Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2022

For COVID-19 "Do not take! After one dose, I blacked out twice, each time for >30 min on the bathroom floor. Woke in projectile vomit and explosive diarrhea. BP skyrocketed. No memory of what I took (Paxlovid), what I had (COVID), where I was (home), who I was. After 20 min, figured it out enough to call 911. Hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis are now listed as problems. Never again will I take an EUA drug. Lucky to be alive - I live alone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started taking this medication day 2 of symptoms and day 1 of testing positive. I have only taken it for 2 days and will be throwing out the rest. The horrible aftertaste is just one of many bad symptoms of this medication. The taste, along with the explosive diarrhea, is not worth it for me anymore. I would give a 0 rating if I could. Would not recommend this medication to anyone."

• 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."

• Que...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2022

For COVID-19 "I took 2 days of Paxlovid. It was awful, I felt like someone sprayed hairspray in my mouth. About the time the bitter taste would start to go away, it was time to take another dose. It also gave me diarrhea. The hairspray taste was the worst. I felt so much better before I took it."

• Fre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2022

For COVID-19 "Female, 73, overall good health. Vaccinated with 3 boosters. COVID symptoms were sore throat, coughing fits, painful stuffed-up nose, body aches, etc. Little to no fever after 1st day. I took Paxlovid in hopes of getting over COVID faster. COVID symptoms have gradually lessened, but Paxlovid side effects are almost worse than COVID. Terrible taste, almost constant nausea plus diarrhea, and just not feeling good in a different way from COVID. Starting day 3 and not sure I can stick with it. Paxlovid feels poisonous."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2022

For COVID-19 "This was round 2 of COVID for me. 1st one Nov 2020. This time did not seem as bad. But I did an eMed test through my work. They suggested I take Paxlovid. First 3 days I think it did help. Bad taste in my mouth and diarrhea. Day 4 and 5 diarrhea got worse. Just took my last dose 3 hours ago, been on and off the potty! Glad it’s over. I would not take another dose. My hubs, however, had no problem besides the taste in his mouth. 1st round of COVID he ended up in the hospital for 5 days. No vent, just remdesivir! So we were afraid not to try this. My symptoms went away day 4, except this terrible taste and the runs….. Hopefully, tomorrow is better as I am finished with the treatment."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2022

For COVID-19 "This was round 2 of COVID for me. 1st one Nov 2020. This time did not seem as bad. But I did an eMed test through my work. They suggested I take Paxlovid. First 3 days I think it did help. Bad taste in my mouth and diarrhea. Day 4 and 5 diarrhea got worse. Just took my last dose 3 hours ago, been on and off the potty! Glad it’s over. I would not take another dose. My hubs, however, had no problem besides the taste in his mouth. 1st round of COVID he ended up in the hospital for 5 days. No vent, just remdesivir! So we were afraid not to try this. My symptoms went away day 4, except this terrible taste and the runs….. Hopefully, tomorrow is better as I am finished with the treatment."

• Nan...
• May 9, 2022

For COVID-19 "I am 61, got vaccinated and boosted. This is the second time I have gotten COVID. My doctor prescribed Paxlovid after testing positive for COVID. My symptoms started on a Wednesday. I was diagnosed positive on a Friday. I have had severe congestion, a cough, aches, and fatigue. I take three pills in the morning and at night. This is the second day I’ve been on the medication. The symptoms have gotten better. The side effects for me were diarrhea and a bitter taste in my mouth. So far, my experience has been good."

• Meh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2024

For COVID-19 "Second time catching Covid (10/23) and (12/24), first time after a nursing home visit. The second time, I have no idea. Gave myself a at-home test for flu A, B, and Covid. Came back very definitive it was Covid, so I requested a telehealth visit, and the doctor prescribed the meds. Fever was gone by morning, sore throat gone, but that was lessening anyway, body aches pretty much gone, and some of the fatigue lessened, runny stuffy nose off the charts making sleeping difficult. Side effects are the bitter taste (cough drops, hard candies help a lot), this time there's some stomach upset and mild diarrhea, more like softening of stool to sludge, and sleep disturbance. My biggest worry would be kidneys and liver because of my age, but so far, so good. I'm over 70, overweight, prediabetic, with sleep apnea. I'm always going to want the antiviral. I've been putting off getting revaccinated, I think I won't do that anymore. The metallic/bitter taste goes away."

• 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!"

• Her...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started Paxlovid the day after testing positive for COVID. The first night I woke up trying to swallow sticky-like saliva. I had a horrible taste in my mouth, and the next night I kept waking up with acid reflux foam-like substance along with the sticky saliva. I had such a hard time I tried sleeping sitting up, and that didn’t help much. I had to stop taking it because I was having a hard time swallowing the extra phlegmy/sticky saliva and ended up throwing up because of it. I also started having very bad diarrhea. Paxlovid is not for me."

• 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."

• 121...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started Paxlovid on day 5 of symptoms due to asthma. Within an hour of taking my first dose, I had the horrible bitter/metallic taste in my mouth. The first day went on without a hitch, and I woke up the second day with virtually no Covid symptoms. By the end of the second day of taking Paxlovid, however, I became extremely nauseous and started vomiting and had diarrhea. All I could do is lay still in bed because every movement made me want to retch. Ultimately, my doctor and I decided I should discontinue the Paxlovid after day two. I could have dealt with the horrible taste, but not the vomiting and upset GI."

• Lac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2023

For COVID-19 "I'm 64, fully vaxxed, and boosted twice. Started to feel tired on Wednesday, the Friday I woke in the night with diarrhea and cramping, which I had all day along with the fatigue. Just thought it was a tummy bug until I lost my sense of taste. So took a test, and it was positive (quite a faint line though) on Thursday evening. Got a telehealth appointment and some Paxlovid and took the first dose at 8:30 pm. Woke up during the night with a very bad taste in my mouth, which continued for the whole 5 days I was taking it. However, woke the next morning feeling much better overall apart from still being tired. Other side effects include a little nausea and loss of appetite in the first few days, and a bit of heartburn on the last day. Took my last dose this morning, and honestly, I feel back to normal apart from some residual tiredness and a bit of an achy back. Just now tested negative for COVID, so let's hope it stays that way."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2023

For COVID-19 "Healthy female with an age of 55, the only risk factor. Double vaccinated and double boosted. Had some chills and felt feverish on Monday night. Tuesday was just tired with achy joints (like every time I had the Pfizer Covid vaccine) and sinuses getting congested. Wednesday morning, took a Binax at-home Covid test that lit up positive right away. Scheduled a virtual doctor appointment and was prescribed Paxlovid. Took the first dose in the morning on Thursday. The bitter taste is everything everyone mentions. It just doesn’t go away. Developed some abdominal cramping (gas) and then the diarrhea. Still, after just one dose, the cough has subsided, the nasal congestion is almost gone, and the achy joints are gone too. Will keep taking to hopefully kick this virus to the curb. Recently had a colonoscopy, so the diarrhea is familiar, lol. Just drink the Gatorade to keep the electrolytes in check and not get dehydrated. Will update if things change."

• LMR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2022

For COVID-19 "My entire house came down with COVID the 2nd week of May. Ages 3-38. I decided to take Paxlovid because I am compromised. The taste I had in my mouth after the first night dose was awful, comparable to drinking acetone. Not much helps it either. It actually even made it so I smelled exactly what I tasted. Day 2, severe diarrhea, Imodium seems to help some. I've also been really nauseous and have absolutely zero appetite. I'm halfway through this medication and I am undecided if I'll continue. My symptoms from COVID started as GI issues, severe body pains, and the worst migraine ever. By day 4 (when meds were started), I started to develop upper respiratory issues along with a wet cough. After dose 1, the respiratory stuff was gone. Now, I wait to see if I'll end up with Paxlovid rebound. It's definitely a good medication for those who would otherwise be hospitalized, but it's not for everyone."

• Den...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2023

For COVID-19 "This is my 3rd attempt at posting about my experience with Paxlovid, and not one of my reviews has been posted. Why screen negative outcomes? Within hours of the first COVID symptoms and testing positive, I was prescribed Paxlovid. My only symptoms were severe sore throat. Within 90 minutes of the first dose, I had diarrhea. That night, I had a fever, severe migraine, and vomited for hours. The next day, diarrhea again, which turned into burning diarrhea that felt like acid and made me bleed. Others have reported this! The second night, I felt panic. I spent hours on the phone the 3rd day with the pharmacist, nurse, and physician because what I was passing was so excruciatingly painful I truly believe I was having an adverse reaction to the drug. I had ulcers too. After 3 days, I stopped. COVID came roaring back, and I was still positive on day 10. This was my 1st time getting COVID. I am 57, fully vaxxed and boosted. I would never trust this medicine again and believe I was harmed by it."

• Den...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2023

For COVID-19 "This is my 3rd attempt at posting about my experience with Paxlovid, and not one of my reviews has been posted. Why screen negative outcomes? Within hours of the first COVID symptoms and testing positive, I was prescribed Paxlovid. My only symptoms were severe sore throat. Within 90 minutes of the first dose, I had diarrhea. That night, I had a fever, severe migraine, and vomited for hours. The next day, diarrhea again, which turned into burning diarrhea that felt like acid and made me bleed. Others have reported this! The second night, I felt panic. I spent hours on the phone the 3rd day with the pharmacist, nurse, and physician because what I was passing was so excruciatingly painful I truly believe I was having an adverse reaction to the drug. I had ulcers too. After 3 days, I stopped. COVID came roaring back, and I was still positive on day 10. This was my 1st time getting COVID. I am 57, fully vaxxed and boosted. I would never trust this medicine again and believe I was harmed by it."

• ear...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2023

For COVID-19 "Woman, 41 years old, vaccinated and boosted according to schedule. Contracted COVID for the second time in early '23. Unlike the first episode, I had noticeable shortness of breath and low O2 saturation as one of my first symptoms, and they were worsening quickly, so my doctor prescribed Paxlovid immediately to keep it from getting worse. Side effects included heartburn and a very bad taste. Had diarrhea, but that started before the Paxlovid, so I believe it is a symptom of COVID infection. My shortness of breath went away, my O2 saturation went back to near where it should be, and I was able to return to work the week after I started the drug. I'm not losing any more production time than absolutely necessary, and for that, I am grateful, yucky taste or not. Plus, not needing to be hospitalized, which my doctor had thought possible, was nice too. Symptoms lessened within 3 doses, and once the entire course was finished, kept fading away. A+ would take again."

• gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2022

For COVID-19 "I have had 3 doses of Paxlovid and no longer have body aches, fever, or headache. I still have lots of nasal and post-nasal drip, sore throat, and bad cough. I experienced the metallic taste yesterday and earlier today, but that has resolved at this time. I am now experiencing loose bowels, but no pain or discomfort related to that. I plan to finish the course unless my side effects become too severe. I am happy this treatment is available for folks at high risk for severe COVID symptoms and hospitalization, but I hope the drug manufacturers will come up with an effective version that does not have so many drug interactions and could be available to everyone who wants it, not just high-risk folks. This prescription was only available at the local hospital pharmacy and at Walgreens in my area, and I received it at no cost."

• kim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2023

For COVID-19 "I am 60, and symptoms and tested positive on a Monday and steadily went downhill with increasing COVID symptoms: fever almost at 101, cough, sneezing, congestion, body aches, etc. Remdesivir was recommended by my doctor due to potential drug interactions and fewer side effects. You can stop reading here and seek Remdesivir if it’s available in your area, because I lasted 3 days on Paxlovid, and it started out nicely, vicious sore throat gone in hours, then COVID symptoms diminished over the next 24 hours despite no sleep, as Paxlovid stops COVID from replicating in 19-22 hours, per my MD. However, day 2 became very tough with nausea, bad stomach ache, loose stools, more insomnia, and everything only worsened on day three. Extreme abdominal cramps and pain with burning diarrhea made it almost impossible to continue. A day later, no COVID symptoms back yet, but stomach still upset with lower GI issues."

• kim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2023

For COVID-19 "I am 60, and symptoms and tested positive on a Monday and steadily went downhill with increasing COVID symptoms: fever almost at 101, cough, sneezing, congestion, body aches, etc. Remdesivir was recommended by my doctor due to potential drug interactions and fewer side effects. You can stop reading here and seek Remdesivir if it’s available in your area, because I lasted 3 days on Paxlovid, and it started out nicely, vicious sore throat gone in hours, then COVID symptoms diminished over the next 24 hours despite no sleep, as Paxlovid stops COVID from replicating in 19-22 hours, per my MD. However, day 2 became very tough with nausea, bad stomach ache, loose stools, more insomnia, and everything only worsened on day three. Extreme abdominal cramps and pain with burning diarrhea made it almost impossible to continue. A day later, no COVID symptoms back yet, but stomach still upset with lower GI issues."

• Was...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2024

For COVID-19 "This medicine is good, the first side effect is that nasty taste in my mouth, like it’s coming up my throat every time I talk. My stomach was making lots of noise. I had a hard time breathing the first night, I was so congested in my head. My nose was so plugged I couldn’t get it cleared. I struggle really bad to breathe. A little bit of diarrhea. Overall, I started feeling better the second day."

• KCQ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2023

For COVID-19 "Just finished my last dose. So glad of that. It leaves a horrible taste in your mouth and made me feel nauseated. The second day I took it, I puked horribly. It also gave me the runs for the last three and a half days of taking the medication, and it left me with a burning bum. Small price to pay to ease the symptoms of COVID. Paxlovid may give you complications with your kidneys and/or liver, I'm hoping that's not going to be an issue for me."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2022

For COVID-19 "Started Pax the night after I tested positive, 48 hours after symptoms started. Had the bitter taste and severe diarrhea the next day and subsequent days, but the worst is the insomnia and overwhelming anxiety and agitation. Today is day 3, and I seriously want to jump out of my skin, but hubby is guilting me into continuing, so I just pray for some relief. I'm scared to take Xanax due to the interaction. Whether the medicine has made me better, or if it's just the passage of time, I cannot tell. It has definitely helped my husband, who is having no side effects."