Paxlovid and Cough: What Users Say

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

For COVID-19 "I tested COVID positive four days ago, double vaccinated and boosted. The next morning I was so ill that I went to the ER after a virtual doctor said I needed to be seen. After an IV and toradol for my acute pain, I was given a prescription for Paxlovid. I spent that day and the next with fever, intense pain, and every COVID symptom except loss of taste/smell. Luckily I mostly slept. I was beginning to think I was incredibly lucky to have had the pills or they weren't working because my symptoms were so intense. However after another night of fever, coughing and pain, I woke up and felt so much better. I found these postings while searching for information on the metallic, sour taste in my mouth, which I also am experiencing. But for me, this side effect, is well worth it."

• 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."

• Moo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started on Paxlovid on a Friday after developing some chest tightness and a drop in my O2 sats after testing positive on Thursday. While the yucky taste was unpleasant, it was tolerable. My problem was the gastric upset. I developed diffuse abdominal pain and cramping, and diarrhea. I could have dealt with that, but I then began vomiting Saturday evening, and by Sunday morning, I was unable to keep clear liquids down. I ended up in the ER with weakness and what I figured was dehydration. Labs were OK, so not severely dry, received IV fluids, and Zofran for the nausea, and discharged home. The doctor wasn’t familiar with Paxlovid, so couldn’t give me sound advice to try and continue or stop. I chose to stop it. 12 hours after the ER visit, I’ve kept some bland food down and doing better. My sore throat is gone, my cough much improved, and my sats are 96-98%. I hope and pray I continue to improve and don’t backslide as unable to tolerate this med."

• Rya...
• June 11, 2022

For COVID-19 "Before going home with Paxlovid, grab some lemons. A LOT of lemons. Both the doctor and pharmacist warned me I might experience a “mild metallic aftertaste,” but that warning, in my opinion, was severely lacking. In my case, it’s like I’m chewing on a non-coated, horribly bitter, disgusting aspirin, antibiotic, or Sudafed pill 24/7. It never goes away and nothing you think might help does. Sipping on lemon water and actually eating lemons is the only thing that is strong enough to counteract the taste. Just for your information—even without the lemons I’d still take it. It’s disgusting, but Paxlovid works like a miracle. The muscle aches, headache, cough, and fatigue? All gone within 24 hours. Just make it easy on yourself and grab some lemons first. :-)"

• Fem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2024

For COVID-19 "Symptoms: Stuffy nose, frequent sneezing Saturday/Sunday. Monday felt like a lump was in my throat when I swallowed, which I knew meant sore throat was on the way. Had started coughing. That night, chills were so bad I put on flannel PJs with an extra blanket and turned off the A/C. Coughing, sneezing, achy, temperature 99.3, temperature 100.6, very sore throat, coughing a lot with phlegm. Felt like the flu. Wednesday, urgent care confirmed Covid positive. 1st dose of Paxlovid at 8 pm. Overnight, less sneezing & coughing, but did cough up blood-tinged phlegm. Thursday 8 am took the 2nd dose. It's 3 pm now and stuffy nose, sneezing/coughing, congestion in the chest are all nearly gone. Temperature is 98.8. I feel SO MUCH BETTER! The metal taste from the medication is a small price to pay for the outstanding results. I no longer feel like I may need to go to the ER because of blood-tinged phlegm. I don't feel congested. This is the second time I've used Paxlovid for Covid. The first time was 2 years ago with mild symptoms. This medication is a game-changer!"

• Ott...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 21, 2022

For COVID-19 "I tested positive for Covid on April 15. If Paxlovid is advised for your context, they say to start ASAP after symptoms and a positive test result, but not later than 5-7 days from onset. I did a CVS E-Clinic. We had to make calls to find a pharmacy that had it in stock. A Google search can also help. I am finishing day 1 of Paxlovid and have a positive experience. I am not in optimal health at 64, but I am double vaccinated and boosted. My symptoms were: heavy congestion requiring mouth breathing, some throat discomfort and cough, sore top of head on the right, and right neck lymph nodes, an acute headache for two days. I took Advil until I realized I could add back in coffee. That took the headache away and I don't need the coffee while recovering. No diarrhea and no loss of taste. One hour after the dose, my saliva is bitter for hours. I got used to it and feel much better. I am prioritizing bed rest, hydration, diaphragm breathing, nutritious food, and asking for help as needed."

• ene...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2022

For COVID-19 "I'm halfway through my dose regime. I had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer and was in and out of the hospital for tests. I'm fully vaccinated with two boosters. On the day that symptoms became obvious - mild fever, cough, vertigo, nausea, headache, sinus. I tested positive on two home tests - and then called my doctor and left an evening message. I woke up with a message that Paxlovid was waiting for me at the pharmacy. I took the first dose right away. That day was similar to the bad symptoms as the day before, but when I awoke in the morning, I was remarkably different. I felt much better, and the only thing that's held on is the sinus issue and some fatigue (though much less). After reading these reviews, I feel fortunate that I haven't had the bad taste. My wife now has Covid, and I feel bad for her. With no underlying conditions, she's just powering through and isn't well. I'm very thankful for this product."

• 65...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2024

For COVID-19 "65-year-old male, cardiac patient, type II diabetes. Fairly active, walk at least one mile per day. Two household members tested positive for COVID five days ago. I never tested positive, but my PCP said my symptoms and timeline from exposure fit a positive diagnosis. Symptoms: fever, headache/brain fog, constant productive cough, sore throat, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, altered sense of smell/taste. Started Paxlovid three days ago, will take dose seven tonight. After third dose, brain fog and headaches gone, sore throat started to ease. Cough continued for another day, finally got six hours of continuous sleep last night. Regained appetite last night (day three of Paxlovid), although tastes are still wonky. Better food tolerance tonight on Paxlovid day four. Metallic taste very pronounced, although it has eased somewhat. Recommendations: unreserved endorsement for the drug itself. Easy to take. Get gum, mints, mouthwash, Pepto, lots of water."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2024

For COVID-19 "Had severe headache, fever, chills, sore throat, cough, nausea, and extreme fatigue. Next day, tested positive for Covid. Started Paxlovid later that evening. Felt much better the very next morning. Almost completely normal later that day. Only side effect for me was the metallic taste in mouth. But that didn't really bother me too much. Highly recommend. Will not hesitate to take it if I ever get Covid again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2022

For COVID-19 "At first, I was so pleased. By day 5, all my symptoms were gone, and I felt good, and my energy was back. However, 5 days later, I woke up with a scratchy throat, runny nose, and a slight cough. I tested positive again … my coughing at night is waking me quite a bit. 3 days … I’m still coughing and running a low-grade fever. I wonder why I even bothered with this drug, because I feel I’m right back where I started."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2022

For COVID-19 "At first, I was so pleased. By day 5, all my symptoms were gone, and I felt good, and my energy was back. However, 5 days later, I woke up with a scratchy throat, runny nose, and a slight cough. I tested positive again … my coughing at night is waking me quite a bit. 3 days … I’m still coughing and running a low-grade fever. I wonder why I even bothered with this drug, because I feel I’m right back where I started."

• And...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 20, 2022

For COVID-19 "Excellent results after 48 hours. No more coughing, fever, fatigue, or lung damage. Reported taste effect was not bad at all. I got suddenly euphoric, then quickly very light-headed just after dose 2, sat down quickly. Start taking Day 1 and COVID won't go to your lungs - avoid lung damage (I got some 'cause I started Day 3). Do NOT make the mistake of thinking you have a mild case because Day 1 and 3 are mild!!!!! I made this mistake and paid the price in two seriously painful and dangerous nights, in addition to a huge ER bill!!! The drug is a modern miracle."

• Dev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2024

For COVID-19 "If you don’t have the side effects, and I didn’t, this is about as close to a miracle drug as you can get. I got COVID on a Thursday, tested negative on a Friday, and tested positive on Saturday. I was traveling so I didn’t have the luxury of going to my doctor. I used a teledoc service and was prescribed Paxlovid. I took my first dose Saturday morning and the second Saturday evening. Saturday evening was rough. I was up all night coughing and didn’t get much sleep. I woke up Sunday morning and felt much better. The congestion was manageable and there was very little chest congestion. My appetite came back as well. By Saturday afternoon the only symptoms I had left were fatigue and a tightness in my chest when I took a really deep breath. The results were incredible for me. I’m just sorry to see that it’s not that way for everyone."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2022

For COVID-19 "Day one, I immediately noticed mucous discharge excreting from my eyes. I also had developed itchiness inside my ears, on the inside of my throat towards the back of my mouth, and just a very frustrating tickling cough. Day two, I began coughing up mucous and itching subsided some. Frequent trips to the bathroom (#2) and I could tell there is mucous in my stool. Overall, just not feeling well. Rapid heart rate. My husband, who is also COVID positive and also started this medicine, couldn’t get over the metallic taste and stopped taking them. We are both fully vaccinated and boosted once. Hopefully, tomorrow is better than today. I’m sticking with the pills due to other health issues (diabetes, high blood pressure)."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2024

For COVID-19 "I'm taking Paxlovid, and the metallic taste is definitely off-putting. My symptoms are fatigue, mental fog, coughing, and headaches. The foggy brain was the worst experience, almost indescribable. The mental fog, coughing, and headaches are gone. Feeling unwell is one of the side effects, and that is what I am feeling on day 3. I had one experience of nausea. I will finish all 5 days of the prescription in the hopes that I never become cloudy-headed again and that I don't get long Covid. I agree with many of the reviewers: stay with it. I have not had this year's immunization but have all of my boosters up to date."

• cyb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2024

For COVID-19 "I thought we had sinus for 2 days, we tested negative for COVID. Day 3, we both tested positive and got the Paxlovid. My husband had all the boosters, but I did not, I was allergic to the Moderna shot. We are over 66 and have other high-risk conditions. We were scared. Our heads felt like they were going to explode, so much mucus we felt like we were drowning. Chest pressure, fatigue, blurred vision, sore throat, fever, cough... After 2 days of Paxlovid, 80% of the symptoms went away or became very mild. However, the pills do make your mouth very nasty, forget about tasting any food. I would get a stomach ache in the mornings from it, and we walked around like zombies, kind of out of it. But when you take into account we could be in ICU with a breathing tube down our throats, I guess this is way better. We still have 2 and a half more days to go. I am praying... COVID did not go into any kind of hibernation mode waiting for us to stop the pill, then attack again. Thank you, Paxlovid."

• gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2022

For COVID-19 "I have had 3 doses of Paxlovid and no longer have body aches, fever, or headache. I still have lots of nasal and post-nasal drip, sore throat, and bad cough. I experienced the metallic taste yesterday and earlier today, but that has resolved at this time. I am now experiencing loose bowels, but no pain or discomfort related to that. I plan to finish the course unless my side effects become too severe. I am happy this treatment is available for folks at high risk for severe COVID symptoms and hospitalization, but I hope the drug manufacturers will come up with an effective version that does not have so many drug interactions and could be available to everyone who wants it, not just high-risk folks. This prescription was only available at the local hospital pharmacy and at Walgreens in my area, and I received it at no cost."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 8, 2022

For COVID-19 "Wow, I am so grateful for this medicine! I am prone to bronchitis, so the doctor recommended this. First time with COVID. My husband tested positive Tuesday AM, so I was anticipating it as well. Tested negative four times, and then tested positive this Thursday night (today is Saturday). I called the doctor Friday AM and was able to get it within a few hours. My symptoms began Wednesday, other than fatigue, which I felt Monday and Tuesday. Started with a dry cough, which became way more persistent on Thursday and Friday, body aches, headache, fatigue, and general malaise. By Friday, I had a fever as well. I took the first dose around 4 PM on Friday and then the second at midnight. I woke up Saturday AM feeling no body aches, no fever, no headache. Unbelievable. I am so thankful! I do have a bit of that bitter taste in the back of my mouth, but I am drinking lots of tea, ginger juice, and cough drops. Tolerable to not feel severe COVID symptoms. Highly recommend Paxlovid if you are COVID positive!"

• T1D...
• November 3, 2022

For COVID-19 "I was diagnosed with COVID for the first time on 10.25.22, positive at home test, then positive PCR/lab. Fully vaccinated and boosted but hadn't gotten the latest one yet. I've had type 1 diabetes for 38 years; I'm 48 now. Symptoms from the virus: cough, fever, exhaustion, massive nasal discharge, first night's sleep fairly delirious. Very sudden onset, like I felt, 'I'm screwed. This is going to be bad.' The endocrinologist called in Paxlovid. I started the first day after diagnosis. Within three days, I was literally symptom-free (by the way, I had not even heard of this drug yet). I don't put a ton of trust in at-home rapid tests, but I felt so good by days 5-6 (even before then) that I tested because I had zero symptoms. Negative. Taste-gross. But it is five days; who cares? Ice water with lemon did the trick for me. Advice: take a probiotic. This will save your stomach. It is a MUST for any antiviral/antibiotic. Final fyi: I don't have a baseline to compare this to not taking the medication since it's my first diagnosis of COVID. But I would 100% take it again, no questions asked."

• Rik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2022

For COVID-19 "Don’t know if I recovered thanks to the medicine. Side effects: bitter metallic taste, also brings about dry coughing, terrible back pain - lower back, pelvic, particularly at night - could lie on my back at all during the night. Does anyone know how long it takes till these side effects disappear?"

• Tan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 17, 2023

For COVID-19 "I took Paxlovid in July, and it was great! It worked fast, but the metallic taste was, and still is, horrible. It is now a long-term side effect with me, especially when it is really cold out and my breathing gets thrown off, and I have to use an inhaler and also have a cough drop just to help."

• KLe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2022

For COVID-19 "First week high school started, my daughter felt a bad headache and sore throat, tested positive for COVID on 8/27. She had very mild symptoms and fully recovered on 9/1. Also on 9/1, my wife tested positive. I tested positive the next day on 9/2. Both my wife and I had mild symptoms of headache, cough, scratchy throat, and tiredness. Due to my weight and being over 50, I was qualified for Paxlovid. I started the first dose on 9/4 (2 days after testing positive). I still had mild symptoms when I started the medicine. After 48 hours, on the night of 9/6, most of my symptoms were gone and I felt almost back to normal. I continued to finish the Paxlovid. Tested negative on 9/10. My wife is healthy and didn't take Paxlovid. She also experienced mild symptoms, but 3 days after testing positive, she got bad nausea, dizziness, and vomited a few times. That made her really weak. She had to call her doctor and got a prescription for nausea and vomiting. She fully recovered and tested negative on 9/10."

• Gre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2022

For COVID-19 "It's day 3 on Paxlovid for me. I found this drug to be amazing thus far. I felt better after my first dose. I still have a slight cough and fuzzy COVID brain, but that is manageable. I've had worse after a dab. The worst part is the disgusting metallic taste in my mouth. I feel like I just ate the tin."

• Iow...
• September 2, 2022

For COVID-19 "Tested positive on a Monday morning, feeling absolutely horrible. I have had COVID in November 2020 and have had 4 Pfizer shots. I am barely over 50. But I started taking Paxlovid later on Monday, first dose. No issues, I ate with it, no super bad taste. By Tuesday night, I felt better, by Thursday, I felt great. Monday: fever, sore, sneezy and cough, weak, and extremely tired. Friday: a tail end of a cold feeling, and honestly, I feel very normal. Great drug for me against COVID."

• unv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2022

For COVID-19 "Started out with a small tickle in the back of my throat on a Friday, then 2 days later a very sore throat and occasional dry cough. I thought strep. On vacation, so my wife suggested getting tested on Wednesday, well, it was COVID. The doctor suggested this Paxlovid but said it wasn't required if I didn't want it, which I didn't. But since my wife works at a hospital and I'm not 'vaxxed', she suggested I get it. Took the 1st dose early afternoon. The pills are very large, so if you have trouble with large pills, this may not be for you. Sore throat was almost gone the next day, but I was still 'tired'. The bad taste was awful! Like others, I took Halls or Ricola to mask the taste. Then there was the gas and surprise diarrhea over the next couple of days. Luckily we went home, but the trips to the bathroom were painful and really stirred up my hemorrhoids. On my last day now, thankfully! Not sure if it really helped. Don't think I'll repeat this if I ever get the COVID-19 again."