Blue/black fingernails

[2689]

I am trying to determine why many of my fingernails have turned permanently blue -black. I have really poor circulation in my hands and cannot get them warm when they get cold but on reflection I believe the colour change may have started after commencing Temgesic - 200m - 250mcg (One and a quarter tablets).

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I am reluctant to take another drug prescribed by the doc for this problem because of the side effects.

[Joolsg]

crossroadspsychiatric.com/P...

I suggest you call your doctor asap. How long have you been taking Buprenorphine? Did you notice the blue fingernails before starting temgesic/buprenorphine?

Have you started any other meds recently?

Blue fingernails is listed as a possible allergic reaction to injected Buprenorphine. See the article above.

I haven't heard of this side effect before, but it is noted in the medical literature.

I am surprised that it's only happening now, after 11 months on Temgesic. So, it may be your Raynaud's disease getting worse - you mention poor circulation. Discuss fully with your doctor to rule out allergic reaction.

[2689 in reply to Joolsg]

Thanks for your reply. I have had this problem for about 18 months and so it did make me think it was Temgesic. I never had such significant problems with cold hands before and had no discolouration before taking the Temgesic. (I have not taken any new medication.)

I have tried to research causes and did find very rare cases of this reaction so thanks for the link.

I have been to 2 different doctors and all they wanted to do was test for fungal disease which I knew it wasn't. I of course tested negative. My nails start to grow back and then suddenly they turn blue/black starting from the outside fingers. I am uncertain what to do now.

I have been given a script for amlodipine (Norvasc) but I am reluctant to take this as I have very low blood pressure already.

[Joolsg in reply to 2689]

I ppresume your doctor does think the fingernails discolouration is caused by Raynauds disease and he's trying to prescribe something to increase blood flow to help circulation. Blood pressure meds are the standard treatment. However, they may make your RLS and low blood pressure worse.

Ask your doctor if there's any other treatment for Raynauds.

Or alternatively, you could try alternative remedies.

[2689 in reply to Joolsg]

I never though of the possible RLS side effects. It never ends does it. Thanks again.