Paxlovid and Metallic Taste: What Users Say

• mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2022

For COVID-19 "To everyone who has made comments about the 'metal taste' from taking Paxlovid, thank you. I am on day 3 of Paxlovid and I too have experienced the 'metal taste'. May I ask everyone, now that you all have either completed or stopped your Paxlovid course, might it be possible for all of you to be willing to give an update on how your 'metal taste' scenarios have progressed now that a few more days/weeks/months have passed? I am sure there are folks other than myself who would really like to hear your thoughts and comments. Thank you in advance."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 1, 2022

For COVID-19 "Wow, this med made me feel SO much better even after one dose. It was like my sore throat went away overnight, though other COVID symptoms like headache and cough were still present, but manageable. I had one episode of diarrhea, but the only thing that sucks is the bitter metallic taste that persists in my mouth. Water and lozenges definitely help with that. This drug is a GAME CHANGER. But please people, vaccination is the first line of defense. I’m vaxxed and boosted, and I still felt like garbage, but imagine if I wasn’t? I’d be in the hospital."

• Gre...
• March 16, 2022

For COVID-19 "I am on day 2 of my Paxlovid, and the bitter metallic taste is my only annoying symptom. Chewing mint gum really helps get my taste buds working. I am a young woman who is generally healthy but am at a higher risk of blood clots due to a genetic condition. I felt better within 8 hours of my first dose. I feel so much better with each dose, and was told it's very important to stick with the full 5 days of the script, so I will update if something goes wrong from here, but it is a privilege to get my hands on this drug, and I am grateful not to know how hard Covid would be without it."

• RoR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2022

For COVID-19 "I am on day 3 of Paxlovid after being diagnosed with Covid fairly early on. I have asthma so my MD prescribed. I don't know if it is the drug or the type of Covid I have mixed with being triple vaxxed, but I have been feeling decent with a stuffy head and minor chest congestion. Usually I wind up needing prednisone and wheezing when I have this type of congestion. The only side effect I have is the metallic gross taste that others have mentioned, almost like rotten grapefruit. It feels like it travels directly up my throat into my nose at times. I will take that 1000 times over if it means I dodged having scary Covid symptoms. I did not want to be that person that regretted not taking something that may keep me from a bad outcome. Thank you, science!"

• NYC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2022

For COVID-19 "I took this drug for the first time last night, and my experience was awful. I occasionally suffer from acid reflux, and I spent the whole night waking up choking from reflux with the most horrible, disgusting acidic metallic taste I've ever experienced. Needless to say, I won't continue to take this medication."

• Pea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 12, 2022

For COVID-19 "I took Paxlovid for 3 days, and I suffered increasingly serious metallic taste and smell. After I stopped Paxlovid, the obnoxious smell and taste went away. The smell and taste kept me awake on the third night. I also had severe stomach cramps and intestinal problems (trouble making a bowel movement with severe pain). I had dry heaves and finally, spit up a sticky yellow substance. I also had internal bleeding, as noted by the tar-like stools. This cure was worse than the disease. I pray that my liver has not sustained long-term effects since I have acute non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2022

For COVID-19 "After my first dose of Paxlovid, my flu-like aches were gone. After each subsequent dose, my congestion and coughing subsided more. I had a metallic taste in my mouth, well worth the benefit of the medication. By the time the doses were completed, I was symptom-free. In my situation, it was a magical experience!"

• Tom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2022

For COVID-19 "On my second full day of taking Paxlovid, and I am already feeling much better. Even though I was double vaccinated with a booster shot, my symptoms were quite severe. Symptoms included head and body aches, severe coughing, throat pain, fever, etc. It was like the flu on steroids! The only side effect so far has been a terrible metallic taste in my mouth and throat. I tried mints, lozenges, mouthwash, but nothing seems to work. It’s a pretty horrible taste, but it may be a small price to pay for a quick recovery."

• 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!"

• Ano...
• March 7, 2023

For COVID-19 "I started taking Paxlovid the 2nd day of COVID symptoms and noticed I felt better after 2 doses, however, the metallic taste was terrible even with mints and juice. On the second day of taking Paxlovid, things started going downhill. I had a constant stomach ache, nausea, headache, and body aches so bad I couldn’t sleep or eat. On day three, I was so miserable I couldn’t put another pill in my mouth, so I quit taking it due to the terrible side effects!"

• Tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2022

For COVID-19 "I have taken this Paxlovid, and today would be day 4, and I now at this point cannot take this medication anymore. I have had severe heartburn since day 1 of this medication. I have woken up in the middle of the night with acid and choked on it, with a metallic taste, which is the worst taste anyone can ever experience. That taste from day one when that pill goes down your throat, you do everything you can to get rid of, and it’s there all day and night long. Nauseous from the meds, I don’t want to eat. On day 4, I woke up feeling better than I have in 8 days, and I took my pill at 11:30 a.m. and once I took that pill, not even within 30 mins, I felt so sick and had headaches and so on. I have both my vaccines and 1st booster, and I will never recommend this medication to anyone. This medication makes you worse than COVID does. Puts you down and out worse."

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

For COVID-19 "I tested positive March 16, 2022, have a history of moderate asthma/reactive airway and pneumonia. First day testing positive, I felt like I was heading towards pneumonia again, so I had a prescription called in. I had to put a few meds on hold and have a CMP drawn before getting it, but it was worth it. I felt a difference starting after the first dose. Worst side effect is the metallic taste in my mouth that is bad enough to wake me up. It tastes like chewing on coins, and nothing seems to get rid of it. Meijer's is the only pharmacy that carries it in my area, but there was no cost."

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

For COVID-19 "Thank you, science! Now on day 4 of Paxlovid, and I almost feel like myself. Vaxxed and boosted, my doctor prescribed due to my asthma. Deep chest cough and bad sore throat mostly gone. The terrible metallic taste was the only real side effect. Woke me up every night and lasted pretty much all day. Seriously like sucking on nickels all day! But a small price to pay to stay out of the ER or ICU. Was very hard to find in metro Denver. Should be more readily available."

• Flo...
• May 18, 2022

For COVID-19 "Had nasal symptoms with cough and tested positive. Given Paxlovid. Terrible metallic taste and dried up my mucous membranes. Low-grade fever gone in 3 days. Never had any breathing problems. After 10 days and for the next 3 days tested negative on a rapid test. 2 days later symptoms returning and testing positive on a rapid test again. Paxlovid clearly did not work and has nasty side effects. Think twice about taking it."

• 38 ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2023

For COVID-19 "I was diagnosed with COVID on 3/13. I went in to see a doctor, and they gave me this medicine. First off, if your symptoms are not that bad, please do not take this medication. The only reason I took it was that this doctor told me I would start feeling better after 14 hours. That was so far from the truth. It made me ten times worse. From the metallic taste to the gagging, diarrhea, and upset stomach, this was the worst decision ever."

• Ske...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 22, 2022

For COVID-19 "LOTS OF INTERACTIONS! Doc called in Paxlovid for me after two days of severe symptoms. Hydroxyzine seems to be the big culprit for me, ironically, I take it for anxiety. 36-hour panic attacks with terror and that awful metallic taste in every drop of saliva. I'm boosted and, in retrospect, had no reason to take this med. The way it metabolizes inhibits enzymes that are common in many meds - if you have multiple prescriptions, sit down and figure out if this is safe with your pharmacist BEFORE you need it. I wish I had never taken it, but the time crunch of starting it within the first five days was real. I quit after three doses. I wasn't able to feel relief from the side effects for almost 48 hours. Just awful."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2022

For COVID-19 "My first day of COVID symptoms began at 2 AM with headache and body aches. The intensity of these symptoms and new symptoms increased rapidly. Same day, I was tested and prescribed Pax. Tiny improvement the next day and then more symptoms, daily “revolving” symptoms, very sick. The only noticeable side effect is the metallic taste. So back to the doctor to hear, “It doesn’t always work.” (He suggests monoclonal antibodies infusion.) So a little research and I find this info on the Yale Med School website: “For high-risk unvaccinated persons, Paxlovid is still the most effective antiviral therapy when started within five days of symptom onset,” Dr. David Boulware, an infectious disease doctor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, tweeted Tuesday night. “But if vaccinated (or prior infection), then benefit is likely minimal.” Unvaccinated!"

• Sto...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2024

For COVID-19 "I was prescribed Paxlovid a day ago after being diagnosed with Covid. I was already nauseous from being sick, so I took my prescription ondansetron for nausea. It helped. I’m also on acid reflux medication, so the OTC Walmart brand helped. The metallic taste is here, but my tea is helping with that. I am on dose 3, and my symptoms have gotten better. I pray everyone gets better!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2024

For COVID-19 "Got positive results on Tuesday starting Paxlovid. Today is Thursday. Have an awful metallic taste, light diarrhea. Fever was 102.6, now 98.7. Medication is working, but I will have to force myself to finish it. Yikes."

• SM1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2023

For COVID-19 "My husband and I both tested positive for COVID. He took the renal dose, and I took the regular dose of Paxlovid. He had minimal symptoms, and I felt very sick before taking the med. After about 3 doses, we felt great. After the last dose, we tested negative for COVID. The only side effect we experienced was the metallic taste, which wasn't nearly as bad as we expected. About 3 days after my last dose, I began having COVID symptoms again, so we retested. We both again tested positive (my husband had no symptoms) and are back to square one with 5 more days of quarantine, etc. My rebound symptoms were no less severe than I had initially. Had I known then what I know now, I would not have taken Paxlovid and would not have had to endure COVID recovery twice, plus we wouldn't have had to miss spending Easter with our grandchildren. From my experience, I would not recommend Paxlovid, and I will never take it again unless there is an adjustment in either the dosage or the length of treatment time."

• 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."

• DPC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 18, 2022

For COVID-19 "Well, I finally came down with COVID after avoiding it for 2.5 years. Double boosted. I have asthma that the cold virus secretions put me in the hospital for an attack. So, I was able to get Paxlovid as I knew about it needing to be taken within 5 days of symptoms. On a Friday night, I had sneezing and a negative home COVID test. By Sunday morning, the congestion had increased substantially, my head was very hot, and I had a headache with a positive COVID test. Within 1 hour of taking my first dose, the fever and headache were gone. I could feel pressure in my sinuses, but not much drainage was happening. I coughed that first night. Not much drainage, but coughing was a problem. By the second day, within an hour of my next dose, my congestion would start and the coughing. Within 30 minutes of the dose, that all stopped. I took all 5 days. The only thing was the metallic taste, but that sure beats putting me in the hospital with an asthma attack. A game changer. I am so grateful."

• 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."

• Amr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2022

For COVID-19 "Went to the emergency clinic for spasms. Doctor tested me for Covid and was positive. No fever, no cough, no runny nose. Nothing. He told me to take Paxlovid. Took one dose and was so sick with a metallic taste, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting. Unable to eat or drink. I am 74 and would not take this drug ever again. It is not worth the pain caused by this drug. They should never approve it and toss all they have in the trash. No wonder it was free. Would never pay for it. People need to be warned. One dose is all I took. Thank goodness."

• Mil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2024

For COVID-19 "It is my third day taking Paxlovid, yes I have a metallic taste in my mouth, but it is working for me. I have a normal appetite, normal stool, good sleeping, feeling very good so far. I think this medication works differently for everyone, but in my case, I am so happy."