Hi there, have been on 12 mg of lenvatinib since mid January this year and 1 mg of dexamethasone. I'm having sinus problems as I keep having to blow my nose and what comes out is quite thick and green and smells horrible too. Have only had this problem since starting this treatment. Hospital don't seem to think the two are connected but I think differently. Can you advise please
Hi Martiray,
Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Eileen and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I’m sorry to hear about the sinus issues you’ve been experiencing. I can appreciate these ongoing symptoms must be distressing.
Lenvantinib can cause a range of possible side effects including reducing immune system functioning making people more at risk of infections but there is no specific mention of sinus issues.
Dexamethasone also has the potential to cause side effects such as increasing the risk of infection.
Your treatment team monitor how your immune system is working whilst you’re having treatment by monitoring your bloods and if there is a concern that the treatment is having an adverse effect, they would discuss this with you and implement strategies to deal with the issue.
You don’t mention whether your sinus issues have been investigated or whether you’ve been prescribed any treatment for it. If this hasn’t happened, please speak to your hospital team today. There are various conditions that can affect the sinuses. Sinusitis/sinus infection can cause various symptoms including, green/yellow mucous from the nose and does require treatment if symptoms are persisting.
I hope this information is helpful.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
Ref: EM /LM
Eileen Macmillan (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
Dear Martiray,
Thank you for getting back in touch. My name’s Gillian, a colleague of Eileen and also a nurse on the support line.
I am sorry to hear the antibiotic treatment is no longer helping your symptoms. It is good that you are returning to your GP again, especially if they have already mentioned a referral to the ENT (Ear, nose and throat) department.
Regarding waiting times, standard NHS waiting time for non-urgent, consultant-led treatment (like ENT referrals) can be up to 18 weeks from the date your referral is received.
You can check estimated waiting times for your local hospital using My Planned Care NHS to get a more accurate idea based on your area.
If your symptoms are worsening or significantly affecting your quality of life, ask your GP to make an urgent referral. Your GP might also be able to prescribe alternative treatments in the meantime to help relieve to your symptoms.
I hope this information is helpful. You can always call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your concerns or require any further support.
Best wishes
Gillian, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
Ref: AW/GG
