Are you experiencing changes in taste, like losing the ability to taste salty or other flavors, as a side effect of chemotherapy?
Yes, taste changes are a common side effect of myeloma treatment. Chemotherapy can cause several oral issues that affect how food tastes, including changes in taste perception. Some people Show Full Answer
Are you experiencing changes in taste, like losing the ability to taste salty or other flavors, as a side effect of chemotherapy?
Yes, taste changes are a common side effect of myeloma treatment. Chemotherapy can cause several oral issues that affect how food tastes, including changes in taste perception. Some people describe a metallic taste (which MyMyelomaTeam members often call "metal mouth") or find that foods taste different than they used to.
These taste changes can happen during treatment and may persist for months or even years afterward. The good news is that these side effects often improve once treatment ends, though the timeline varies from person to person.
Other related issues you might experience include:
* Dry mouth
* Mouth sores
* Difficulty swallowing
* Loss of appetite
Taste changes can also be caused by oral thrush, a yeast infection that sometimes develops because chemotherapy suppresses the immune system. This appears as a fuzzy white fungus on the tongue and can cause both taste problems and discomfort.
If you're experiencing significant taste changes, let your healthcare team know. They can check for underlying causes like oral thrush and suggest ways to make eating more comfortable during treatment.
October 28, 2025