A metallic taste in the mouth is something many people with lupus experience. As one MyLupusTeam member shared, "I have the most horrible dry, metallic taste in my mouth." It's more than just unpleasant — it can affect your appetite, nutrition, and overall well-being.
There are several possible reasons this happens when you Show Full Answer
A metallic taste in the mouth is something many people with lupus experience. As one MyLupusTeam member shared, "I have the most horrible dry, metallic taste in my mouth." It's more than just unpleasant — it can affect your appetite, nutrition, and overall well-being.
There are several possible reasons this happens when you have lupus:
- Lupus medications like methotrexate, azathioprine (Imuran), and cyclosporine are known to affect taste
- Supplements like fish oil or omega-3 can also leave a bad taste in your mouth
- Dry mouth, which can be a side effect of lupus medications
- Oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth that some lupus medications (like prednisone) can trigger
- Nutritional deficiencies, particularly low zinc, vitamin B3, or vitamin B12
- Sjögren's disease, a condition that affects 23–35% of people with lupus and causes dryness in the mouth
- Lupus nephritis, where kidney complications can cause waste to build up in the bloodstream, affecting taste
- Poor oral hygiene, which can worsen the metallic taste Here are some things that may help manage the metallic taste:
- Talk to your rheumatologist — they may be able to adjust your medication dose or switch medications
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Stay hydrated to help with dry mouth
- Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to address nutritional deficiencies
- Ask your doctor about folate supplements if you're on methotrexate, as they can help with side effects
- See a dentist regularly, and make sure they know about your lupus
If the metallic taste persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like swelling, changes in urination, or significant weight loss, it's worth bringing up with your doctor as soon as possible.
May 25
Join
Your Privacy Choices
