Terbinafine will taste return

Hi

I too found the taste of the tablet quite unpleasant, but not so much that I stopped taking it.  However when I lost my sense of taste the prevailing persistent bad taste left in my mouth was very similar to the taste of the tablet itself!

I've seen recommendations on some US-based sites which suggest that the tablets are consumed with some high-fat food such as peanut butter.  Unfortunately I couldn't find any information as to why this was recommended - I thought perhaps it was to guard against the taste loss issue, but it might have been simply to avoid the bad taste of the tablets.

I saw a different GP recently and asked him what medication he would recommend for my nail infection given the taste loss issue with Terbinafine.  He said that taking an oral medicine would generally be his last choice (given their side effects) and he would try topical medications such as creams and nail paints first.

Hi Rhi,

I didn't have a problem with the taste of the tablet before or after I had swallowed it. However, I can understand your apprehension with the medication after the experiences you will have read of on this site.

Like you I was prescribed the problem for a fungal toenail infection. What surprised me when I lost my taste (six weeks into taking the drug) was that when I raised the issue with my GP he had no idea that this so-called side-effect existed! A point that concerned me and one I have taken up with the Practice Manager. It might be worthwhile checking with your doctor to see if he/she is aware of the taste loss problems, because it isn't something I would wish anyone to go through - no matter what age. I am in my 13th week of this problem and whilst during the last two weeks I have regained much of my taste, I still cannot taste sweet things (chocolate / sugar / anything you would expect to be sweet, just isn't - coffee too has a very odd flavour still) and I don't know when that will return - hopefully soon. At week 2 and 3 I was pulling out what little hair I still have - as I didn't feel like eating and that, and the ensuing weight loss, was making me quite depressed. Sorry to labour the point, but I think your doctor should apologise to you for not discussing the possibilities of these side-effects with you in the first place rather than admonishing you for your concern about taking the drug.

If your infection is very bad and you really want rid of it at all cost then you may be prepared to accept 2/3 months of taste loss in favour of losing the infection. In my case the course of tablets was to be one a day for six months, but, as I say, 6 weeks in I had to stop taking it, so, the infection hasn't cleared up and I'm certainly not going to take this drug again to clear it. I have checked with a local pharmacist (other people may have a different view) and have been told that most over-the-counter preparations are not powerful enough to deal with toenail infections. So, it's a bit of a rock and a hard place decision.

I don't think enough research has been put into the side-effects of this drug and the patient advice leaflet quoting the possible chances of suffering taste loss is, in my opinion, is misleading to say the least.

Your age, weight and BMI will be a factor in whether you will be susceptible to certain side-effects. From this forum I have learned that it isn't just taste loss that people are suffering from. There are other 'side-effects' which are just as debilitating.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,

John     

 

Thank you for the replies guys!

I have tried pretty much every over the counter treatment for this and I agree that none are strong enough to get rid of the infection! 

I think I should carry on taking the tablet as the infection began to spread to my other toes! I suppose I could risk it for another few weeks, and then stop IF my taste goes..; I'm still hanging onto the hope that not everyone suffers from these effects though! Judging by your experiences it does not sound like a pleasant one at all! I also have ongoing stomach problems to do with acid which means that I cannot eat certain foods as it is, so the weight loss would be a huge problem! 

I will ask my GP if they are aware of these side effects, it can't be right that it only affects '1 in 10,000 people.' I will let you know if I suffer from any taste loss and might be asking for some tips ha! Thank you for your help and I hope you are fully recovered soon!!

Rhi

I don't know of an alternative medication but I do know that it is not worth risking taking terbinafine after 11 weeks of loss of taste and losing 20 pounds.  They say that between .06 - 2.8 people experience loss of taste because of this drug but I suspect that the number is much higher.

If I had to do over, I would never take this drug again. 

I just remembered my GP told me to use Vicks VapoRub and it has helped.  You have to apply morning and night for 3 months.  I hope this helps.

NO !!!! Believe me the side effect is in no way worth it.  You don't realize what you have until it is gone. Wish I had never taken this horrible medicine.  There are I'm sure other methods to deal with the problem.  I did not have any problems until I had taken it for about 60 days so don't base it on just a month if you don't have the symptoms.  At 30 days I was still okay.  

Linda

Linda

I was on Lamisil for 2 months... & truly started to gag just looking at med. apparently my system knew it to be 'just horrid for me.' My appetite had just started to be somewhat normal, but due to back pain with upcoming surgery, I'm now on pain meds, that also makes me 'a less than eager eater.'

Never never will I ever take Lamisil again! I just had an ultra sound on my liver yesterday... due to lab work we all have done while on that yucky med. my blood work was barely within normal range.( I am a non-drinker) .. & thus, the ultra sound.

Thankfully I had a few lbs to drop, but "losing your appetite & taste buds being altered", was truly a horrible 'weight loss experience.

I did tell my GP, that before he prescribes it, he should share the very negative effects some experience.

I too have a few pounds to drop. Thank God I did or I would weigh less than a 100 pounds at this point.  Today is day 18 with no meds. Taste still gone. No appetite at all. Going to the doctor with my husband tomorrow and will request blood test on liver. (Just to check) Friends keep asking to go out to eat. They just don't understand.  They say you can just sit there.  There's nothing wrong with my sense of smell !!! After reading the comments at least I have hope of my taste returning at some point.(If I don't dissapear first from weight loss) Will never take my sense of taste for granted again and will always check out any future meds I am prescribed. Will keep you informed as to when my taste starts to return.  Sunday school class and church members praying.  I do know prayer works. In Gods' time. 

Linda

My taste appears to be back at an 80% level. Unfortunately, I'm now on strong pain meds for disc issues... But I had noticed that before starting pain medication, my appetite was thankfully returning, @ about 7-8 weeks post Lamisil.

I will post results of my ultra sound for my liver... which was done on 9/10/15. Ultra sound was the result of 'iffy' results of lab work. Lab work is done routinely with this fungal medication.

I DO think that your appetite will return! After 2 months of misery on the fungal medication.. It appears the toe nail fungus is greatly improved! Still, I am hoping for good results on my ultra sound.

The WORSE medication I have ever been prescribed!

And yes, I too believe in the power of prayer.

Blessings & prayers for a full recovery to your taste buds & appetite!

ps: No one understands this 'appetite change' until you go through yourself! Here's to healthy livers & the enjoyment of food!!

Marlene

Marlene ,        

 Hope  your ultra sound will come out with good results. Went to the doctor today and had blood work done.  Will find out in a couple of days if my liver has been affected. According to the doctors scales I have lost 16 pounds. Can't keep this up. I could stand to lose about 14 more but after that I'll pretty much start looking anerexic. Went to a buffet and have been sampling everything. Haven't found anything that I would really like to eat more than a few bites of.  My doctor said that I am the first he has heard of with this side effect.  Hope it is a lot better by Thanksgiving.  My grandson had a birhday and could not even eat cake. Brouht home a piece, froze it and then vacuum sealed it and put it back in the freezer. I also vacuumed sealed my brownie batter oreos. I took one bite and spit them out.  You are right this is the WORST Medication I have been prescribed also.  

Linda

Marlene, Today is Friday, Sept. 18. Just got off the phone with my doctor and my liver test were normal.  I went to my calender and marked 13 weeks ( which seems to be the longest I've read so far with taste loss) and it falls on Thanksgiving day.  That is at least some encouragement that I will enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. Have you any results from your ultrasound. My appetite is just about completely gone also and my doctor said I need at least 800 to 900 calories a day.  With what I've been eating I barely get 100 to 200 if that. I can go all day without eating.  I found I can toletate milk and drank about 24 ounces last nite.  Had to put something in my stomach whether I was hungry or not. This medicine was truly a nightmare !!!! Since I can tolerate milk my doctor told me to try to put some protein powder in it or try Glucerna since it is not sweet and is for diabetics. Will go buy some today.  Don't want to get sick from not eating. Praying everything is better for you and all the ones having this horrible side effect. 

Linda

Linda

It's been 5 weeks since I quit taking the pills.  Still no sense of taste.  Have lost 18 pounds to date.  Today is Oct. 1. Does your taste come back gradually or all at once except for sweets?  My doctor said  I could get down to 95 pounds since I am small boned and only 4 foot 11 inches tall or short. Told him I did not want to look anarexic. I now weigh 122 from 140 5 weeks ago. I'm really concerned about nutrition more than anything.  Have lots of energy and am no longer taking blood pressure meds at this point. I am suprised that I am not weak etc. from lack of eating.  Doctor said I need to consume 800 to 900 calories a day and I can't even begin to do that.  I can drink milk so that's what I do on the days I don't eat. I figure babies survive on it so why not me.   

Hi Linda!

Oh gosh... I went off that disgusting medication July 7. I started enjoying foods again sometime in early September. I still find that salted foods can taste overly salty to me; and sweet things can come across as too sweet! I have to say that Altho losing weight was a good thing... That was a horrendously horrible experience! Why some of our systems respond in this negative manner, I have no clue. But, I am enjoying food again and seem to liking healthier foods. That said, my appetite returned gradually & I've never celebrated 'the great taste of some foods.'

My husband did not experience this, and had difficulty relating to my disgust of this fungal medication.

I wish you the very best! I'll think you'll be just fine... But yes, many of us 'do get' what you're going through. I too was emphatic when I told my GP to tell others about my side effects.

I kind of felt like I was the 'first to ever mention this to him.' Well, I hope others will be enlightened before taking this 'appetite/taste bud destroying' med.

Hang in there! You WILL enjoy food again!!

I know it's been 2 years ago but could you please update me on your situation?  Have you regained your full sense of taste?  This is so alarming to me because I'm facing the same situation now in 2017.

Yes Dee

My appetite was fully restored!! Lesson learned! My husband had NO problem with it, it I'm in the group where it messed up our taste buds.

I don't think I've ever read that anyone lost their taste or appetite permanently.

Good luck! Thinking you'll eventually be ok again.., timing appears to vary from person to person. ??🙏

Thanks! Appreciate your response. How long did it take before you could eat somewhat normally -- as in you found some foods that tastes normal?

Dee

It's been so long ago, but it seemed to begin returning at about 3 weeks after I stopped taking it, but about 2-3 weeks more to have my taste buds & appetite fully return. I was rather scary at the time, I was angry that my GP didn't give me more of a 'heads up.' My husband, who only noticed it's yucky taste, said that our GP told him that it had an unpleasant taste.

Yeah right, unpleasant taste and unpleasant side effects for me.