Losing or changing your sense of taste (and smell) is something others with lupus have experienced too — so you're definitely not alone in this! One MyLupusTeam member shared having "the most horrible dry, metallic taste" in their mouth, and another mentioned losing weight because of it.
There are several lupus-related Show Full Answer
Losing or changing your sense of taste (and smell) is something others with lupus have experienced too — so you're definitely not alone in this! One MyLupusTeam member shared having "the most horrible dry, metallic taste" in their mouth, and another mentioned losing weight because of it.
There are several lupus-related reasons this can happen:
- Lupus medications like methotrexate, azathioprine (Imuran), and cyclosporine are known to affect taste and smell
- Fish oil or omega-3 supplements used for lupus symptoms can also cause unpleasant tastes
- Dry mouth from medications or Sjögren's disease (a common lupus comorbidity) can dull taste and smell
- Oral thrush, a yeast infection sometimes triggered by corticosteroids like prednisone, can distort taste
- Nutritional deficiencies, particularly low zinc, vitamin B3, or B12, can contribute
- Lupus nephritis (kidney involvement) can cause a metallic taste as waste builds up in the bloodstream It's worth bringing this up with your rheumatologist, especially if it's affecting your appetite or nutrition. They may be able to adjust medications or refer you to a dietitian for support.
May 4
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