Paxlovid and Metallic Taste: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Cos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2022

For COVID-19 "My wife tested positive for COVID, and I felt like I had a bad cold 3 days later. I did the home test, and it was positive. My doctor ordered some Paxlovid for me, and I felt better the next day. Metallic taste was only mild. Still feeling better after 3 days on medication, but head and chest congestion remain mild. Sleeping well with no stomach upset or other side effects."

• DJA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started having a scratchy throat on Sunday night around 10 PM and woke up in the morning with a sore throat and extreme sinus pressure. Monday and Tuesday, the moderate-grade fever was continuous. I'm 67 with chronic bronchitis, so I decided to test for COVID on Wednesday morning, which came up positive. I did a video conference with my doctor at 2 PM on Wednesday, where she prescribed Paxlovid. By 9 PM, I was feeling much better. Most symptoms were gone by Thursday night, with the exception of general malaise. The metallic taste is a minor side effect in comparison to what might have been. I was vaccinated with two boosters and still got COVID. Guess that's not uncommon as I read through this thread. Glad I took the full course."

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

For COVID-19 "I contracted COVID on a cruise. I was tested on the 4th day after getting home, got Paxlovid on the 5th day. After 6 pills, I felt 90% better. I am on the 6th day now, coughing and nasal drip quit the next day. I have a metallic taste and dry mouth, so I suck on Licorice Ice Chips that come in a can like Altoids, it gets rid of the taste and upset stomach. I am 100% sold on the drug, thanks to Pfizer Pharm. Be aware of cruises, they are still infectious, even after all the testing they require."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2023

For COVID-19 "I am on day two of this medication. It has cleared my cough and fever so far, so I am hopeful that I will continue to improve. The metal taste is horrible, but I am using butterscotch hard candy to kill the taste. I am probably gaining weight from the candy, but... worth it. I recommend either butterscotch or peppermint candy to keep in the mouth unless you are diabetic."

• cov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2023

For COVID-19 "Honestly, people are so sensitive! Yes, there's a slightly metallic taste that lasts for a few hours after ingestion, but I will take that over the nasty case of COVID I was going through. Overnight, it took away the bulk of the issues (fever, sore throat) and is giving my body an easier time fighting it off. I might not have even noticed the taste except everyone here was saying it was rancid and unbearable."

• ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2023

For COVID-19 "I first got COVID in May 2022. I just tested positive again 3/13/2023. On both occasions, I took Paxlovid within 5 days of symptoms. (Almost 50, former smoker, overweight, HBP). I have a lot of anxiety that increased with a positive COVID test. This medication, for me, in addition to relieving symptoms, decreased my anxiety. I wasn't worried about going to the hospital/death/etc. I had more difficulty breathing and lower pulse ox the first time, this time it has felt like a cold. Yes to the metallic taste, it's annoying, I'm drinking water and cough drops to minimize, but better than the potential alternative and, in my opinion, not a reason not to take it."

• CDT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2023

For COVID-19 "I read a lot of reviews. I started 3 days ago. It was by far the roughest the first, second, and third doses. I drank a lot of water and sucked on Hall’s cough drops. The metallic taste is less prominent after the third dose and gets better after each proceeding dose. I do have the runs each morning after dosing, did get night sweats once each night. I do have Crohn’s Disease, so I was expecting something. I had to take a drug years ago for 9 months that gave me a metallic taste, so I knew what to expect. Other than that, Paxlovid was great. After the third dose, no fever, and the sinuses are clearing up. I would take it again."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2023

For COVID-19 "Paxlovid is working for me. I have been taking it for two days now, and the headache, sore throat, and fever are gone. I will take the full 5-day dose. The side effect of metallic taste in the mouth is bearable, so I chew gum or use candy to relieve it. Paxlovid is a game changer."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2022

For COVID-19 "Had to stop due to severe diarrhea. I actually felt better once I went off it. Not a good experience for me. I also had that metallic taste and sleep anxiety. The doctor said the sleeplessness was from COVID, but I’m thinking it was the Paxlovid."

• Tom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2022

For COVID-19 "Unvaccinated, healthy 68-year-old male. Experienced sudden 100.7 fever on Friday evening, to 101.8 Saturday, which went to normal on Sunday, but still had chest congestion and sore throat. Started Paxlovid Monday morning. Tuesday, significant improvement in throat and chest symptoms. By Wednesday, still low on energy but symptoms continuing to improve. The bitter metallic taste is the worst part, but tolerable. Have tried various candies and drinks, which provide temporary relief."

• gam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2022

For COVID-19 "Triple vaxed, avoided COVID until two days ago. I had a slight scratchy throat mid-day with nasal congestion late afternoon. I tried to get tested but failed… felt like allergies… overnight slight chill and next day was able to be tested midday and positive. So took Paxlovid first dose at noon, got progressively worse yesterday and by evening felt absolutely terrible, almost unable to get out of bed, headache, pain, etc., and prominent nasal discharge. This is a very significant illness and I would not have wanted to go through any more of it. The next morning and today I am literally 80 percent better. Some headache remains, nasal congestion lessened but present, weakness much improved, no chills. I forgot to mention I could not eat yesterday at all due to fatigue and absolutely no appetite. Today appetite is back. Of course, I have some of the metallic taste. The drug is amazing. Take it very early, get tested very early."

• Sas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2022

For COVID-19 "I am on day 3 of Paxlovid. I don't have any negative experience except the metal taste in my mouth. I think the fatigue and loss of appetite is the COVID. I had other cold-like symptoms, but the pharmacist said it was okay to take Theraflu with the Paxlovid. It seems to work well together, as I am able to rest comfortably and get plenty of sleep. Gum seems to help the taste, mine is cinnamon. Very important to take the Paxlovid with food - I also have acid reflux. Take it exactly as directed for best results, the pharmacist was very clear on that."

• Ben...
• October 19, 2022

For COVID-19 "I had symptoms on Saturday but tested negative. I took Nyquil before bed. Woke up Sunday feeling horrible with every symptom except fever: body aches, fatigue, headache, earache, sore throat, cough, congestion in chest and sinuses, runny nose, stuffy nose. I continued Nyquil. I had a phone appointment Monday with my doctor and he prescribed Paxlovid. It was delivered. I took the first dose this morning (Tuesday) and just took the evening dose. So far, I have not had the metallic taste side effect, but I did have to make a couple bowel movements, not watery diarrhea though. Just mushy poop texture. I still have my taste, smell, and appetite. The medication actually makes me hungry for some reason. I just made a big BLT sandwich on toast. We will see how day 2 of Paxlovid goes tomorrow."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 27, 2022

For COVID-19 "On 6/24/22, I was diagnosed with Covid after a horrible night of vomiting, intestinal disorder, bad headache, and burning sensation on the palms of my hands and fingers. I have been double vaxxed with two boosters. The last one was 5/2/22. My doctor prescribed Paxlovid immediately, and I began taking the medication the evening of 6/24. Within 5 hours, I could feel the medication working. It was a real game changer for me. I had a slight odd taste in my mouth from the meds, but it was not offensive. My weak point is my lungs, and I felt that I had some congestion in them, but the medication was fighting hard to slow it down and reverse it. It has been 48 hours since my first dose, and I feel that I am 90% back to normal. To me, this is phenomenal. My only side effects were the fleeting metallic taste in my mouth, and I had one bout of intestinal disorder, which I think was caused by eating spicy food. I am grateful for a drug that can fight the awful symptoms and medical fallout of Covid."

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

For COVID-19 "I’m fully vaccinated and boosted with Pfizer. I started using Paxlovid 3 days after testing positive, and within the first dose, I began to perk up. But this metallic taste is awful, but if it makes me feel better, I’ll suffer through it. My headache has disappeared, sore throat is gone, just dealing with the coughing and runny nose."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2022

For COVID-19 "Vaccinated Spring 2020 with one shot J&J. Tested positive for Covid summer 2022 after the entire household (90 yo mother and husband) had tested positive. All of us had to be seen by a medical professional in person (no teledoc, etc.) because blood needs to be drawn and liver/kidney values checked before they will dispense Paxlovid (if you have recent blood work on file, you may be able to avoid this). We were all prescribed Paxlovid; mother at a modified dose and husband and I at full doses. My experience: exhaustion and chills alternating with sweating throughout the first 24 hours. Then just a feeling of blah, chest felt “heavy”, minor coughing. I’m on my last day of Paxlovid. Has some nausea, diarrhea, but, by far the worst thing I had to endure was the never-ending metallic taste in the back of my mouth. Absolutely horrendous. Husband had the same metallic taste too. If I end up with a rebound infection that’s not severe, I won’t take Paxlovid again."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2022

For COVID-19 "Unvaccinated 60-year-old female, 4'11", 100 lbs. Wednesday night: scratchy throat. Thought allergies. Thursday morning: scratchy throat, feeling malaise. By 11 AM, horrible headache. Took COVID test: positive. Headache lasted 4 hours. Called doctor, got prescribed Paxlovid, started taking at 8 PM. Friday and Saturday: mild headache present all day. Body aches, fatigue, nasal drainage. Expectorant for mucus cough. Horrible metallic taste in mouth. Cough drops help. Take Pepcid before eating and take Paxlovid with food, had cottage cheese or yogurt to coat afterwards. Overall, 3 bad days and then progressively improved. Testing positive still 9 days later. Some fatigue, some mucus cough, but feeling 90%. Husband: vaccinated. Thursday (same day as me), not feeling well. Saturday tested positive. Severe sore throat, headache, body aches, congestion. Started antibiotics. Rx lidocaine for throat, expectorant. Feeling horrible and got worse. Day 8: throat better, slight headache, fatigue, and says still feels crappy."

• Nev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2022

For COVID-19 "After taking my first dose of 100 mg Paxlovid (3 large pills a dose) for COVID symptoms, I had an awful metallic or bitter taste in my mouth and an acid reflux sensation that lasted for hours-brushed teeth, used mouth rinse, ate mints, and nothing worked. Took the second dose and it started up again, made me nauseous from the taste and I threw up. Stopped taking it since I was on the bathroom floor feeling like a chemotherapy patient. I did lose most of my taste after the first dose, taste is slightly returning. Stomach has felt ill since the first dose. Maybe it got rid of my sneezing."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2022

For COVID-19 "I am vaccinated and had my booster. I am at high risk due to many illnesses. Dose 2 this morning. Woke up feeling much better. A lot less cough and discomfort. Metallic taste is not great! This started working after the 1st dose. Definitely a game changer."

• Meg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2023

For COVID-19 "Healthy weight, 5'6", 78 years old. Very fit. Fully vaccinated and boosted. COVID positive test last Friday and started Paxlovid Saturday. Symptoms improved after 24 hours. Now on the third day. I have Parkinson's disease, although currently not taking meds due to serious adverse reactions. Paxlovid increased dizziness, and I had a bitter metallic taste and occasional loose bowels. Will take the 5-day dosage because the advice is not to stop."

• dud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2022

For COVID-19 "I'm on Day 3 of Paxlovid. Like most of the comments I've read, I'm experiencing a very bad bitter/metallic taste in my mouth. I no longer have a headache (which I thought was a sinus infection). I don't know if it's the Paxlovid or the nasal spray that relieved the sinus/nasal pressure, but I am just glad that symptom is gone. I do have any other issues with the medicine."

• Pla...
• July 22, 2022

For COVID-19 "The metallic taste in my mouth has been a challenge, along with some minor stomach issues, but the excessive sweating is by far the most difficult, uncomfortable side effect. Hopefully, it will stop as soon as the dosage has been completed."

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2022

For COVID-19 "I tested positive via a home test following some flu symptoms. I called my doctor and nurse at the Guthrie/Robert Packer Hospital immediately, and within a few hours, my pharmacist called from our Rite Aid and had my Paxlovid ready to be picked up. I have heart disease and diabetes and am 73 years old. I feel the quickness of my health care pros (the doctor and nurse) to first be able to secure the Paxlovid and then the Rite Aid pharmacist making sure she got a hold of me assisted in my current good state of health. Yes, I had the metallic taste and just a minor stint of diarrhea, but the first dose resulted in my being able to cough up the chest congestion and gave me an overall feeling that the meds were working and I'd get better. Fever was minor. Thank you, Paxlovid, my doctor and nurse, and Rite Aid pharmacy. Imagine my surprise when I got a call not long after my test was positive at home saying, 'Hello, I see you have Covid. I have your prescription here for you.'"

• nam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2022

For COVID-19 "The metal taste does go away after the fifth dosing, as prescribed. I found drinking fluids helps with the taste. I recovered well. I was vaccinated and had my booster along with getting COVID in 2020. This helped a lot. What a difference."

• Cas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2022

For COVID-19 "Paxlovid so far is great. I got my meds yesterday at 3 along with steroids. I felt so bad, as soon as I got home, I started taking everything I had without even reading up on the drug. I took the morning dose then and the night dose before bed. Woke up this morning feeling way better. My solid nasal congestion was subsiding. One thing I am dealing with is the metal taste in my mouth, and my lips are raw, almost blustery. Not sure if that's the Paxlovid or all the orange juice I have been drinking to get rid of the metal taste. Anyway, from yesterday not being able to move from the couch, today cleaning. Probably not smart, but I had to get off the couch a little. I am triple vaccinated, so was pretty disappointed when I got it, it was almost worse than when I was unvaccinated. Wondering if all the vaccines are worth it."