Paxlovid and Sore Throat: What Users Say (Page 2)

• unv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2022

For COVID-19 "Started out with a small tickle in the back of my throat on a Friday, then 2 days later a very sore throat and occasional dry cough. I thought strep. On vacation, so my wife suggested getting tested on Wednesday, well, it was COVID. The doctor suggested this Paxlovid but said it wasn't required if I didn't want it, which I didn't. But since my wife works at a hospital and I'm not 'vaxxed', she suggested I get it. Took the 1st dose early afternoon. The pills are very large, so if you have trouble with large pills, this may not be for you. Sore throat was almost gone the next day, but I was still 'tired'. The bad taste was awful! Like others, I took Halls or Ricola to mask the taste. Then there was the gas and surprise diarrhea over the next couple of days. Luckily we went home, but the trips to the bathroom were painful and really stirred up my hemorrhoids. On my last day now, thankfully! Not sure if it really helped. Don't think I'll repeat this if I ever get the COVID-19 again."

• DJA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started having a scratchy throat on Sunday night around 10 pm and woke up in the morning with a sore throat and extreme sinus pressure. Monday and Tuesday, the moderate-grade fever was continuous. I'm 67 with chronic bronchitis, so I decided to test for COVID on Wednesday morning, which came up positive. I did a video conference with my doctor at 2 pm on Wednesday, where she prescribed Paxlovid. By 9 pm, I was feeling much better. Most symptoms were gone by Thursday night, with the exception of general malaise. The metallic taste is a minor side effect in comparison to what might have been. I was vaccinated with two boosters and still got COVID. Guess that's not uncommon as I read through this thread. Glad I took the full course."

• DJA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started having a scratchy throat on Sunday night around 10 pm and woke up in the morning with a sore throat and extreme sinus pressure. Monday and Tuesday, the moderate-grade fever was continuous. I'm 67 with chronic bronchitis, so I decided to test for COVID on Wednesday morning, which came up positive. I did a video conference with my doctor at 2 pm on Wednesday, where she prescribed Paxlovid. By 9 pm, I was feeling much better. Most symptoms were gone by Thursday night, with the exception of general malaise. The metallic taste is a minor side effect in comparison to what might have been. I was vaccinated with two boosters and still got COVID. Guess that's not uncommon as I read through this thread. Glad I took the full course."

• jho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2022

For COVID-19 "I am immune compromised and have been vaccinated once. I got COVID the first time before the vaccine was out. Was out of work for two and a half months, never been so sick in my life. The second diagnosis was about one week ago. Started taking Paxlovid on day two of symptoms. Had a fever off and on for about three days. Had the worst sore throat for about three days also. Then started to feel better on day four, now last day of meds. Still have some symptoms, a little worried about stopping them. Had that bad taste, small price to pay for not getting as sick as I was the first time!!"

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2023

For COVID-19 "Just tested positive yesterday. I contacted my Medicare nurseline, who set me up with a telehealth visit (as it was Sunday) and was prescribed Paxlovid because I have primary progressive multiple sclerosis. I am double vaccinated with one booster. I am three doses in and am feeling pretty good. My sore throat is gone. I am sleepy, but with MS, fatigue is a daily thing anyway, so I can cope with that. No stomach issues, no fever, and pulse ox is good. It's scary to get a positive COVID test result, especially if you're high-risk, but this drug has reduced my symptoms and my fears. Yes, the taste in my mouth is gross, but I keep some Werther's around and that helps a bunch. Hope you all are doing well."

• gam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2022

For COVID-19 "Triple vaxed, avoided COVID until two days ago. I had a slight scratchy throat mid-day with nasal congestion late afternoon. I tried to get tested but failed… felt like allergies… overnight slight chill and next day was able to be tested midday and positive. So took Paxlovid first dose at noon, got progressively worse yesterday and by evening felt absolutely terrible, almost unable to get out of bed, headache, pain, etc., and prominent nasal discharge. This is a very significant illness and I would not have wanted to go through any more of it. The next morning and today I am literally 80 percent better. Some headache remains, nasal congestion lessened but present, weakness much improved, no chills. I forgot to mention I could not eat yesterday at all due to fatigue and absolutely no appetite. Today appetite is back. Of course, I have some of the metallic taste. The drug is amazing. Take it very early, get tested very early."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2022

For COVID-19 "I wrote a brief review today after taking just the first dose. I've now taken the second dose, and this stuff is amazing. I tested positive twice (am & pm) about three days ago. Headache, sore throat, fever from 98.4 to 99.9, runny nose, sneezing, full body aches but more so in joints. Very fatigued. I have two major cancers, thus the immunocompromised condition. I cleared the use of this with my oncologist, then had my primary care MD write the Rx. Before I even took the second dose, headache & sore throat were gone, as were some of the aches. Still coughing & blowing my proboscis, but a great improvement in just this short time. I've had to supplement with 25 mg of diphenhydramine and 500 mg of acetaminophen every four hours. Along with my cancers, I have a list of other medical issues, so far no reactions to my meds for those. But I'm having minor side effects with constipation and diarrhea. The absolute worst thing is the aftertaste. Nothing takes it away, from licorice to chili."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2022

For COVID-19 "Unvaccinated 60-year-old female, 4'11", 100 lbs. Wednesday night: scratchy throat. Thought allergies. Thursday morning: scratchy throat, feeling malaise. By 11 am, horrible headache. Took COVID test: positive. Headache lasted 4 hours. Called doctor, got prescribed Paxlovid, started taking at 8 pm. Friday and Saturday: mild headache present all day. Body aches, fatigue, nasal drainage. Expectorant for mucus cough. Horrible metallic taste in mouth. Cough drops help. Take Pepcid before eating and take Paxlovid with food, had cottage cheese or yogurt to coat afterwards. Overall, 3 bad days and then progressively improved. Testing positive still 9 days later. Some fatigue, some mucus cough, but feeling 90%. Husband: vaccinated. Thursday (same day as me), not feeling well. Saturday tested positive. Severe sore throat, headache, body aches, congestion. Started antibiotics. Rx lidocaine for throat, expectorant. Feeling horrible and got worse. Day 8: throat better, slight headache, fatigue, and says still feels crappy."

• Sid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2022

For COVID-19 "I’m a 62-year-old healthcare provider who has been exposed dozens and dozens of times since March 2020, and this is the first time I have had COVID. I got the Pfizer vax early but did not get the booster. No lectures, please! LOL. Had a fever of 101.7, productive cough, aches. Got the Rx a day later and started it due to my age, hypertension, and obesity risks. Developed a super bitter taste within an hour of the first dose. It persisted for 11 hours, then recurred with every dose. Developed a raging sore throat, dry mouth, and severe diarrhea. After the 4th dose (2nd day), I decided to stop. The side effects were just too much. I had stopped having a fever the day before, and my cough was less productive. I was also concerned about the number of rebound COVID cases I’d read about with the drug. Need to get back to the hospital and a vacation next week, so cannot risk rebound. Today, only a day after, the throat is 50% better, dry mouth is gone, bitterness is gone, diarrhea is still there."

• Get...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2022

For COVID-19 "Just completed day 2 of Paxlovid. So far, my experience has been good. I started Paxlovid on day 4 of my COVID positive. I was experiencing a sore throat, chills, body aches, chest congestion, and severe fatigue. Of course, I have the metal taste, and at one point, I thought the taste was going to make me vomit. What worked for me is RED Hot candy. I keep one small tab in my mouth, and it works wonders. This is my first COVID diagnosis, but I am very hopeful. I will respect this virus by continuing to keep up with my vitamins, rest a lot, and drink plenty of fluids."

• mjr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2022

For COVID-19 "Just took the last dose. I’m still congested, but my raging sore throat is much better. Not sure whether Paxlovid helped abate symptoms, but it certainly didn’t hurt. My mouth tastes like I’ve been drinking grapefruit juice with soap."

• Omi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2022

For COVID-19 "Not sure it’s working. Monday very minor scratchy throat, that evening chills and fever from 100 to 103.5 during the night, terrible headache, pain in ear, pain in back of head, felt like a bad case of the flu. Tuesday I tested positive, my doc called and suggested Tylenol and Advil alternative every 4 hours, Mucinex, saline in nose, lots of fluid, and prescribed Paxlovid. I’m 58, in great health. She said I had Omicron and a worse case compared to others. I was apprehensive to take the meds, that evening around 9 o’clock I was almost symptom-free. Next day, Wednesday afternoon, started with a runny nose and feeling like I had a head cold, so I took the prescription that evening. I woke up with a vicious sore throat and horrible taste in my mouth. Mint gum helps a lot! I called my doctor, she strongly urged me to continue taking the meds because my symptoms could become worse and the sore throat could’ve been a result of me not taking Paxlovid more timely."

• Omi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2022

For COVID-19 "Not sure it’s working. Monday very minor scratchy throat, that evening chills and fever from 100 to 103.5 during the night, terrible headache, pain in ear, pain in back of head, felt like a bad case of the flu. Tuesday I tested positive, my doc called and suggested Tylenol and Advil alternative every 4 hours, Mucinex, saline in nose, lots of fluid, and prescribed Paxlovid. I’m 58, in great health. She said I had Omicron and a worse case compared to others. I was apprehensive to take the meds, that evening around 9 o’clock I was almost symptom-free. Next day, Wednesday afternoon, started with a runny nose and feeling like I had a head cold, so I took the prescription that evening. I woke up with a vicious sore throat and horrible taste in my mouth. Mint gum helps a lot! I called my doctor, she strongly urged me to continue taking the meds because my symptoms could become worse and the sore throat could’ve been a result of me not taking Paxlovid more timely."

• gai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2022

For COVID-19 "Started Covid with 3 vaccinations. Attended an outdoor party that Saturday. 70th birthday party. Left 4-5 hours later. Woke up at 2:30 a.m. with a terrible migraine and vomiting forcefully for about 8 or 9 hours. (Food poisoning?) My nasal passages became blocked. My left ear wasn’t right. I continued to worsen. On Monday, my husband came home from work, having tested positive. I tested and was also positive. We both began texting and calling our friends to spread the word-we were Covid positive. Called the pharmacy to ask about the new pill. They had it, but it needed a prescription. Called the doctor, talked about testing positive and Paxlovid. Luckily, it was available at my pharmacy. Was confused by pharmacy instructions. Realized that AM & PM contained the same medication. My face hurt too. (Was it from vomiting?), ears strange, respiratory symptoms set in with a dry hacking cough. I was confused, unsteady too. I had a bad sore throat. Improved after 5 days. Ear still affected. Stopped Lipitor after 1st dose."