Paxlovid Side Effects

Generic name: nirmatrelvir / ritonavir

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 10, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Paxlovid Side Effects associated with nirmatrelvir / ritonavir. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Paxlovid.

Applies to nirmatrelvir / ritonavir: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

You should not use this medicine together with alfuzosin (Uroxatral®), apalutamide (Erleada®), colchicine (Colcrys®), eletriptan (Relpax®), eplerenone (Inspra®), finerenone (Kerendia®), flibanserin (Addyi®), ivabradine (Corlanor®), lomitapide (Juxtapid®), lovastatin (Mevacor®), lumacaftor/ivacaftor (Orkambi®), lurasidone (Latuda®), midazolam (Versed®), naloxegol (Movantik®), pethidine (Demerol®), pimozide (Orap®), ranolazine (Ranexa®), rifampin (Rifadin®), sildenafil (Viagra®), silodosin (Rapaflo®), simvastatin (Zocor®), St John's wort, tolvaptan (Samsca®), triazolam (Halcion®), ubrogepant (Ubrelvy®), voclosporin (Lupkynis®), ergot medicine (eg, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine, Ergomar®, Methergine®, Migranal®), medicine for heart rhythm problems (eg, amiodarone, dronedarone, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine, Cardioquin®, Multaq®, Pacerone®, Rythmol®, Tambocor®), or seizure medicine (eg, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, Dilantin®, Mysoline®, Solfoton®, Tegretol®).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Birth control pills may not work as well to prevent pregnancy when used with this medicine. Use another form of birth control (eg, condoms or spermicide) along with your pills.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have chest tightness, cough, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, hives, itching, or skin rash, large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids, or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, chills, cough, diarrhea, itching, joint or muscle pain, 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, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common 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:

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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to nirmatrelvir / ritonavir: oral tablet.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Postmarketing reports: Hypertension

Dermatologic

• Postmarketing reports: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, vomiting
• Postmarketing reports: Abdominal pain, nausea

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Myalgia

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dysgeusia, headache

Other

• Postmarketing reports: Malaise

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Paxlovid side effects: 8 key things to know
• How fast does Paxlovid work?
• Can you take Paxlovid twice if COVID rebounds?
• Does Paxlovid make you less contagious?
• How effective is Paxlovid for COVID-19?
• How do Paxlovid and molnupiravir compare for COVID-19?
• When should you take Paxlovid?
• Does Paxlovid prevent Long COVID?
• Can pharmacists prescribe Paxlovid?

Further information

Paxlovid 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