User Reviews for Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir)

I tested positive on a home test after experiencing a slight sore throat one day and the next evening facial tension that was unrelieved by steam or massage. I was prescribed Paxlovid on what was day 2 of symptoms, which included a very runny nose, but no coughing or other issues. After taking Paxlovid for 4 doses (two evening doses, two morning doses), my symptoms were gone. I tested after completing all 5 days of treatment and tested negative. It's been suggested I test again on day 10 to make sure there is no rebound infection. Read More Read Less

I have asthma and even though I had recently been boostered some douche coughed in me on the plane (I was masked, but they weren’t even though they were clearly sick). So, now I have COVID. I’m always at risk for pneumonia when I get respiratory infections and was getting a deep cough. So I started Paxlovid to prevent worse lung damage. The bitter taste is disgusting. It seems to be the only bad side effect though. I feel I am slowly gettting better. It’s not a magical pill, but hopefully is preventing worse outcomes. I can’t get rid of the bitter taste until I complete this medication though. Read More Read Less

I find the metal taste in my mouth unbearable I’ve only had one dose Does the taste ever go away!??

Double boosted and came down with Covid a few days after a family member tested positive. Doctor prescribed this after a virtual visit. I had sore throat, bag congestion and some fatigue as my symptoms. Starting taking on Day 3 of symptoms and day after positive test result. Symptoms cleared immediately. As everyone mentions feel like my sense of taste has changed and metal taste/dry mouth but worth it to feel so much better.

Felt symptoms April 24th went to emergency room and they gave me prescription for paxlovid started 10 hours after symptoms started tested positive Monday to Wednesday on Thursday tested negative Friday negative then on may 1st still tested negative. Worked like a charm. Just have to be clear with doctors on what meds you take. I would recommend this to all

I had cough & runny nose with 100.7F fever. I took my first dose of Paxlovid one day after testing positive. My symptoms started to improve the same day. The morning of day 5 of dose, I tested negative and feel completely back to normal. Terrible taste in my mouth, some muscle aches in an arm and slight digestive problems were only side effects.

45 yo woman, overweight got COVID and Dr prescribed Paxlovid. Had 102 fever, cough, aches and terrible sore throat. Took Paxlovid on second day after testing positive. 18h after the first dose cough was greatly reduced and fever was down to 100. Current on Day 4 - no fever, minimal cough, no aches, just tired. Pretty darn good. Taste is metallic. Citrus (lemonade), sparkling water, tomatoes helped. I didn’t not have any gastro issues. That being said I did get a yeast infection. Bummer, but easily fixed. Definitely worth it.Read More Read Less

My husband and came down with covid on 4/26 and our neighbor picked up this med for us on day 3 of the quarantine. My husband had slight loose bowels but i cant seem to stay off the toilet lol idk if its all the coffee i have been drinking or this medication but i'm not sure i will be going through this again

My breathing improved but the flavor is horrible in my mouth.

I’m on my 4th day of Paxlovid which was prescribed because my suppressed immune system has me in at risk group. I am a 63 year old female. I feel really great today and symptoms waned about 24 hours after taking this medication. I recommend taking on empty stomach and then eating. I found if I eat first and then take Paxlovid the really horrible taste in my mouth is much worse. So eat after the pill and drink lots of water. I would recommend. Bad taste in mouth is a small price to pay for health. Read More Read Less

I was hesitant to take Paxlovid due to its trial emergency use status. I’m an active 66 year old woman with a moderate case of Covid, Omicron variant. The Dr.’s advice put me at ease and I cannot say enough positive about how well Paxlovid is working for me. (Currently, on day 4 of the 5 day dosing). It has been very effective in notably reducing my Covid-19 symptoms; cough, frequent nasal discharge, chills, fatigue, low energy. Within an hour of taking the first dose, my nasal discharge symptoms started to improve. By end of Day 2, only an occasional cough and runny nose. Side effects I’ve had is the bitter/metallic taste, which others have mentioned.Read More Read Less

Healthy but obese. Use an inhaler when i have a cold. 2 Moderna vax with 1 Pfizer booster. I do not take any other meds. Symptoms (heavy nasal congestion, cough and fatigue) occurred on Monday, tested positive on Thursday, started Paxlovid on Friday morning. Though i qualified, my provider wasn't sure if i needed it. When I asked what would happen if I didn't take it, she said i would probably coughing for 3 weeks, that's why i took it. Symptoms immediately started to wane. Just started second day and fatigue is almost gone. Feeling 100% better! I am also taking Musinex DM, Tylenol and Benzonatate to help with my cough. Yes, bitter taste is an inconvenience but worth it!Read More Read Less

It worked initially for me to get rid of my cough shortly after first dose and throughout treatment but 5 days after last dose all my Covid symptoms came back worse than before taking it. I think it is potentially dangerous because at that point the 5 day quarantine is up and you are back spreading virus

I am 77, started this med on the 3rd day of symptoms. Symptoms subSided within two to three days. But, terrible taste in my mouth and it has torn up my stomach/intestines. I had the worst diarrhea I have ever had. Tonight is my last dose and I am sure happy about that.

I am a healthy 59-year-old fully vaccinated and boosted female. I started with cold symptoms on Monday, had two negative rapid tests, and tested positive for Covid on Thursday. I started taking Paxlovid on Friday, and almost immediately experienced a squeezing sensation in my head followed by brain fog and a bitter/metallic aftertaste. I will not continue with this medication due to the side effects, and my Covid symptoms are not severe enough to be motivated to withstand these side effects.

very bitter taste left in mouth, which honestly tastes like if i took my daily steroid inhaler that i’m prescribed without washing out my mouth. very disgusting taste, makes me want to gag. there should be some advice on how to ease the taste, it truly is horrible.

I tested positive for Covid on 4/26 and am fully boosted. I had significant nasal congestion, dry cough and lots of sneezing first 24 hours. Started Paxlovid 24 hours after I felt sick, as had positive antigen test at CVS. Within 6 hours of first dose much less secretions. Had fever first night, none since. With each dose symptoms less. Still with fatigue. Some diarrhea from the Paxlovid and horrible taste in my mouth since I started it. Seems a bit less if taken after my meals. I think I would be much worse without this anti-viral. I am 72 years old. Read More Read Less

tested positive 2 days ago, started on the second day. So far so good, I feel much better already. the only issue is metal taste in the mouth. will go away after 4 hours or so. I found that miso soup or something salty will mask the taste for a bit! try this method, I think the strong taste from miso or salt is stronger than the metal taste being produced from the medicine.

Four days after testing positive for Covid-19, I suddenly developed a raging fever, shivers and shakes, on top of terrible cough, sinus pain and runny nose with congestion. Very frightened by this - I am an Australian visiting my family in NY for first time after 3 years, 77 years old, with mild asthma but generally in very good health. Had a telehealth consultation late one night and was prescribed Paxlovid. Took as prescribed for 5 days, cough and other symptoms including fever have fluctuated all over the place, but as of today, again coughing up a lot of nasty phlegm and feeling quite unwell. Also still testing positive for Covid, where I had expected antivirals to kill the virus and give a negative test. I have no idea what to do next: 11 days of symptoms, I am glad to not be hospitalised , or dead, but when will I test negative and be allowed to visit my family and see my US friends again? I don’t think Paxlovid has worked for me!Read More Read Less

I'm 56 and tested positive 3 weeks after my 2nd booster. Symptoms were sore throat, sinus congestion, headache, chills, fever. I have sarcoidosis and began Paxlovid the same day I tested positive. The only side effect I experienced was the terrible bitter taste, but it only lasted 2 days. I'm on Day 3 now, and all Covid symptoms have disappeared except mild congestion. Very thankful I am able to take Paxlovid!