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Nirmatrelvir / Ritonavir Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 15, 2024.

Applies to nirmatrelvir / ritonavir: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (kit; tablet)

Warning: Significant Drug Interactions with Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir Kit. Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir kit includes ritonavir, a strong CYP3A inhibitor, which may lead to greater exposure of certain concomitant medications, resulting in potentially severe, life-threatening, or fatal events.Prior to prescribing nirmatrelvir / ritonavir kit: 1) Review all medications taken by the patient to assess potential drug-drug interactions with a strong CYP3A inhibitor like nirmatrelvir / ritonavir kit and 2) Determine if concomitant medications require a dose adjustment, interruption, and/or additional monitoring.Consider the benefit of nirmatrelvir / ritonavir kit treatment in reducing hospitalization and death, and whether the risk of potential drug-drug interactions for an individual patient can be appropriately managed.

Other side effects

Some side effects of nirmatrelvir / ritonavir may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • change in taste
  • loss of taste

Less common side effects

  • difficulty in moving
  • muscle aches, cramps, or stiffness
  • swollen joints

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, nirmatrelvir / ritonavir may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking nirmatrelvir / ritonavir:

Less common side effects

Incidence not known

  • blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  • chest tightness
  • chills
  • clay-colored stools
  • cough
  • dark urine
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty swallowing
  • fast heartbeat
  • fever
  • general tiredness or weakness
  • hives, itching, or skin rash
  • joint or muscle pain
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • light-colored stools
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea and vomiting
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • red irritated eyes
  • red skin lesions, often with a purple center
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
  • unpleasant breath odor
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • upper right abdominal or stomach pain
  • vomiting of blood
  • yellow eyes and skin
Managing side effects (general information)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to nirmatrelvir / ritonavir: oral tablet.

Cardiovascular adverse events

Dermatologic

Gastrointestinal

Hypersensitivity

Musculoskeletal

Nervous system

Other

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer