Tamoxifen and Metallic taste in mouth

Public Archive
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I had surgery, chemo and radio therapy end 2010/early 2011. Then from May 2011 to June 2013 I took Letrozol. All without any nasty side effects. Was changed onto tamoxifen which I started June 2013 and initially no problems. However now getting hot flushes and night sweats. However I could live with this. What I’m struggling with is that for about the last three months I have a constant metallic taste in my mouth which gets worse as the day goes on. Sometimes a dry mouth as well
For the first time since I was diagnosed I’m getting a bit depressed!!
Is the tamoxifen causing this? And if so is there anything I can do? I’m seeing my oncologist later this week but any advice from anyone who has had the same problem would be most welcome
Thanks

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Hi smp and welcome to the BCC forums

I am sure your fellow users will be along with support and shared experiences and in addition our helpliners are on hand with practical and emotional support for you on 0808 800 6000, lines open weekdays 9-5 and Saturday 10-2

The BCC and Macmillan Tamoxifen information may be helpful too and you can read this here:

breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-information/treating-breast-cancer/hormone-therapy/tamoxifen

macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertreatment/Treatmenttypes/Hormonaltherapies/Individualhormonaltherapies/Tamoxifen.aspx

Take care
Lucy BCC

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I guess no one has anything to say. Not even a word of support? Guess I go on dealing with this one on my own. Thanks for nothing

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Hi smp
Don’t give up on the forums just yet, threads tend to move down quickly and users might not have seen yours yet it all depends on who is reading/posting and whether they think they can offer you any support, stick with it and I am sure you will find the support you need

Best wishes
Lucy BCC

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Hi smp.

I sympathise with you as I have posted on here several times and sometimes had no replies. It can be very frustrating!!! I have been taking Tamoxifen since Sept 13. I don’t get a metallic taste but my mouth gets very dry at times and my gums get sore. I find Oraldene mouthwash is very good and pineapple works well for the dry mouth. Wishing you luck x

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ive been looking this up for metalic taste ,if its the tamoxifen… its only when im drinking fluids ie coffee , alcohol…so your not alone in this … sending hugs xx

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Hi Kat I had the metallic taste for a few weeks intially then it went .