Paxlovid and Bad Taste: What Users Say

• scp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2022

For COVID-19 "Both my wife and I took Paxlovid. The bad taste and nausea were awful. Couldn't eat, dry heaves, and had trouble sleeping. I stopped after 2 days and my wife after one day. 3 days after stopping Paxlovid, I still have that bad taste and slight nausea, but it is getting better. I'm double vaxxed and booster'd. For me, I regret taking Paxlovid. The side effects were too severe."

• kri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started Paxlovid because I am very high risk. I'm also a nurse so my opinion is completely informed by my personal and professional experience. Yes, I am double vaccinated and boosted. But my husband and son both came down with Covid so I really didn't stand a chance of not getting it. I have rheumatoid arthritis and take Humira that suppresses my immune system, therefore getting COVID was a major risk. The 5 days I was on Paxlovid was hard. I had the terrible taste in my mouth, muscle aches, heartburn, and just feeling crummy. However, I decided feeling bad while on the antiviral was better than being dead from Covid so I took the full course. Anyone who doesn't realize that Paxlovid is a 'big gun' medication and is bound to have notable side effects is just being naïve. If you get prescribed it, take it and take it until it's all gone."

• No ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2022

For COVID-19 "I was given this medication for my recent COVID-19 infection by my military base doctor. My previous COVID infection and RSV infections earlier in the year caused me to be in the ER each time with severe breathing issues. My doctor put me on Paxlovid this time, and I did not have to go to the hospital at all. I feel like it kept the respiratory symptoms down from previous times. I will say that I had a horrible taste in my mouth most of the day when I was taking it. It was similar to tasting an alcohol wipe or nail polish remover. That was the only side effect I noticed. I would recommend Paxlovid, but keep gum or mints handy!"

• She...
• May 23, 2022

For COVID-19 "We both have been vaccinated and boosted. But my husband came down with Covid anyway. He said he felt like he had been run over by a truck. Fever, sore throat, coughing. He started Paxlovid that 1st day of symptoms. After finishing the 5-day treatment, he felt much better. Still does. Paxlovid worked. I came down with Covid on the 4th day. I got Paxlovid too. Started it that 1st day of symptoms. The taste was horrible, but manageable. I also felt better after day 5. But 3 days later, I got hit with a vengeance. High fever, sore throat, cough, headache, body aches. It did not work for me. Anyone else have this happen to them??? A 10 for my husband. A 0 for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2022

For COVID-19 "I had Covid DELTA July 2021. I was very sick and missed 5 weeks of work. I took the regular regimen of Ivermectin, Zpak, and steroids. 5 months later, my hair fell out, and I developed giardia because of a weak immune system. We had to diagnose it because after X-Rays, CT scan, 3 ER visits, a 3-day hospital stay, and colonoscopy and endoscopy, my doctors said I had IBS and refused to test for a parasite, saying it was rare. It was NOT IBS, and I knew it. I ordered Tinidazole from an online virtual doctor, and boom, after 3 1/2 months of suffering, it went away almost overnight. Yes, it was exactly what I thought. Fast forward to 5 days ago, I tested positive for COVID again. I did a little research and determined that PAXLOVID would be the drug I need, so I got the prescription from my virtual doctor, and after the very first dose, I began feeling better. I have now taken 4 doses of the 5-day regimen, and I feel great. The bad taste is nothing. Paxlovid is a game changer!"

• Pau...
• January 17, 2022

For COVID-19 "By the second day, my chronic coughing subsided. By the third day, my aching subsided and I began feeling much better. Side effect was a terrible taste a few hours after taking the medicine. By the third day, itching and some eczema appeared over the upper body. I also had some gas because I am sensitive to the lactose filler used in the tablets, so I had loose bowels but no pain."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2022

For COVID-19 "My husband and I recently started having respiratory symptoms. Both of us tested positive for Covid. I asked our GP if I could have an RX for Paxlovid. He told me it was very difficult to lay one's hands on. Most of the local pharmacies did not have any in stock. I did my homework and called BEFORE my appointment. Luckily, one of our local Walmart pharmacies had it. Within around 35-40 minutes of taking my first dose, I could tell a slight difference and felt better. I have continued feeling better with every dose. The only side effects I've had are the terrible, bitter dysgeusia (taste disturbance) and mild upset stomach. I can deal with those things much better than not being able to catch my breath. I believe I would have been in much worse shape or possibly even hospital-bound had I not started Paxlovid. If your local pharmacy does not have it in stock, don't give up! Call around until you find one that has it. It's worth it!"

• Cau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2022

For COVID-19 "I obtained a script for Paxlovid on day 3 of being symptomatic & within 1 day of testing positive (PCR). I began the treatment as indicated & after the first dose experienced the most wretched bitter taste that lasted at least 8-10 hours & was worse when lying on my back. Sleeping elevated reduced the acid reflux and taste, which was almost intolerable. After the 2nd dose, I experienced more than a bad taste that couldn’t be treated with mints or spice for more than 5 mins, as the bitter taste would return immediately. On day 2 of the 5-day regimen, I experienced some drowsiness within a half hour of taking the medication followed by disorientation. It was almost like being high but with strong anxiety & a headache. I had my equilibrium, yet was worried I would collapse. By the end of the 2nd day’s 2nd dose, I had profuse sweating & disorientation while sleeping & awoke gasping for air. I had the worst nightmares of my life. On day 3 I felt cured. I discontinued after 4 doses"

• E S...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2022

For COVID-19 "My cough subsided in about 48 hours. I noticed a horrible taste in my mouth about 30 minutes after taking the medication. About an hour later, I would get severely dizzy and nauseous. So much so that I had to go to sleep to avoid falling, getting hurt, and vomiting. On day 3, I couldn't keep down the meds and vomited. My COVID-19 related symptoms are much improved, but the side effects of this med make me feel terrible."

• Far...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2022

For COVID-19 "I was started on Paxlovid on day 4 of my COVID symptoms. This is my second bout of COVID within 3 months. I'm vaccinated and boosted. I am on the reduced dose due to some renal impairment. By day 2 of the medication, I am definitely feeling better. Much less coughing, nasal congestion, and fatigue. I anticipate being back to normal in a few more days. With my first bout of COVID, I was ill for weeks due to major chest congestion, intense fatigue, and coughing so bad I ended up on steroids. If the Paxlovid is the reason for my rapid improvement and decrease in symptoms (which I believe it is), then this is a game changer. It's easy to use with the pre-packaged dose kit. As everyone else has mentioned, my only side effect so far has been the utterly horrible taste in my mouth all day. Makes it hard to eat. But compared to my last COVID bout, if Paxlovid is what's causing the decrease in the severity and time I'm sick, then that side effect is a fair trade. I'd take it again in a heartbeat."

• VAg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2022

For COVID-19 "Recent Covid-19 diagnosis with mild symptoms. I'm high risk due to heart condition and have a newborn at home. I’m on day 2 of Paxlovid and all symptoms are gone. No side effects other than awful taste for 4-6 hours after each dose, but that’s a small price to pay for what appears to be an overnight cure. Very impressive but the meds should come with a pack of gum. No cost to me due to Uncle Sam picking up the full cost of the 5-day treatment."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2022

For COVID-19 "I took two doses of Paxlovid before I had to discontinue. I took Paxlovid four days after onset of COVID symptoms and a positive test. I had a terrible taste in my mouth that lasted all day and rampant projectile diarrhea. I did not feel continued use would be of benefit considering these side effects. I saw no change in my COVID symptoms which were similar to a bad head cold."

• Dei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2022

For COVID-19 "I was given Paxlovid as it was my 3rd time with COVID. I was badly ill all times before with double pneumonia. This medication was powerful. It felt like it stopped COVID from going further in my chest and lungs, and it did. I improved much quicker than before. It left a horrid taste in my mouth, all of the morning... it made me sick and also discomfort in bowel. But all tolerable considering what it did and how it stopped me from getting so very ill again."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2023

For COVID-19 "I am triple boosted, and the latest bivalent shot was a month ago. Got COVID for the first time 3 days ago, and Dr. highly recommended Paxlovid due to risk factors. Let me tell you, these side effects are completely intolerable, in my opinion. I don’t know how anyone can take 5 days of this medication. The taste makes me gag constantly, and the burning diarrhea is so painful. I took 2 days of pills and cannot bear to take another dose. I can only eat bland foods due to the nausea and horrendous taste in my mouth. These side effects are not mild! Every time I read that, I am shocked. Who knows what toll it has already taken on my colon and liver? It’s an experimental drug, and they don’t know much about it yet. Absolutely horrible experience. Do not recommend."

• BK ...
• April 18, 2022

For COVID-19 "I'm getting over Covid-19, and I really believe my experience was better than it would have been if not for Paxlovid. I have been taking this medicine for four days and saw improvement very quickly. I had a single episode of diarrhea after my first dose, and a nasty bitter taste has persisted in my mouth since I started this medicine (cough drops all day help with that). But the Covid symptoms I was experiencing were far worse. Even triple vaccinated, this disease is a horrible experience. Please get vaccinated and help slow this thing down, instead of draining valuable medical resources when you get sick. Thanks to vaccination and Paxlovid, I got through Covid without taking up a hospital bed. I'm feeling very grateful."

• JJL...
• June 11, 2022

For COVID-19 "To start, I’m not vaccinated, and over the age of 65, and in excellent health. Paxlovid was prescribed due to my age. I experienced the bad taste as well but also experienced symptom reduction after the first dose. I made the mistake of taking the second dose right before sleeping. It ruined my night's sleep. Second day symptoms were gone, no sore throat, no congestion, no fever. That night, I took Paxlovid right after dinner and went for a walk. Later, I slept without issue. On day three, I took the drug after dinner and did not experience any bad taste until the morning. On day four, I feel excellent. This drug saved my vacation."

• lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2022

For COVID-19 "Started this medication on Friday. Got diagnosed with Covid on Thursday. I don’t feel like it’s working, but maybe it is slowly. I’m immunocompromised and unvaccinated, so that could be why it’s taking me longer to get better. Yes, I have that HORRENDOUS taste in my mouth too. Gum and mints don’t help one bit for me. Only really SOUR gummies or candy seem to keep it away for a little while. Hopefully with more research, they’ll figure something out for that. That’s the only bad thing I’m experiencing with this medication."

• Pax...
• April 17, 2022

For COVID-19 "I tested positive on Friday morning after getting suddenly ill Thursday night. I took my first dose of Paxlovid on Friday night, and by Saturday morning, I was already feeling a little better. Saturday was tough but not as bad as if I was taking Paxlovid on schedule. Today is Sunday, and I feel much better. Almost no stuffed nose, no sore throat. Chronic cough is mostly gone. I am recovering! I was vaccinated, but because of my age, weight, and history of asthma, I wanted to be cautious. It's my first time with COVID, and I am so grateful I was able to wait until there were vaccinations and preventatives in place before I got it. The taste issues are real, but for me, not so severe. I imagine that each person experiences this differently. For me, it is like the bad aftertaste when taking a really bad throat lozenge like zinc. But the side effect was worth it for me. Good luck, folks!!!"

• Pax...
• April 17, 2022

For COVID-19 "I tested positive on Friday morning after getting suddenly ill Thursday night. I took my first dose of Paxlovid on Friday night, and by Saturday morning, I was already feeling a little better. Saturday was tough but not as bad as if I was taking Paxlovid on schedule. Today is Sunday, and I feel much better. Almost no stuffed nose, no sore throat. Chronic cough is mostly gone. I am recovering! I was vaccinated, but because of my age, weight, and history of asthma, I wanted to be cautious. It's my first time with COVID, and I am so grateful I was able to wait until there were vaccinations and preventatives in place before I got it. The taste issues are real, but for me, not so severe. I imagine that each person experiences this differently. For me, it is like the bad aftertaste when taking a really bad throat lozenge like zinc. But the side effect was worth it for me. Good luck, folks!!!"

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2022

For COVID-19 "I recently tested positive for COVID 1 day ago after not testing positive 2 days prior to that. The day I tested positive, my mother was able to pick up some Paxlovid for me. Although my symptoms weren't severe (I had a lot of trouble sleeping while having COVID), I decided to try it out anyway, and man, oh man, do I regret it. After taking the first set of pills around 1 PM, I felt zero change, but at around 6:30 PM, I got this taste in my mouth that I had never had before. It was as if I had just gotten done licking the Statue of Liberty from head to toe twice around. At the time, I didn't even think that it could be a side effect of Paxlovid because I had never experienced a side effect from taking medicine before. The following night, I took the second set of pills at 9 PM and went to sleep, only to be awakened from time to time due to a horrendous taste in my mouth, and I could only pray that it would be gone by the time I opened my eyes in the morning. Luckily, the awful taste was 80% gone."

• Say...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2022

For COVID-19 "Beware! This drug's side effects are worse than the Covid symptoms. I have hypertension, and I was told to start taking Paxlovid for a positive Covid test. From the first dose, I could tell something wasn't right. Severe body aches, weird taste in mouth, stomach pain, and diarrhea. After one day, I was done. Straight to the trash can. I have no idea who this is supposed to be helping or giving it a 10, but I experienced the worst side effects ever with this drug. If you can, please just wait the symptoms out."

• Mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2023

For COVID-19 "I experienced a dry mouth with a strong sour taste that wouldn't go away. I got nauseated, and I felt like my stomach was burning. I almost vomited and had horrible nightmares. I stopped taking it after the first dose."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2024

For COVID-19 "For COVID-19, 'I tested positive for COVID three days ago. I had a slight fever, sore throat, headache, and lots of head congestion. I lost my sense of smell and taste. It wasn't fun. As soon as I saw the test results, I reached out to my primary care doctor, who prescribed Paxlovid for me. I would say within a day, I could feel a difference. The symptoms definitely lessened each day. I had some side effects, like diarrhea and a bad taste in my mouth. It really worked, and after 3 days of meds, I was already testing negative. Just know that any medication side effects, even some of the worst ones, are still better than a severe bout of COVID."

• Deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2022

For COVID-19 "My doctor prescribed Paxlovid, although my symptoms are relatively mild, due to my age (70). I took the first dose at night and had that same awful taste in my mouth that others have described here. I even got up at 3 AM to brush my teeth, to no avail. Oddly enough, the major Covid symptom I have is loss of taste. So lucky me - the one thing I can taste is this terrible medication. I took the second dose this morning and have decided I will not be taking any more. I would rather have a stuffy nose a few more days than live with this gross taste. I cannot wait for it to wear off."

• Deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2022

For COVID-19 "My doctor prescribed Paxlovid, although my symptoms are relatively mild, due to my age (70). I took the first dose at night and had that same awful taste in my mouth that others have described here. I even got up at 3 AM to brush my teeth, to no avail. Oddly enough, the major Covid symptom I have is loss of taste. So lucky me - the one thing I can taste is this terrible medication. I took the second dose this morning and have decided I will not be taking any more. I would rather have a stuffy nose a few more days than live with this gross taste. I cannot wait for it to wear off."