From the FDA Drug Label
The most common adverse reactions across all docetaxel indications are infections, neutropenia, anemia, febrile neutropenia, hypersensitivity, thrombocytopenia, neuropathy, dysgeusia, dyspnea, constipation, anorexia, nail disorders, fluid retention, asthenia, pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, mucositis, alopecia, skin reactions, and myalgia.
Docetaxel may cause a loss of taste, also known as hypogeusia or dysgeusia. This is listed as one of the most common adverse reactions across all docetaxel indications 1, 1, and 1.
From the Research
Docetaxel can cause hypogeusia (reduced taste sensation) or dysgeusia (altered taste) as a side effect, with approximately 59% of patients receiving taxane-based chemotherapy reporting taste alterations, as seen in the study by 2. This chemotherapy medication, commonly used to treat various cancers including breast, lung, prostate, stomach, and head and neck cancers, affects rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, including taste receptor cells. Some key points to consider:
- Taste disturbances occur in patients receiving docetaxel, with the study by 2 finding significantly elevated taste recognition thresholds for sweet, sour, and bitter tastes in the taste alteration group receiving nab-paclitaxel.
- The taste changes typically develop gradually during treatment and may persist for weeks or months after treatment ends, as noted in the study by 3.
- Most patients experience partial recovery of taste function within 2-3 months after completing chemotherapy, though some may have longer-lasting effects, as seen in the study by 4.
- These taste alterations can significantly impact nutrition and quality of life, potentially leading to decreased appetite, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies, as discussed in the study by 5.
- Patients experiencing taste changes should discuss them with their healthcare provider, who may recommend dietary modifications, flavor enhancers, or consultation with a dietitian to help maintain adequate nutrition during treatment, as suggested by the study by 2.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene and staying hydrated may also help minimize taste disturbances during docetaxel therapy, as noted in the study by 3.