Ozempic Tongue? Is It Unique?
Some of you may have heard in the news of people taking drugs like Ozempic reporting that they are experiencing a bad taste in their mouths. Usually described as a bitter, sour or metallic lingering taste. This is not unique to Ozempic or other drugs in this class called GLP-1 drugs. This taste sensation comes from the drug being absorbed by the body and the released into the saliva. Some studies have shown GLP-1 drugs can alter the perception of sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savory tastes. Another study has shown that these individuals may have a significantly reduced taste perception as well. If any of you are on these medications, please let us know if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
As I have mentioned previously, side effects like this is not unique to GLP-1 drugs. A classic example is from the drug Paxlovid. Many of our patients that used this drug when they had Covid described themselves having severe bitter or metallic tastes in their mouth thru the 5-day course of treatment with some unable to finish the recommended length because of this. Another sensation described by many was a dry mouth sensation that further contributed to their complaints.
Some classic drugs that people complain about with having a metallic taste are antibiotics such as Clarithromycin, Metronidazole, and Tetracycline. Other common drugs such as Metformin, Methazolamide, Lithium, Captopril, Allopurinol have also been reported to do the same.
Some drugs that can cause dry mouths such as antidepressants have also been associated with altered taste sensations.
The good thing is that once the drugs are stopped these mouth side effects will go away. Some things you can do to minimize these oral side effects are using sugar free gum or mints to minimize the bad tastes and staying ultra-hydrated as well.
(The information contained in this article is strictly for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the professional knowledge or advice of your personal physician/dentist.)
