Paxlovid and Metallic Taste: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2024

For COVID-19 "It is my third day taking Paxlovid, yes I have a metallic taste in my mouth, but it is working for me. I have a normal appetite, normal stool, good sleeping, feeling very good so far. I think this medication works differently for everyone, but in my case, I am so happy."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2022

For COVID-19 "I am 76 years old, history of acute bronchitis, otherwise very healthy and fit. On day one of obtaining a positive COVID test and feeling slightly ill, I was prescribed Paxlovid by the emergency room physician who refused to provide monoclonal antibodies for me as I requested. He said the hospital was saving them for acute patients. I was, instead, given Paxlovid. Due to my 5'2", 118 lb size, I was given a lesser dose than usual for most patients. I had horrible burning and a metallic taste in my mouth, throat, and it traveled down my esophagus into my stomach. My stomach burned as I continued taking it for 4 doses - then had to stop as it was making me more sick than the COVID virus. I did not complete the last dose. I highly recommend that this horrible drug be taken off the market. Everyone I have spoken to about Paxlovid had intense side effects, and many have had a recurrence of COVID after stopping the drug. Get it off the market!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2022

For COVID-19 "Started taking Paxlovid. The first dose was a breeze, although my ears were burning internally. After taking the second dose, the burning feeling intensified, and there was a strong metallic taste in my mouth. I’m grateful to have been offered this drug but worried about aftereffects."

• MCC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2022

For COVID-19 "Within an hour of my first dose, the metallic taste began. After my second dose is when diarrhea, nausea, and cramping began. Finally, I realized that the inside of my lips was breaking down (peeling and breaking apart). This is when my instincts said to stop. I’m healthy and young, and I’d rather take my chances with vitamins."

• Squ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2022

For COVID-19 "Tested positive for COVID on Sunday (Day 1) after starting to feel tired that day. I was able to get a prescription due to having two autoimmune diseases and started the meds that night. The next day, on Day 2, I hurt everywhere-head, neck, eyes, and joints. I was vomiting all day and couldn’t eat or drink. I did not take the meds that night. I woke up on Day 3 and felt much better-I was able to eat, pain was subsiding, and no sinus issues, so I continued with the medicine. I am on Day 4 and am only experiencing a mild cough, which I had prior to testing positive, and can tire a little easier. My husband tested positive about 5 days prior and did not have any medication and is still struggling with coughing, sneezing, and sinus pressure. I seem to be recovering faster with fewer symptoms. I do have a metallic taste after taking the medicine, but it is manageable."

• P S...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2022

For COVID-19 "After having a mild sore throat, my symptoms escalated to headache, low-grade fever, cough, and congestion. This is when I tested positive for COVID. I could tell the virus had lodged deeply into my head and lungs. I was worried about its progression. I was prescribed Paxlovid and took it at 6 PM on the day of bad symptoms. At 3 AM in the morning, I took my second dose. By 9 PM the next day, I could tell things were lifting. The pressure on my chest was reduced, nasal congestion was abating, and most importantly, my headache was gone. Now I only have one dose left, and virtually all symptoms have disappeared. For me, Paxlovid stopped COVID in its tracks. Luckily, I was able to take it at the very, very early onset of symptoms. There is a metallic taste from the medication, but it definitely stopped COVID in its tracks for me."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2022

For COVID-19 "Day one, I immediately noticed mucous discharge excreting from my eyes. I also had developed itchiness inside my ears, on the inside of my throat towards the back of my mouth, and just a very frustrating tickling cough. Day two, I began coughing up mucous and itching subsided some. Frequent trips to the bathroom (#2) and I could tell there is mucous in my stool. Overall, just not feeling well. Rapid heart rate. My husband, who is also COVID positive and also started this medicine, couldn’t get over the metallic taste and stopped taking them. We are both fully vaccinated and boosted once. Hopefully, tomorrow is better than today. I’m sticking with the pills due to other health issues (diabetes, high blood pressure)."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2022

For COVID-19 "Started taking Paxlovid on Day one of a positive PCR test - it did nothing for me after 8 doses (twice a day x 4 days). It actually made me feel worse: metallic taste in mouth, nausea, diarrhea, and still very congested. Will not take this anymore. My husband had the same experience with Paxlovid and quit taking it after 3 days. I think more research is needed as this drug is not meant for everyone and is not FDA approved - only on an emergency basis. I’d rather have steroids next time."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2022

For COVID-19 "I had Covid for four days, and my fever and cough, along with body aches, were very bad. Fever up to 102, cough that would leave me gasping for breath, and all those old sore spots aching. I have no other health issues. Since my fever kept going from 100 to 102 each day, the doctor prescribed Paxlovid if I was interested in trying it. I experienced the same metallic taste as most have noted. It isn't as bad with each day I've been on Paxlovid - and I'm on day 3 now. I do feel it is helping - my temp is pretty much normal, and the body aches have subsided. The cough is much better, though still there. The one thing I've been experiencing that I don't see above is night sweats. I have to get up and change clothes twice during the night as I'm soaking the sheets and pillowcase. I just move laterally across our king-size bed to get to the next dry spot and then get up and wash everything all over again. Anyone else experiencing night sweats? I'm not sure if it is the Paxlovid or Covid."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2024

For COVID-19 "55-year-old female, with asthma, migraines, depression, and anxiety diagnosis. A week ago today, I came home from work and felt horrible. Body aches, congestion both in chest and head. Took an OTC COVID test, which came out positive. Called online physician to get an inhaler to help with my asthma. The doctor stated he would call in an inhaler along with Paxlovid. Paxlovid did seem to help as I felt better, however, every time I would take the medication, I had a metallic taste in my mouth, and I felt as if I had drank TONS of caffeine. Mind you, I drink Cherry Coke Zero, and the caffeine in the drink does not bother me. However, the Paxlovid made me feel anxious, shaky, my heart rate increased to 85-90 resting when my usual resting is 65. I took my last dose of Paxlovid today. I am hoping the side effects will go away and my heart rate can go back to normal."

• lch...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 11, 2024

For COVID-19 "49y. I was prescribed Paxlovid because I had long COVID (heart, breathing, severe fatigue issues), which lasted nearly a year. I noticed a lessening of symptoms immediately - my congestion would clear up right after taking. It did make me sleepy at first, but not confused. I also had the metallic taste pop up 1.5 hours after taking, but it was minor and went away within 1-2 hours. I just sucked on lozenges. As I felt better, it did feel sort of harsh on my system, but I finished the entire pack and glad that I did. I think it triggered my anxiety a little bit - it seemed to amplify coffee. A few days after my last dose, I had breakthrough menstrual bleeding, which I've experienced with COVID and the vaccines - again, no big deal. I have not had rebound nor have I had long COVID issues. In fact, after I tested negative, I was able to go to a 2-day music festival and saw another concert a few days later. I also resumed exercise the following week. So for me, this was pretty awesome."

• Reg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2022

For COVID-19 "I had manageable common symptoms: sore throat, fever, chills, headache, nausea, but all mild-ish. But I’m over 50, and my doctors thought I should take it to clear the virus and prevent it from getting worse. I'm double vaxed and double boosted. I also had the metallic taste, it actually felt like I was breathing vapors. It knocked me out, and I woke up feeling like I was in the Matrix pods, sweating on fire and in a panic. It felt so much worse than my symptoms. I tried one more dose, and same thing. I’ve stopped and am hoping I can get back on track. I should have trusted my gut that my vaccinations were enough. I do think it’s worth trying if you are unvaccinated or feeling really horrible."

• Bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2022

For COVID-19 "I’m 69 and had very mild symptoms except for my head feeling like it was going to explode! In my case, the cure was worse than the COVID. All I can taste is metal in my mouth that seems to get worse with each dose. Not hungry, and everything that I do eat goes right through me. This is after only 2 days - 4 doses! I’m not taking any more."

• Med...
• May 23, 2023

For COVID-19 "To all that complain about metallic taste, it gets better after the first day. Chew gum, use mints. COVID is potentially lethal, deal with it for the sake of your loved ones. I'm improving every day. Normal temps within 24 hours of the first dose and oximeter reading almost normal. Do it."

• han...
• August 27, 2024

For COVID-19 "Today was my first day taking Paxlovid after testing positive for COVID and have been very sick for about two days now. The first time I took the dose, within 15 minutes, I had this awful metallic taste like an old copper penny. LOL. I found sipping on some chicken broth with salt helped tremendously. Also had the aches and pains and nausea. I am going to continue to take it and hopefully the side effects will be less after a couple of days."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2023

For COVID-19 "I began Paxlovid the next morning after getting a positive COVID test the night before. I had a mild sore throat and nasal congestion. After starting Paxlovid, I began to feel a bit of chest congestion, fever, and body aches. It all went away on my second day, and I continued improvement. After 5 days, I tested negative, but I wore a mask for another 5 days upon my doctor's recommendation. I’m 70 years old and had 5 vaccines but was just getting to making an appointment for my second booster. I was able to dodge COVID for over 3 years, but it caught up to me. Thank goodness for Paxlovid. I did experience a metallic taste in my mouth and a bit of diarrhea while I was taking the Paxlovid, but that’s all gone. It worked great for me!"

• thu...
• April 30, 2022

For COVID-19 "I had significant symptoms while continuing to test negative for Covid: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, congestion, and cough. Finally tested positive on day 5 and asked for a prescription for Paxlovid. Like other comments, the metallic taste is overwhelming, is keeping me awake, and I’ve found nothing to relieve it. Also have reflux of the metal taste all through the night after the first dose. Of more concern are the tongue and mouth ulcers and feeling of a thicker tongue and throat. Am I having an allergic reaction not listed? and wondering do I risk taking the second dose in the morning. I do feel some significant symptom relief but with new mild loss of equilibrium."

• Min...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 18, 2023

For COVID-19 "60 yr old female with type 2 diabetes and vaccinated 4x. A head cold turned worse the next day, and I tested positive for COVID. Within a couple of hours after contacting my doctor, I had a prescription of Paxlovid. My first dose was day one at night. I was coughing a lot, and I could hear my lungs wheezing as I exhaled. By the next morning, the coughing got better and the wheezing disappeared. I have a metallic taste in my mouth, but having a soothing non-menthol cough drop helps. I haven’t lost my sense of taste, and I feel a lot better than day one. I still have a headache, but it is not a severe one. Mild stomach upset, but my suggestion is to eat light foods and stay extra hydrated. Having no BP issues, I did notice my BP was up slightly. The fever is gone and just had a general feeling of being sick. Can’t wait to be off this stuff."

• Ler...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2024

For COVID-19 "This drug has, in less than 24 hours, markedly improved my husband's symptoms. Yes, he has the metallic taste, but so far no other side effects. Very grateful to have access to such an effective treatment."

• HNa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2022

For COVID-19 "Managed to get Paxlovid and take the first dose six hours after symptom onset and only one hour after testing positive for COVID. My only symptoms have been a slight fever and a dry cough. I believe the Paxlovid has prevented any other symptoms. After 48 hours on Paxlovid, even these symptoms have largely disappeared. I had one bout of diarrhea, and I do have a metallic taste in my mouth, but neither of these side effects bother me in comparison with the COVID symptoms that I have avoided. Because of Paxlovid, I have suffered less with COVID than I normally suffer from a cold. This is a great drug."

• JJP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2025

For COVID-19 "My husband and I tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Oct. 2024. I just found this site, thus delayed report. We are retired: 73 & 75 yrs. The doctor put us both on Paxlovid within 5 days. My husband was highly congested and out of breath going up stairs. I was fine except for a very mild headache and 'scratchy' throat. My husband completed his course, complaining of metallic taste but fine otherwise and was better by the end of 5 days. No 'rebound.' On the other hand, I took the first dose and immediately felt very unwell. Up all night, sick with a heart-pounding migraine. The second dose came up as soon as I swallowed it. I didn't even get all the pills down, only ritonavir. I called my healthcare provider, and she advised me to stop taking it. So, I did. And felt fine within 24 hours. So, no further antivirals for me. Any symptoms for COVID were gone, and I have been fine ever since. It took us both about 8-10 days to test negative for COVID."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2022

For COVID-19 "Paxlovid made me feel more ill! It did slow my cough, and I only took it for 1.5 days! Side effects were extreme acid reflux, not able to sleep, walking around in a fog, stomach ache, breaking out in some kind of bumps on my head and face, metallic taste, and dry mouth."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2024

For COVID-19 "I'm taking Paxlovid, and the metallic taste is definitely off-putting. My symptoms are fatigue, mental fog, coughing, and headaches. The foggy brain was the worst experience, almost indescribable. The mental fog, coughing, and headaches are gone. Feeling unwell is one of the side effects, and that is what I am feeling on day 3. I had one experience of nausea. I will finish all 5 days of the prescription in the hopes that I never become cloudy-headed again and that I don't get long Covid. I agree with many of the reviewers: stay with it. I have not had this year's immunization but have all of my boosters up to date."

• mev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2022

For COVID-19 "The first day I took Paxlovid and ended up with a metallic taste. Now, on the second day, I could smell acetone, and I can't get rid of it. I'm on day four of the medicine and still have that bad smell and taste. I tried everything, and nothing helps. But I will let the doctors know that I was thinking about stopping it. Never again with this medicine."

• SaT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2024

For COVID-19 "I feel like it really worked fast. I improved quickly, especially sinuses and congestion and cough. I have had the slight old metal taste in my mouth. Because of COVID, I can't taste anything else. I recommend Paxlovid. I do have heartburn since I started it, which I very rarely have. I hope that I won’t get a rebound of symptoms after the 5 treatment days are up. Thank you, Paxlovid, for the copay card!"