Paxlovid and Sore Throat: What Users Say

• 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."

• Bos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2022

For COVID-19 "5/14/22 68, F, 5’6”, 130 lbs. No health issues, no meds, walk daily. Took it because I’m in 'high risk' group (elderly). Home tested positive on Tues 5/10/22, classic flu symptoms. Paxlovid RX easily obtained at local Walgreens after calling PCP. Took only 1st dose & stopped. Tasted horrible, woke up with burning ear canals & throat, body aches, started to feel weird. Search for reviews found Drugs.com the only source. Also found this Seattle Times piece 'The US is doing too little to monitor Paxlovid use against Covid 19.' My conclusion: I’m at the low end of high risk group & potential side effects not worth it since I should be able to recover on my own. Also, Paxlovid is experimental and not yet FDA approved. Positive on Tues by Thurs/Fri feeling MUCH better. Did drug help? Maybe, maybe not. This forum is a valuable tool to track results, please note age, sex, weight, height, health issues so we compare apples to apples. Thank you all! ❤️"

• 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!"

• Tom...
• April 16, 2022

For COVID-19 "I felt tired and had a sore throat. Tested myself and was positive. I called my pharmacist (they can exceptionally give this prescription medicine in my part of the world, Quebec). Spent 15 minutes on the phone answering really easy questions, and the meds were delivered to my door an hour later. On my fourth day, I can say that I’m cured. Hard to believe but the absolute truth."

• 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."

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

For COVID-19 "I was diagnosed 3 days after symptoms started, I was ill, and my husband took me to the ER. Sore throat, fever, chills. I asked about the infusion, and the doctor said they had pills. I said that’s great and took them (Paxlovid) for 3 doses. I have NEVER been so sick in my life, gastric nausea….. I quit after the 3rd dose. That was 1 week ago. My whole trunk area severely aches! This should not be on the market, in my opinion. I recently talked to 2 other people that had the same reaction I did. I am worried about liver and/or colon damage."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2022

For COVID-19 "4 vaccinations. Slight sore throat. Positive test. Started Paxlovid the same day. Felt like getting a cold. Tired. Went to bed early. Woke up in the middle of the night. All better. No fever. 4 days later, tested negative. Only downside is an awful taste."

• gie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2022

For COVID-19 "I tried this because I have Sjögren's, which puts me at risk for severe COVID. I wish I could tolerate it. It gave me the worst sore throat ever, it looked like my throat was bleeding. In addition, I had projectile diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Diarrhea was so bad that I could not make it to the restroom before I filled my pants. I also got it on the bedsheets, apparently having diarrhea in my sleep. Now concerned about what I can take now?"

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2023

For COVID-19 "I started the first dose on a night when I was feeling particularly bad. I was on my third night with a sore throat and a temperature of 102.3—I was having auditory hallucinations. The bad taste was almost immediate, but I tolerated it. I thought the first dose was okay and had no qualms about the second one. That’s when I started noticing discomfort. Firstly, my sore throat. I couldn’t talk or swallow—the drug made it intolerable. I was also dizzy, and I had a major headache. I detected a strange sensation on my lips and in my throat, but I went ahead with the third dose. Mistake! I had some dexamethasone, so I got it ready for an allergy. Didn’t need it. The worst part was that it sent me into a hypertensive crisis—I normally don’t have hypertension. My BP was 170/110, I was retching, and my head felt like exploding. Thankfully, I happened to have a prescription for a beta blocker on hand. Then I had explosive diarrhea. Never again."

• lla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2023

For COVID-19 "I took Paxlovid, and it made my mouth taste horrible. It fried my throat so badly that I thought I needed to go to the hospital. Gargling with warm salt water made the burning sensation a little more tolerable. However, the burning diarrhea was incredibly terrible, and it caused me to start bleeding. That's when I decided enough was enough and called my doctor. I was prescribed Epak to help alleviate the symptoms."

• 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."

• Reg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2022

For COVID-19 "I had manageable common symptoms: sore throat, fever, chills, headache, nausea, but all mild-ish. But I’m over 50, and my doctors thought I should take it to clear the virus and prevent it from getting worse. I'm double vaxed and double boosted. I also had the metallic taste, it actually felt like I was breathing vapors. It knocked me out, and I woke up feeling like I was in the Matrix pods, sweating on fire and in a panic. It felt so much worse than my symptoms. I tried one more dose, and same thing. I’ve stopped and am hoping I can get back on track. I should have trusted my gut that my vaccinations were enough. I do think it’s worth trying if you are unvaccinated or feeling really horrible."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2022

For COVID-19 "I started taking Paxlovid when I tested positive for COVID. I'm a diabetic and have stage 3 kidney disease, so my doctor said it was worth a try with my underlying health problems to hopefully stay out of the hospital. I finished my last course today. I had that awful taste in my mouth that everybody else has. But I also had aches and a headache, and I developed an ear infection and some blisters in my mouth towards the end. I don't know how much of this had to do with Paxlovid or the COVID itself. I tested myself, and I am still positive, although I don't have a fever. I still have lingering aches and pains and a slight sore throat. I don't know if it would have been worse if I hadn't taken Paxlovid. Now the only thing I worry about is the rebound that I keep reading about after taking this antiviral. Has anyone had a rebound? And how bad was it?"

• Cyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2022

For COVID-19 "I had the infamous sore throat on April 21 and tested for Covid immediately. It was negative. On April 24, I woke up sick and tested positive for Covid, three days after the first symptom and a negative test. I was sick for several days, followed by a week of feeling pretty good. However, on May 4, I woke up sick again and tested positive for Covid again, and have stayed sick since, six days. After the first day of being sick again, I asked my doctor to prescribe something for it, as it was my second go-round and I was a little frightened. He prescribed Paxlovid. I really don't like the taste in my mouth but was sort of used to it, as it tastes somewhat like a dental rinse I had to use when I got implants. Yuck, but endurable. I have continued to have sinus pain and headaches through the entire treatment, it doesn't seem to have impacted that. And I have had some mild nausea. I threw up once. I've kept taking it because they say to, but I've been tempted to just stop. I appreciate everyone sharing."

• JJP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2025

For COVID-19 "My husband and I tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Oct. 2024. I just found this site, thus delayed report. We are retired: 73 & 75 yrs. The doctor put us both on Paxlovid within 5 days. My husband was highly congested and out of breath going up stairs. I was fine except for a very mild headache and 'scratchy' throat. My husband completed his course, complaining of metallic taste but fine otherwise and was better by the end of 5 days. No 'rebound.' On the other hand, I took the first dose and immediately felt very unwell. Up all night, sick with a heart-pounding migraine. The second dose came up as soon as I swallowed it. I didn't even get all the pills down, only ritonavir. I called my healthcare provider, and she advised me to stop taking it. So, I did. And felt fine within 24 hours. So, no further antivirals for me. Any symptoms for COVID were gone, and I have been fine ever since. It took us both about 8-10 days to test negative for COVID."

• 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."

• 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."

• Lau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2022

For COVID-19 "I self-diagnosed with COVID yesterday morning, November 15, 2022. I am in my 70s, so I called Dispatch Health, and I got prescribed Paxlovid by their PA. I had to jump through a couple of minor hoops at the CVS pharmacy to get the prescription. They told me that it was difficult to get the product and that in order to pick up the prescription, my husband had to give them my birthdate and a copy of my health insurance card (which they strangely already had). Never mind the minor hindrances, I took the evening dose last night. Symptoms got worse overnight with major sinus drainage and a runny nose with a clogged head. However, by morning, my clogged sinuses were clearing up and my sore throat was almost gone. I then took the morning dose, and here I am in the early afternoon commenting that my body feels as it does at the end of a cold, with only mild head and sinus clogging and a throat that is so much better that I can barely feel the aftereffects of the sore throat that I had yesterday."

• Gum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2022

For COVID-19 "Bless my doctor for giving this to me! Had a persistent cough, woke up at 2 a.m. with such a sore throat, etc. (Had 2 regular and 1 booster of Moderna). Maybe could have toughed it out, but since I am 77 years old and have lupus, decided to call her. The next a.m., no sore throat - 1st real blessing. However, beginning with the second dose of meds, the horrible taste in my mouth. I mean horrible. The bad taste woke me up in the night several times. Not the flu symptoms! Tried hard candy, no use for one whole day. Got on this site and tried extra water (I had been drinking OJ and diet ginger ale) and chewing gum. All day yesterday chewed gum and minimal bad taste. Last night, no waking up to the bad taste. This a.m., a little bit of bad taste, but will drink my water and chew more gum (a friend went to the store and bought me about 50 pieces of Extra Sweet Watermelon), so I am good to go for the rest of 2.5 days!! I had avoided Covid for 26 months - hopefully the worst is over!"

• 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."

• Sea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2022

For COVID-19 "Currently on first four days dose and am starting to get symptoms back. More congestion, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches. Curious about viral load, so took COVID test and the positive line is bright blue. I have zero confidence that after the three doses I have left, I will test negative. Has anyone else experienced this? I am really afraid what symptoms are waiting for after I stop Paxlovid."