Journal Article

General Lifestyle Recommendations for Receiving Talquetamab in Multiple Myeloma

Shenoy, Samantha

2024

Overview

Taste Adverse Effects * Management Strategies for Taste Alteration (Dysgeusia, Ageusia, Hypogeusia) * Practice good oral hygiene such as brushing your teeth 2 times per day with a gentle toothbrush and see your dentist at least 2 times per year. * Use baking soda and salt rinses before and after eating to clear taste buds. * Recipe: 1 tsp of baking soda and 1 tsp of kosher salt per quart of water * Refer to Rebecca Katz's FASS (fat, acid, salt, sweet) formula to balance flavors (Rebeccakatz.com). * Eat smaller portions on a small plate; also think about food presentation. * Food that is presented in a visually pleasing manner can stimulate saliva and appetite. * If taste alteration is not better despite following these recommendations, and the multiple myeloma is responding to treatment, discuss further with your medical team as they may consider modifying the dose of talquetamab. * AVOID: * If the mouth, tongue, or throat is sore, avoid adding types of vinegar, citrus, pickled foods, hot spices, alcohol, or tomato-based foods to your diet. If foods taste metallic or bitter: * Metallic * Add olive oil, lemon, and maple syrup. * These can be combined to use as much as needed. * Tart foods can mask a metallic taste; try adding vinegar, citrus, or pickles to meals. * If meat tastes metallic, try alternative protein-rich foods such as nuts, nut butter, tuna/egg salad, white flaky fish, protein shakes, yogurt, cottage cheese, beans, or tofu. * Bitter * Add sweet fruits, honey, or syrup to foods and drinks. * Add fresh or dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, tarragon, cilantro, mint, and dill), onion, garlic, and spices (cinnamon, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and turmeric). * Either taste * Eat foods cold or at room temperature. * Suck on sugar-free lemon drops, mints, or gum. * AVOID: * Metal utensils and canned foods/drinks. If foods taste blunted, bland, or like cardboard: * Add lemon, a pinch of sea salt, and a few drops of maple syrup. * These can be combined to use as much as needed. * Add citrus (lemon or lime), vinegar, herbs, spices, or pickled items. * Marinate foods in wine, Italian dressing, lemon juice, or soy sauce. * Marinate meats or fish in sweet juices, fruits, wine, acidic dressings, lemon juice, soy sauce, or teriyaki sauce. * After marinating and cooking, add parsley, olive oil, sea salt, garlic, and lemon. * Use sea salt instead of iodized salt. * Blend fruit into shakes, ice cream, or yogurt. * Try frozen fruits such as whole grapes, mandarin oranges, watermelon, or cantaloupe. * Add a few drops of honey or maple syrup to sweet foods. * Add texture by including chopped nuts for crunch, nut butter, or olive oil for a creamier texture. Baking soda/saltwater rinses 3 to 5 times per day; use a soft brush plus toothpaste after each meal. * Swish and spit with club soda or lemon-lime soda to help loosen and remove dry or thick saliva. * Use a cool-mist humidifier to moisten air, especially at night. * AVOID: * Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages * Smoking and chewing tobacco * Alcohol-based oral rinse Management Strategies for Difficulty Swallowing due to Dry Mouth (Dysphagia) * Cut foods into bite-sized pieces. * Consume small, frequent meals/snacks to get enough calories. * Eat soft foods or foods that can be cooked until tender. * Mashed potatoes, squash, ground beef/turkey, soups, smoothies * Eat soft foods that are rich in protein. * Cottage cheese, yogurt, milk, cheese, custard, eggs, ground chicken/turkey/beef, tofu, beans/peas/lentils, nuts/nut butter * Add foods high in calories. * Drizzle oil into soup, add creamy nut butter to hot cereals/smoothies, add avocados; high-calorie liquids like gravy, milk, or broth instead of water. * Use a blender or food processor to puree food. * Add sauce, gravy, or oil to meals to make swallowing easier and add calories. * Drink liquids through a straw; sit upright while eating, sip liquids with solids.

• Publisher: MultiMedia Healthcare Inc
• Subject: Beverages / Calories / Flavors / Meals / Nutrition