but my fingernails are horrible. They split back so far that cutting them is impossible. Supposedly I am in medical remission. Glad you do not have to take the medication.

[Bobby9toes]

My nails havent been in very good shape long before starting Calquence. I have developed ridges that tend to split on the ends. I chalked it up to just getting older (77). My hairdresser did tell me that the texture of my hair has changed since I started on Calquence. I really haven’t noticed it. I think it may be a little thinner, but she doesn’t think so. I take biotin, vit D and a vit B. I also use good quality shampoo and conditioner.