Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir for COVID-19 User Reviews (Page 2)

• E Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "My cough subsided in about 48 hrs. I noticed a horrible taste in my mouth about 30 min after taking the medication. About an hour later I would get severely dizzy and nauseous. So much so I had to go to sleep to avoid falling and getting hurt and vomiting. On day 3, I couldn't keep down the meds a vomited. My COVID-19 related symptoms are much improved, but the side effects of this med makes me feel terrible."

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

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I tested positive for Covid on March 24. I woke up the next morning with worst sore throat of my life. I took ibuprofen and the sore throat improved. I also had severe laryngitis which is very rare for me. That afternoon I started Paxlovid. I never had the bad taste. I assume it helped me. I never got very sick just fatigue. I stopped the Paxlovid after 5 doses because I got severe watery diarrhea and severe stomach pain. Today is my first day without Paxlovid and I feel almost normal just low energy."

• Farm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I was started on Paxlovid on day 4 of my covid symptoms. This is my second bout of Covid within 3 months. I'm vaccinated and boosted. I am on the reduced dose due to some renal impairment. By day 2 of the medication, I am definitely feeling better. Much less coughing, nasal congestion and fatigue. I anticipate being back to normal in a few more days. With my first bout of covid I was ill for weeks due to major chest congestion, intense fatigue, and coughing so bad I ended up on steroids. If the Paxlovid is the reason for my rapid improvement and decrease in symptoms (which I believe it is) then this is a game changer. It's easy to use with the pre-packaged dose kit. As everyone else has mentioned, my only side effect so far has been the utterly horrible taste in my mouth all day. Makes it hard to eat. But compared to my last covid bout, if Paxlovid is what's causing the decrease in the severity and time I'm sick then that side effect is a fair trade. I'd take it again in a heartbeat."

• Buggy
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I'm 57 yo, female, immunocompromised. Under a lot of stress. Got all the previous COVID vaccines except this last one. The past month, I let my guard down. Two days ago, I had severe aching joints, an occasional cough, and a fever of 101.5. Went to the ER and bam, tested positive for COVID. After reading the Paxlovid insert, I was scared out of my mind. I read as much as I could online and patient reviews. Can I live with a metallic taste if it meant decreasing symptoms? Yes!! I will take it. I stopped my other meds out of fear of drug interactions. The metallic taste woke me up, but a lozenge helped. No jaundice, no nausea/diarrhea, joint pains improved 90%! I took my second dose. Again, the only side effect is the not so lovely metallic taste. Gum helps during the day. I will finish the course, provided no systemic reactions. After 24 hours without a fever, it's time to clean!! Lysol & Wipe down everything: door knobs, remotes, cabinets, change toothbrush, wipe purse/wallet, inside car. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and do weekly wipe downs! Don't let COVID into your home!"

• lissyj
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "Started this medication on Friday. Got diagnosed with covid Thursday. I don’t feel like it’s working, but maybe it is slowly. I’m immunocompromised and unvaccinated so that could be why it’s taking me longer to get better. Yes, I have that HORRENDOUS taste in my mouth too. Gum and mints don’t help one bit for me. Only really SOUR gummies or candy seems to keep it away for a little while. Hopefully with more research, they’ll figure something out for that. That’s the only bad thing I’m experiencing with this medication."

• David
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "70 years old male 6-1 158 pounds. I had COVID November 2020 with 28 days of persistent cough. I got all the vaccines available since then. I felt fatigued on Saturday. Cough and difficulty sleeping Sunday. Positive COVID test on Monday. Received Paxlovid Tuesday afternoon. A magic cure! My cough stopped, and I slept well through the night. No side effects that I noticed. 24 hours after my first Paxlovid dose, I enjoyed a good lunch and feel eager to clear brush and split firewood here in my temporary isolation. I did not read reviews before taking Paxlovid. Based on my own experience, I would guess that those who had problems are much more likely to complain than those who had happy results. Hopefully, I never get COVID again, but I would gladly take Paxlovid again if I need it."

• Deidre
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I was given paxlovid as it was my 3 rd time with covid. Was badly ill all times before with double pneumonia. This medication was powerful. It felt like it stopped covid going further in my chest and lungs, and it did. I improved much quicker that before. It left a horrid taste in mouth, all of the morning… it made me sick and also discomfort in bowel. But all tolerable considering what it did and how it stopped me getting so very ill again"

• ALB
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "This drug was amazing! I started taking it the day after I tested positive. I had a horrible sore throat, stuffy/runny nose and major aches and pains - felt like deep in my bones. After the first dose I began to feel slightly better. After the second dose I knew I was feeling better. As others have mentioned it does create an obnoxious metal taste in your mouth, very similar to the taste prednisone gives you, maybe a little worse, but small price to pay for feeling so much better. I have MS and take a drug that eliminates my B cells, so I was so happy to have this as an option. Four vaccinations did not prevent me from getting really sick from Covid. The packaging makes it easy to take the correct doses and wasn’t hard to open. I had a little bit of an upset stomach after the third dose. Started to take it with food and did much better. Highly recommend trying this if you have the option. Thank you science and scientists!!!"

• JJL
• June 11, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "To start I’m not vaccinated and over the age of 65 and in excellent health. Paxlovid was prescribed due to my age. I experienced the bad taste as well but also experienced symptom reduction after the first dose. I made the mistake of taking the second dose right before sleeping. Ruined my nights sleep. Second day symptoms were gone, no sore throat, no congestion, no fever. That night I took Paxlovid right after dinner and went for a walk. Later I slept without issue. Day three took the drug after dinner and did not experience any bad taste until the morning. Day four I feel excellent. This drug saved my vacation."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I recently tested Positive for Covid 1 day ago after not testing positive 2 days prior to that. The day I tested positive my mother was able to pick up some Paxlovid for me. Although my symptoms weren't severe (I had a lot of trouble sleeping while having covid) I decided to try it out anyway and man oh man do I regret it. After taking the first set of pills around 1 pm I felt zero change but at around 6:30 pm I get this taste in my mouth that I had never had before, It was as if I had just gotten done licking the Statue Of Liberty from head to toe TWICE around. At the time I didn't even think that it could be a side effect of Paxlovid because I had never experienced a side effect from taking medicine before. The following night I took the second set of pills at 9 PM and went to sleep only to be awakened from time to time due to a horrendous taste in my mouth and I could only pray that it be gone by the time I would open my eyes in the morning. Luckily the awful taste was 80% gone."

• vp45
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "Honestly do believe that this medication works amazing. Tested Oct 5, same day received Pax. Started that night, took the 5 days worth with no problem. Metallic taste and a bit of stomachache, but it's now Oct 20 and no rebound. I was better in 3 days of taking it. So, my point is, everyone will have a different experience, but be assured that it does wonders for COVID."

• Ryan
• June 11, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "Before going home with Paxlovid, grab some lemons. A LOT of lemons. Both the doctor and pharmacist warned me I might experience a “mild metallic aftertaste,” but that warning, IMO, was severely lacking . In my case, it’s like I’m chewing on a non-coated, horribly bitter, disgusting aspirin/antibiotic/Sudafed pill 24/7. It never goes away and nothing you think might help does. Sipping on lemon water and actually eating lemons is the only thing that is strong enough to counteract the taste. Just fyi—- even without the lemons I’d still take it. It’s disgusting, but Paxlovid works like a miracle. The muscle aches, headache, cough, fatigue, sore throat? All gone within 24 hours. Just make it easy on yourself and grab some lemons first. :-)"

• Sarah
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I tested positive for covid and started on Paxlovid the next day at my doctor's urging. I am 75, in good health, have never had covid, have been vaccinated once and have had one booster. I guess you would say my covid symptoms were fairly mild; I had nasal congestion and intermittent chills and achiness. I did not have any chest congestion or cough or fever to speak of. I never sleep well when I have a stuffy nose, so that was keeping me up a bit. After my first Paxlovid dose my nasal congestion began to clear up and after the second dose my chills abated. But look out! That night I did not sleep a wink! On top of the disgusting taste in my mouth I had a horrible stomach ache and nausea which kept me from falling asleep. I stopped taking that wretched medicine there and then and that was two days ago. I am symptom free now, except for the persistent nausea caused by this horrid Paxlovid which no one in their right mind should ever consider taking. It's the flu, guys!"

• Cjf
• November 21, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I was prescribed Paxlovid after testing positive for Covid. I was having serious covid symptoms and felt absolutely horrible. The paxlovid was the worst experience of my life. The side effects were beyond horrible. I completed the whole 5 day course, but I will never ever taken this medication again."

• Jay
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "Fully vaccinated and boosted but diagnosed with COVID on Saturday afternoon after extreme fatigue, sneezing, muscle aches, gastro, and headache; symptoms started the evening before. Started Paxlovid 300mg that evening. Now a day and a half after starting this medication, I’m feeling so much better, though still have a few days to go until it’s done. Thought taking it with food and water would work best for me. I was wrong. It tastes like I’ve been licking a street lamp, the metallic taste is strongest within 30-40 minutes after taking with food. Then gradually subsides as the medication wears off. The taste is stronger when the pills are taken with water. Not so awful when taken with beverages that are somewhat sweet. Jolly Ranchers help keep the bitter taste at bay most effectively, Tic Tacs a little less effectively. Beats a hospital admission any day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "Started Paxlovid the day I tested positive for COVID and finished the 5-day course today. My COVID symptoms were fairly mild at onset but wanted to reduce the chance of complications and of longer post-viral symptoms. My fever subsided within 2 days, congestion within 4 days, and I feel mostly back to normal, save a bit of headache and fatigue. Metallic taste is the most noticeable side effect, but it is already subsiding, and I did have some mild diarrhea. Just drink fluids and rest, and you'll be fine. I suspect the reason for a lot of negative reviews is that people mistake COVID symptoms for medication side effects, which is easy to do. Remember this isn't a total cure, and it's most effective when you take the full 5 days. And given the choice between the side effects and the risk of dying from COVID, I'll take the side effects of Paxlovid any day."

• Jo280...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I came down with covid on 26th Feb 22 , felt so ill it was unreal . I was prescribed these by the hospital as I have MS . Within 1-2 days of taking these I felt so much better , the biggest downside is definitely the revolting taste they leave in your mouth , it’s so bad it woke me up at night , foul"

• Anony...
• March 7, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I started taking Paxlovid the 2nd day of Covid symptoms and noticed I felt better after 2 doses, however the metallic taste was terrible even with mints and juice. On the second day of taking Paxlovid, things started going downhill, I had a constant stomach ache, nausea, headache and body aches so bad I couldn’t sleep or eat. On day three, I was so miserable, I couldn’t put another pill in my mouth so I quit taking it due to the terrible side effects!"

• Mlm
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "Took Paxlovid less than 24 hours after symptoms/positive test. Effects kicked in within a day and helped greatly. No side effects whatsoever. Helped me feel better but didn't get me to a negative test faster—that still took 16 days. No COVID rebound. Would definitely take it again."

• Paxlo...
• April 17, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I tested positive on Friday morning after getting suddenly ill Thursday night. I took my first dose of Paxlovid on Friday night and by Saturday morning I was already feeling a little better. Saturday was tough but not as bad as if I was taking Paxlovid on schedule. Today is Sunday and I feel much better. Almost no stuffed nose, no sore throat. Chronic cough is mostly gone. I am recovering! I was vaccinated but because of my age, weight and history of asthma I wanted to be cautious. It my first time with COVID and I am so grateful I was able to wait until there were vaccinations and preventatives in place before I got it. The taste issues are real but for me not so severe. I imagine that each person experiences this differently. For me it is like the bad after taste when taking a really bad throat lozenge like zinc. But the side affect was worth it for me. Good luck folks!!!"

• Adhdnt
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "Within the day of taking this, my extreme sore throat dissipated to a moderate level. By the third day, the sore throat was almost gone. Most of my symptoms were drastically reduced within the second day - and I was finally able to sleep through the night! I prefaced with an extreme sore throat because this felt worse than eating food after a tonsillectomy or having strep throat. The pain from COVID in the throat felt like hot sauce mixed with sandpaper on a wound 24/7. In addition, the mucus that kept me coughing and having gagging bouts with trouble breathing went away within the same day of taking this medicine. The negative - it causes a metallic taste in the mouth. For me, it is only noticeable a couple of hours after taking it, and I wouldn't even complain considering the side effects of COVID. Which, for me, was a slight fever, body ache, lethargy, extreme postnasal drip, extreme sore throat, insomnia, constipation, to name a few."

• Andie...
• June 11, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I am a healthy, 115-lb 68 year old female with no major health problems. I became extremely sick very quickly with covid, and so I opted to take Paxlovid. I was told of the side effects (diarrhea, loss of taste) but was worried that my symptoms would worsen and took the risk. Bad decision!! It did work quickly on my covid symptoms, but the effect on my GI system was unbearable. Constantly felt nauseous, could not eat a thing (everything tasted disgusting and made me want to vomit), and terrible GI upset all the time. I was worried about losing too much weight too quickly and called my doctor to talk to a nurse. She advised to finish the 5 days and "drink a lot of fluids" since I couldn't eat. I completed 4 days but could not finish the last day of pills. Lost 5 lbs in 5 days. On top of all that: I got paxlovid rebound!! This drug needs more study."

• Sunsh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I was prescribed Paxlovid on the third day after testing positive for Covid for the third time in 2 years. It did not lessen my symptoms at all and it still took 12 days to recover. Then I got “paxlovid rebound” and tested positive for the 4th time within about a week. It hit just as hard, if not harder, than my original Covid. Paxlovid did nothing for me and apparently caused a rebound. Would definitely not take it again, wish I’d done more research ahead of time."

• Anne
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2023

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "I wasn't really aware I had Covid, but once I'd tested positive, the doctor recommended Paxlovid as I have reduced kidney function. After the first dose, I felt very nauseous but persevered for 2 more days until finally the morning dose caused me to throw up. I'd already tested negative twice, so on my doctor's advice, I stopped the Paxlovid. Overall, it made me feel so unwell. I think that if I get Covid again, I'll just stick it out without antivirals."

• TC - FL
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 7, 2022

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir) "So thankful my doc prescribed this for me. The potential of rebound scares me and the bitter, grapefruity taste is gross, but the thought of covid complications are far scarier for me. I started taking it on the first day of diagnosis and my chest tightness went away soon after, and the other symptoms of covid did as well. I’m not even a full three days from testing positive and I am feeling mostly over it. I’m prone to bronchitis and pneumonia, and I believe this drug saved me from potentially life-threatening complications of covid. So grateful!"