User Reviews for Paxlovid oral

67 year old male very active person in good health. I’ve had all vaccines at the recommended times since they became available. Exception was when CDC recommended those 65 and older can get a booster in February 2024, I missed that announcement. Come mid April, seven months past my last Moderna vax, I feel slightly achy on a Friday but ignore it attributing it to a big workout at my gym. Saturday morning, I feel bad enough to take an antigen test at home due to more aches, a very slight cough and very slight itchy throat. Home test showed a very faint positive test line. My first positive test in four years of the pandemic. Given it’s the weekend, I have a slight case of asthma, it’s been a long time since boosted, I ask my physician for a Paxlovid script be phoned into my local pharmacy. My doctor says yes, but lately COVID cases are being treated like a bad cold and he’s seen no advanced cases. Come Sunday, after another antigen test where the test line turned bright red in 30 seconds, I’ve concluded that no doubt I have COVID. Slight fever, scratchy throat, a deepening cough, aches and some tiredness. I have the prescription in hand, just in case I elect to take it. Monday, day three, symptoms are ever so slightly worse and I feel it’s decision time. I begin that day. Fever that day was about 101, highly unusual for me. I come to learn the variant circulating, JN.1 does not always produce a high fever, a factor to pay attention to. I take acetaminophen, get a OTC cough syrup (dextromethorphan), Vitamin D, multivitamin, probiotics. Tuesday, though I feel bad, I can only describe what I feel as “off”. Something is happening to me which I interpret as the medication working. There’s the metallic taste in my mouth that begins about an hour after taking Paxlovid, lasting several hours before diminishing. Wednesday, day three of Paxlovid, test positive using two different manufacturers’ kits. Symptoms seem stable. Cough syrup taken just before bed then in the middle of the night definitely helped. No fever. I increase my water intake. Friday, last Paxlovid day, it’s obvious to me the medication is working. I’m still sick but feel like it’s a week after having a cold, that stage where you know you’ve been sick but best to take it easy for a few more days. Saturday comes, seven days after my first positive antigen test, and feel tired but no fever, a slight cough, no sore throat. I take an antigen test and the test line is very faint. I’m still infectious and continue to isolate, wear a mask indoors. Warming weather gets me outdoors with a brighter outlook. Compared to friends who recently got COVID, this route worked very well for me. Read More Read Less

I'm 69, tested positive for Covid 19 with typical cold symptoms. However an avalanche of symptoms hit by end of day. I was on waybto hospital due to labored breathing. Through virtual medical visit doctor prescribed Paxlovid. Received same day. Work immediately on labored breathing and took edge off other symptoms. No noticeable side effects. Tested negative after 6 days and back on my feet in 8. Extra days just to get some strength back

This medication was worse than prepping for a colonoscopy. I quit taking it.

Be good if this med came in liquid form to make it easier to administer. My Covid bought an extremely sore, swallow throat that made it very difficult to swallow anything, certainly couldn't talk. I had a Catch 22 standoff with the tabs morning and night. No pain no gain? Maybe?

I'm older so I took this. Had no problems. Started it right Way when I tested positive with symptoms. My dr. Called it in for me. I think it helped me. M.y symptoms were very mild. Never had chills or anything like that. Stomach upset a little and runny stuffy nose and a cough. But never felt that bad. Glad I was able to take it.

Do not take if you're already taking Seroquel! Causes brain zaps like you would not believe, after only a half of a dose! It's 2 days later and I'm still not feeling right in the head.

I assumed Paxlovid was a reasonable treatment for Covid, as since prescribed by a physician, began the 5 day regimen as soon as possible, probably day two after initial onset symptoms. Two hours after initial dose, developed vile, bitter, disgusting taste in mouth, which lasted until day after last dose. Had absolutely no appetite. Forced myself to eat, mostly to maintain nutrition, but also in attempt to negate bad taste. Felt feverish, but temp normal; I believe termed “feeling generally unwell” in printed side effects. Did not feel improvement until day after regimen. But still some sinus drainage and occasional cough. Read More Read Less

I was prescribed this medication to take twice a day but after the initial reaction of the metal taste in my mouth, I opted to only take it once a day. I did this for 5 days, all symptoms cleared up and off I went. What is more disturbing is the cost. If I had not had insurance the meds would have been over 1600.00. That's absolutely ridiculous!

Almost died first time I had COVID. (8 weeks of hell in hospital) 2nd time I got COVID I checked out of hospital emediatly because they refuse to treat COVID in hospital My Doctor treated me with paxlovid felt better in one day.

Got Paxlovid Monday evening and started the first dose. The metallic taste started within an hour, along with nasty headaches that I could not get to go away with Tylenol or Ibuprofen. I tried to accept them because this medication was supposed to help me get over Covid. Tuesday, major gut pain, digestive issues, nausea, explosive diarrhea, muscle pain, charlie horses and restless leg (which I've never had). I wondered if these were side effects from Paxlovid or if it was Covid symptoms. I still took the twice daily med hoping it would all get better. By Wednesday morning, my fever was gone, but I was so dizzy, foggy, nauseous and ready to vomit, I decided not to take the next dose. My ears were ringing and yep, I had another major headache. I took my blood pressure after remembering what the pharmacy told me, that Paxlovid could raise your blood pressure. I'm normally in the 115 over 70 range. My BP was much higher, way higher. I stayed in bed all day, took no Paxlovid. By the 24 hour mark of my last Paxlovid dose, all of these symptoms are gone. No ear pressure, no headaches, no dizziness, BP is back to normal, nausea and vomit feeling, gone. Burning stomach is still lingering some. I'm happy reading that this med has helped others shorten their bout of covid, but for me? It's a strong no. Good luck everyone! Read More Read Less

Worst thing I've ever taken. I had to stop after 3 doses due to vomiting and diarrhea, it made things so much worse than it was with COVID alone. I wish I never taken it in the first place, if you are reading this it's not worth it!

I had an early onset of body aches, headache, mucas discharge, and no energy. After taking the medication for one day, I noticed most all symptoms were gone. Energy levels did not return until after two days of taking the medication. I remained in bed / sleeping most of the time. I have lost an appetite and have the metalic/chalky taste in my mouth. And also have developed some loose stools. But overall the medication has been a game changer.

metallic taste in my mouth. horrible rebound infection, I wish I had never taken it.

Tested positive Monday after 2 days of extreme fatigue and feeling unwell! Finished 5 days of medication 12 hours ago. It was a horrible experience. I am miserable. I have MS and abruptly stopped 8 of 10 maintenance and pain meds. No appetite, sweating, shivering, no temperature, can’t sleep, fuzzy vision, memory loss. Passed the 5 days with loose stools until this evening I had explosive diarrhea. I’ve stayed hydrated, calmed stomach with crackers and yogurt. I had all shots and boosters. Very confusing to read it may be rebound. Read More Read Less

Cleared up most symptoms of Covid, taking Sudafed, Tylenol, and Motrin, but paxlovid causing extreme gut pain and diarrhea. Moving or coughing is extremely painful. Wish I could quit wish I had never started. Nauseous and in massive amounts of pain in abdomen. Do not recommend.

It’s been very effective, didn’t know there was such an effective medication existed for COVID

I went to the ER this morning with chest pain came home had something to eat slept for a couple of hours anit was gone I'm so great full ??

The drug basically did away with my symptoms in 2 days. However, the side effects were rather unpleasant. Paxlovid caused bad bubble gut, gas and acid like trips to the bathroom. Not to mention the unstoppable bitter tase in your mouth and gut. Having said that, the covid is basically gone, just a lingering cough. I would do it again if needed.

Paxlovid caused headaches, excessive sweating of palms and feet, horrible taste that all lasted after I finished the medication.

I just completed day 3 of Paxlovid and I feel worse now than when I first tested positive! I have the yucky taste, night sweats, chills, bad dreams, loss of appetite and when I do eat something blank, it comes back up, can’t even keep water down and have lost 20 pounds in one week! I can’t finish this devil medicine. I’m going to ER now. My advice: just say no to this medication!