Hello, I always have a burning smell when I breathe through my nose or mouth. Could this be a side effect of my medication?

59-year-old woman6 years ago
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59-year-old woman · 6 years ago
Hi, I have been on a new medication of Estradiol and Doxycycline since December 2017 which was added to my Crestor and Synthroid. A week before Christmas, I had an episode where my nose and back of my throat burned, so I thought a cold was coming on. But the cold didn't happen. I continued to have this sensation which changed into a burnt smell (the smell felt is identical to the one of a food that has sunk in the bottom of a running oven). I still smell it, everywhere I go (office, work, store, restaurant) at any time of the day and it has been going on for 6 weeks.
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
Good evening Madam,
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
The condition you are experiencing may be related to phantosmia, which is characteristic of a potentially unpleasant "phantom" odor that persists over several weeks. Several medical conditions may be involved if this is the case. These include atrophic rhinitis, head trauma and nasal polyps, among others. On the medication side (which is more my expertise), we note that doxycycline can cause this type of reaction in very rare cases.
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
Considering the chronology of events you describe, I think it would be very relevant to consider doxycycline as being involved. Why were you prescribed it?
59-year-old woman · 6 years ago
Hello, the ophthalmologist prescribed me this medicine for a blepharitis. I had consulted for a problem of dry eyes and she also found a blepharitis which she tried to treat with ointment but I had a reaction.
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
Thank you for the information.
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
I recommend that you speak with your pharmacist (and your ophthalmologist at short notice) tomorrow so that we can find an alternative to Doxycycline. You should also know that it is imperative that your pharmacist (or yourself) notify Health Canada of this effect. It is very, very rare and should be investigated further.
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
If you are tempted to declare this effect yourself, follow these instructions: https://hpr-rps.hres.ca/static/content/form-formule.php?lang=fr
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
We look forward to seeing you,
Alexandre Chagnon · 6 years ago
Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist

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