Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir for COVID-19 User Reviews

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 1, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "Wow, this med made me feel SO much better even after one dose. It was like my sore throat went away overnight, though other covid symptoms like headache and cough were still present, but manageable. I had one episode of diarrhea, but the only thing that sucks is the bitter metallic taste that persists in my mouth. Water and lozenges definitely help with that. This drug is a GAME CHANGER. but please people, vaccination is the first line of defence. I’m vaxxed and boosted and I still felt like garbage, but Imagine if I wasn’t? I’d be in the hospital."

• scp
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "Both my wife and I took Paxlovid. The bad taste and nausea were awful. Couldn't eat, dry heaves, and had trouble sleeping. I stopped after 2 days and my wife after one day. 3 days after stopping Paxlovid, I still have that bad taste and slight nausea, but it is getting better. I'm double vaxxed and booster'd. For me, I regret taking Paxlovid. The side effects were too severe."

• Imjus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I tested positive for COVID last Friday. Managed to escape for 3 years, but it finally found me. I had a slight fever, sore throat, headache, and lots of head congestion. It wasn't fun. As soon as I saw the test results, I reached out to my primary care doctor, who prescribed Paxlovid for me. I would say within a day, I could feel a difference. The symptoms definitely lessened each day. I had no side effects, which made the experience better. It really worked, and after 3 days of meds, I was already testing negative. If I can offer anyone some advice, it would be this: Understand that the majority of the people who wrote these reviews have probably had side effects. I would attribute that to the fact that most people who breeze through don't often feel the need to let people know. As a person who has anxiety and is fearful of meds, it can be disheartening. Just know that any medication side effects, even some of the worst ones, are still better than a severe bout of COVID. It really does work. Try it."

• mikea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "To everyone who has made comment about the "metal taste" from taking Paxlovid, thank you. I am on day 3 of Paxlovid and I too have experienced the "metal taste" May I ask everyone, now that you all have either completed or stopped your Paxlovid course, might it be possible for all of you be willing to give an update to how your "metal taste" scenarios have gone now that a few more days/weeks/months have passed. I am sure there are folks other than myself who would really like to hear your thoughts and comments. Thank you in advance"

• Zenn
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I tested COVID positive four days ago, double vaccinated and boosted. The next morning I was so ill that I went to the ER after a virtual doctor said I needed to be seen. After an IV and toradol for my acute pain, I was given a prescription for Paxlovid. I spent that day and the next with fever, intense pain, and every COVID symptom except loss of taste/smell. Luckily I mostly slept. I was beginning to think I was incredibly lucky to have had the pills or they weren't working because my symptoms were so intense. However after another night of fever, coughing and pain, I woke up and felt so much better. I found these postings while searching for information on the metallic, sour taste in my mouth, which I also am experiencing. But for me, this side effect, is well worth it."

• RoRo
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I am on day 3 of Paxlovid after being diagnosed with Covid fairly early on. I have asthma so my MD prescribed. I don't know if it is the drug of the type of Covid I have mixed with being triple vaxxed, but I have been feeling decent with a stuffy head, and minor chest congestion. Usually I wind up needing prednisone and wheezing when I have this type of congestion. The only side effect I have is the metallic gross taste that others have mentioned, almost like rotten grapefruit. It feels like it travels directly up my through into my nose at time. I will take that 1000 times over it means I dodged having scary Covid symptoms. I did not want to be that person that regretted not taking something that may keep me from a bad outcome. Thank you science!"

• kristen
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I started Paxlovid because I am very high risk. I'm also a nurse so my opinion is completely informed be my personal and professional experience. Yes, I am double vaccinated and boosted. But my husband and son both came down with Covid so I really didn't stand a chance of not getting it. I have rheumatoid arthritis and take Humira that suppresses my immune system therefore getting COVID was a major risk. the 5 days I was on Paxlovid was hard. I had the terrible taste in my mouth, muscle aches, heart burn, and just feeling crummy. However, I decided feeling bad while on the antiviral was better that being dead from Covid so I took the full course. Anyone who doesn't realize that Paxlovid is a "big gun" medication and is bound to have notable side effects is just being naïve. If you get prescribed it take it and take it till is all gone."

• Great...
• March 16, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I am on day 2 of my Paxlovid and the bitter metallic taste is my only annoying symptom. Chewing mint gum really helps get my taste buds working. I am a young woman who is generally healthy but am at a higher risk of blood clots due to a genetic condition. I felt better within 8 hours of my first dose. I feel so much better with each dose, and was told its very important to stick with the full 5 days of the script, so I will update if something goes wrong from here, but it is a privilege to get my hands on this drug and I am grateful not to know how hard covid would be without it"

• NYCCov
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I took this drug for the first time last night and my experience was awful. I occasionally suffer from acid reflux and I spend the whole night waking up choking from reflux with the most horrible disgusting acidic metallic taste I've ever experienced. Needless to say, I won't continue to take this medication."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I had Covid DELTA July 2021. I was very sick and missed 5 weeks of work. I took the regular regimen of Ivermectin, Zpak and steroids. 5 months later, my hair fell out and I developed giardia because of a weak immune system. We had to diagnose it because after X-Rays, CT scan, 3 ER visits, a 3 day Hospital stay and colonoscopy and endoscopy, my Doctors said I had IBS and refused to test for a parasite saying it was rare. It was NOT IBS, and I knew it. I ordered Tinidazole from An online virtual doctor and boom, after 3 1/2 months of suffering, it went away almost overnight. Yes, it was exactly what I thought. Fast forward to 5 days ago, I tested positive for COVID again. I did a little research and determined that PAXLOVID would be the drug I need, so I got the prescription from my virtual doctor and after the very first dose, I began feeling better. I have now taken 4 doses of the 5 day regimen and I feel great. The bad taste is nothing. Paxlovid is a game changer!"

• Sherry
• May 23, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "We both have been vaccinated and boosted. But my husband came down with Covid anyway. He said he felt like he had been run over by a truck. Fever, sore throat, coughing. He started Paxlovid that 1st day of symptoms. After finishing the 5 day treatment he felt much better. Still does. Paxlovid worked. I came down with Covid on the 4th day. I got Paxlovid too. Started it that 1st day of symptoms. The taste was horrible, but manageable. I also felt better after day 5. But 3 days later I got hit with a vengeance. High fever, sore throat, cough, headache, body aches. It did not work for me. Anyone else have this happen to them??? A 10 for my husband. A 0 for me."

• No ER...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I was given this medication for my recent COVID 19 infection by my military base doctor. My previous COVID infection and RSV infections earlier in the year caused me to be in the ER each time with severe breathing issues. My doctor put me on Paxlovid this time and I did not have to go to the hospital at all. I feel like it kept the respiratory symptoms down from previous times. I will say that I had a horrible taste in my mouth most of the day when I was taking it. It was similar to tasting an alcohol wipe or nail polish remover. That was the only side effect I noticed. I would recommend Paxlovid, but keep gum or mints handy!"

• Boston...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "5/14/22 68, F, 5’6”, 130lbs. No health issues, no meds, walk daily. Took it because I’m in “high risk” grp (elderly). Home tested positive on Tues 5/10/22, classic flu symptoms. Paxlovid RX easily obtained at local Walgreens after calling PCP. Took only 1st dose & stopped. Tasted horrible, woke up with burning ear canals & throat, body aches, started to feel weird. Search for reviews found Drugs.com the only source. Also found this Seattle Times piece ”The US is doing too little to monitor Paxlovid use against Covid 19.” My conclusion: I’m at the low end of high risk Grp & potential side effects not worth it since I should be able to recover on my own. Also, Paxlovid is experimental and not yet FDA approved. Positive on Tues by Thrs/Fri feeling MUCH better. Did drug help? Maybe, maybe not. This forum is a valuable tool to track results, please note age, sex, weight, height, health issues so we compare apples to apples. Thank you all! ♥️"

• Peanut
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I took Paxlovid for 3 days and I suffered increasingly serious metallic taste and smell. After I stopped paxlovid the obnoxious smell and taste went away. The smell and taste kept me awake on the third night. I also had severe stomach cramps and intestinal problems (trouble making a bowel movement with severe pain.) I had dry heaves and finally spit up a sticky yellow substance. I also had internal bleeding, as noted by the tar-like stools. This cure was worse than the disease. I pray that my liver has not sustained long-term effects since I have acute non-alcholic liver cirrohis."

• Paul
• January 17, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "By the second day my chronic coughing subsided by the third day by aching subsided and I began feeling much better . Side effect was a terrible taste a few hours after taking medicine, by the third day itching and some eczema over upper body. I also had some gas because I am sensitive to the lactose filler used in the tablets so had loose bowels but no pain."

• Grand...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "My husband and I recently started having respiratory symptoms. Both of us tested positive for Covid. I asked our GP if I could have an RX for Paxlovid. He told me it was very difficult to lay one's hands on. Thought most of the local pharmacies did not have any in-stock. I did my homework, and called BEFORE my appointment. Luckily one of our local Walmart pharmacies had it. Within around 35-40 minutes of taking my first dose, I could tell a slight difference, and felt better. I have continued feeling better with every dose. The only side effects I've had is the terrible, bitter dysgeusia (taste disturbance), and mild, upset stomach. I can deal with those things, much better than not being able to catch my breath. I believe I would have been in much worse shape or possibly even hospital bound, had I not started the Paxlovid. If your local pharmacy does not have it in-stock, don't give up! Call around, until you find one that has it. It's worth it!"

• Rob
• September 2, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "Best drug I've ever taken. Loved the metallic taste because I knew it was working, and boy did it do a job on my Covid! In a day, I was 70% better in 24 hours and felt like my old self in 48 hours. Don't listen to the complaining people leaving reviews..."

• Cauti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I obtained a script for Paxlovid on day 3 of being symptomatic & within 1 day of testing positive (PCR). I began the treatment as indicated & after the first dose experienced the most wretched bitter taste that last at least 8-10 hours & was worse when lying on my back. Sleeping elevated reduced the acid reflux and taste which was almost intolerable. After the 2nd dose, I experienced more than a bad taste that couldn’t be treated with mints or spice for more than 5 mins as the bitter taste would return immediately. On day 2 of the 5 day regimen, I experienced some drowsiness within a half hour of taking the medication followed by disorientation. It was almost like being high but with strong anxiety & a headache. I had my equilibrium yet was worried I would collapse. By the end of the 2nd day’s 2nd dose I had profuse sweating & disorientation while sleeping & awoke gasping for air. I had the worst nightmares of my life. On day 3 I felt cured. I discontinued after 4 doses"

• Anony...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I am triple boosted and the latest bivalent shot was a month ago. Got COVID for the first time 3 days ago and Dr highly recommended Paxlovid due to risk factors. Let me tell you, these side effects are completely intolerable in my opinion. I don’t know how anyone can take 5 days of this medication. The taste makes me gag constantly and the burning diarrhea is so painful. I took 2 days of pills and cannot bear to take another dose. I’m can only eat bland foods due to the nausea and horrendous taste in my mouth. These side effects are not mild!! Every time I read that I am shocked. Who knows what toll it has already taken on my colon and liver. It’s an experimental drug and they don’t know much about it yet. Absolutely horrible experience. Do not recommend."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I took two doses of Paxlovid before I had to discontinue. I took Paxlovid four days after onset of covid symptoms and a positive test. I had a terrible taste in my mouth that lasted all day and rampant projectile diarrhea. I did not feel continued use would be of benefit considering these side effects. I saw no change in my covid symptoms which were similar to a bad head cold."

• VAguy
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "Recent Covid-19 diagnosis with mild symptoms. I'm high risk due to heart condition and have a newborn at home. I’m on day-2 of Paxlovid and all symptoms are gone. No side effects other than awful taste for 4-6 hours after each dose, but that’s a small price to pay for what appears to be an overnight cure. Very impressive but the meds should come with a pack of gum. No cost to me due to Uncle Sam picking up the full cost of the 5-day treatment."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "After my first dose of Paxlovid, my flu-like aches were gone. After each subsequent dose, my congestion and coughing subsided more. I had a metallic taste in my mouth, well worth the benefit of the medication. By the time the doses were completed, I was symptom free. In my situation, it was a magical experience!"

• Moorn
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I started on Paxlovid on a Friday after developing some chest tightness and a drop in my O2 SATs after testing positive on Thursday. While the yucky taste was unpleasant it was tolerable. My problem was the gastric upset. I developed diffuse abdominal pain and cramping, and diarrhea. I could have dealt with that but I then began vomiting Saturday evening and by Sunday morning I was unable to keep clear liquids down. I ended up in the ER with weakness and what I figured was dehydration. Labs were OK so not severely dry but received IV fluids and Zofran for the nausea and discharged home. The doctor wasn’t familiar with paxlovid so couldn’t give me sound advice to try and continue or stop. I chose to stop it. 12 hours after ER visit I’ve kept some bland food down and doing better. My sore throat is gone, my cough much improved and my SATS are 96-98%. I hope and pray I continue to improve and don’t backslide as unable to tolerate this med."

• BK Co...
• April 18, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I'm getting over Covid-19, and I really believe my experience was better than it would have been if not for Paxlovid. I have been taking this medicine for four days and saw improvement very quickly. I had a single episode of diarrhea after my first dose, and a nasty bitter taste has persisted in my mouth since I started this medicine (cough drops all day help with that). But the Covid symptoms I was experiencing were far worse. Even triple vaccinated, this disease is a horrible experience. Please get vaccinated and help slow this thing down, instead of draining valuable medical resources when you get sick. Thanks to vaccination and Paxlovid, I got through Covid without taking up a hospital bed. I'm feeling very grateful."

• Tommy
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "On my second full day of taking Paxlovid and I am already feeling much better. Even though I was double vaccinated with a booster shot my symptoms were quite severe. Symptoms included head and body aches, severe coughing and throat pain, fever, etc. It was like the flu on Steroids! The only side effect so far has been a terrible metallic taste in my mouth and throat. I tried mints, lozenge's, mouth wash, but nothing seems to work. It’s a pretty horrible taste but it may be a small price to pay for a quick recovery."