Skip to main content
Print Save

Paxlovid Side Effects

Generic name: nirmatrelvir / ritonavir

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 14, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about nirmatrelvir / ritonavir. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Paxlovid.

Applies to nirmatrelvir / ritonavir: oral tablet.

Warning

Oral route (Kit; Tablet)

Warning: Significant Drug Interactions with Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir KitNirmatrelvir / 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.

Serious side effects of Paxlovid

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

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

Other side effects of Paxlovid

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

  • Change in taste
  • loss of taste

Less common

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

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to nirmatrelvir / ritonavir: oral tablet.

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension[Ref]

Dermatologic

Postmarketing reports: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, vomiting

Postmarketing reports: Abdominal pain, nausea[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Dysgeusia, headache[Ref]

Other

Postmarketing reports: Malaise[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir). Pfizer Canada ULC. 2022.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer