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Dec 22, 2023 · Learn about the possible side effects of Paxlovid, a COVID-19 treatment that includes nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Find out how to manage them, what to report to your doctor, and how to avoid serious drug interactions.
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- kathy.katella-cofrancesco@yale.edu
- How does Paxlovid work? Paxlovid is an antiviral therapy that consists of two separate medications packaged together. When you take your three-pill dose, two of those pills will be nirmatrelvir, which inhibits a key enzyme that the COVID virus requires in order to make functional virus particles.
- When should I take Paxlovid? You have to take Paxlovid within five days of developing symptoms. Like all antivirals, Paxlovid works best early in the course of an illness—in this case, within the first five days of symptom onset, says Jeffrey Topal, MD, a Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist who is involved in determining COVID-19 treatment protocols for Yale New Haven Hospital patients.
- How often do I take Paxlovid? The standard dose is three Paxlovid pills twice daily for five days for a full course that adds up to 30 pills. It helps that the pills are packaged in a “dose card,” basically a medication blister pack that allows you to punch out the pills as needed.
- Is Paxlovid similar to Tamiflu? “I think it's a good comparison,” says Dr. Roberts. Tamiflu is an antiviral drug that reduces flu symptoms. Both are prescription-only oral antiviral pills given early in illness.
- Taste changes (dysgeusia) An altered or bad taste in the mouth is the most commonly reported side effect with Paxlovid. People report a bitter or metallic taste (often referred to as “Paxlovid mouth”) that’s hard to get rid of while on treatment.
- Diarrhea. Diarrhea is another side effect you may encounter during treatment with Paxlovid, but it’s also a side effect of COVID-19. For most people, diarrhea due to Paxlovid clears up after treatment and tends to be mild.
- Blood pressure increase (hypertension) High blood pressure was listed as a side effect with Paxlovid, but it’s not very common. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, occurred in about 1% of people (1 out of everyone 100) in Paxlovid studies (and less than 1% in the placebo group).
- Muscle aches and pain (myalgia) Muscle aches (myalgia) occurred in about 1% of people in studies with Paxlovid, and less than 1% of the placebo group.
Paxlovid is an antiviral medication for COVID-19 that contains nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Learn about its common and serious side effects, interactions, and how to take it safely.
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- Senior Editorial Pharmacist
- Paxlovid, an oral antiviral medication, will start to work against COVID as soon as you take it but you may not feel better immediately. Contact yo...
- No, a second round of Paxlovid treatment is not needed after the initial 5-day treatment if COVID rebound occurs. Case reports suggest that most pe...
- Paxlovid is effective at lowering the risk of hospitalization or death by 86% for adult patients who are at high risk of COVID-19 progressing to se...
PAXLOVID may cause side effects, some of which may be serious, such as allergic reactions or liver problems. The list below doesn't include all of the possible side effects of PAXLOVID. For more information, ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist.
Paxlovid (EUA) 300 Mg is a combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in high-risk patients. It may cause changes in taste or diarrhea, and interact with many other drugs.
PAXLOVID is a medicine for mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in high-risk patients under EUA. It can cause serious or life-threatening side effects if taken with certain medicines, so tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take.
