Taste changes with chemotherapy

Some chemotherapy drugs can damage your taste buds, causing some foods to taste different. Some targeted therapies and immunotherapies may also affect your ability to taste.

Taste changes can lead to loss of appetite and weight loss.

After you finish treatment the taste buds return to normal. Usually this is within 3 to 4 weeks but can be longer.

Signs your taste buds are affected

When you have taste changes, you may notice:

• a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth
• food tastes salty or sweet
• food doesn’t have much flavour
• all foods taste the same.

What causes taste changes

Chemotherapy drugs that commonly cause taste changes include:

• capecitabine (Xeloda)
• cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
• docetaxel (Taxotere)
• doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
• fluorouracil (5-FU)
• paclitaxel (Taxol, Abraxane).

Other drugs may also have taste changes as a side effect. This includes targeted therapies, hormone-blocking therapies and immunotherapy. 

Tips to manage taste changes

There are many things that you can do to help manage taste changes. As everyone is different, you may have to experiment to find what works for you.

• Rinse with a mouthwash made from baking soda or salt dissolved in water before meals to help food taste better.
• Drink dry ginger ale before meals to clean your taste buds.
• Gently brush your teeth frequently and floss daily.
• Use non-metallic cutlery, especially if food has a metallic taste.
• Chew sugar-free gum or mints to encourage saliva and keep your palate clean.
• Try adding strong flavours to foods such as garlic, onion, basil or mint.
• Change a salty or bitter taste by adding sweeteners or change a sweet taste with lemon juice.
• Serve food cold or at room temperature.
• Blend fresh fruit into ice cream or shakes.
• Freeze fruits such as melon and eat them as frozen treats.
• If red meat tastes strange, try marinating it before cooking. Otherwise try other protein rich foods such as chicken, fish, tofu, nuts, eggs and cheese.
• Experiment with foods and drinks. You might now like foods you didn't before.

If you can't bear the smell of food, ask someone else to prepare or cook meals.

When to contact your doctor

It is important you speak to your treating specialist or GP if you can’t maintain an adequate and nutritious diet.

They may refer you to an accredited dietitian who can help develop an eating plan to manage taste changes. A dietician may already be part of your treating team.