Paxlovid was a game changer for me. The first day of covid I was tired; second day I became congested; third day my airways began swelling. I was going down hill fast. I went online got a PBx. Walgreens filled it. Within 2 hrs it began to reverse the swelling. Without it would of ended up in the hospital. I had taken all my boosters. I had no fever and was just a bit fatigued. Only symptoms were my airways.
I am 69 year old male and was fully vaccinated. I had all the symptoms 2 days before testing positive for COVID on the 3rd day. I took Paxlovid on the 4th day, after my 1st symptoms. I notice a big improvement within 24 hours. The biggest difference is it dried me up and the amount of fluids I was coughing up and blowing out my nose. I isolated, drank plenty of water and did a lot of sleeping. I tested negative on my 7th and 8th day after first symptoms, still have mild cold cough and some clear sinus drainage. I still wear a mask another others in my household. I will return to normal activity on my 10th day from 1st symptoms.
On my third day of Paxlovid and I don’t think I’ve EVER experienced such an awful bitter taste in my mouth. Tastes like I poured shampoo on my tongue. Days 1 and 2 I was ready to give up from the nausea created by the awful taste and dry mouth. Seems like the morning when I first wake up is the worst. But I discovered apples with peanut butter, frozen pineapple or chocolate protein shakes with frozen banana and cherries all help immensely with the bad taste and lack of appetite. Took my 3rd morning dose this morning and for the first time I don’t have the intense body aches and headaches I started with.. I’m going to try to hang in there. Fingers crossed!
Also, being a Californian, I have to make a plug for salsa. Medium to hot. It should have enough capsaicin in it to make you sweat a teensy bit after a few chip’s worth.
All the comments are very helpful....Im on my 3 day dose, I do feel better than day 1.Yes, the metallic taste is horrible!!! I just keep my Ice Breakers mints near me. I wish everyone a full recovery:)
In my experiences, I did noticed the weird taste in my mouth (lol) but went away pretty fast. It did help me build up an appetite since I did not want to eat. I did feel a bit of muscle aches but other than that, it has helped me recover. This all happened on the 2nd day of taking it. I wish everyone well during their recovery and God bless.
I'm on Day 3 of Paxlovid. Started feeling symptoms Saturday, high fever and heavy cough on Sunday and also tested positive using home test. Called in Monday to the Dr and was prescribed Paxlovid. Day1 Tuesday- after morning dose had bad taste, body aches but was already having them from being sick, small headache, moderate diarrhea. Fever began reducing. Day2 Wednesday- low-grade fever, body aches on and off, fatigue. Had to lay down most of the day. Day3 Today- no fever, moderate muscle aches, major fatigue, still a bad taste, small headache on and off, coughing minimally, some diarrhea but much less than when started. Body just doesn't feel right, weak and muscle fatigue. Lost 10lbs since onset of symptoms. Don't like the effects of this treatment but going to stay on track. Hoping the benefits outweigh the varied side effects I'm experiencing. The muscle aches I understand with any illness but it changes as it goes. I'll feel it on my arms, then in my back, then moves to my legs, etc. Abdominal pain is there on and off. Very uncomfortable because it's unpredictable what I'll be feeling next. But over the hump, 5 more doses left.
I'm currently on Paxlovid. I tested positive for covid and was able to get this medication on day 1. I had a 101.7 fever, pressure behind my eyes, horrible headache, chills and body aches and felt like a ear infection was beginning. Within 30 hrs. my headache went away, mild cough, ear pressure gone, and temperature is back to normal. I still feel like my bones are stiff and somewhat fatigued. I'm feeling so much better since the onset and pray I dodged this bullet. I have not suffered any side effects that others might be experiencing from the medication. No loss of taste or smell, no upset stomach & no bitter taste in my mouth. I do take cholesterol medication but was advised to discontinue while on the Paxlovid. So far it seems to be working well. I'm currently on day 3 of the 5 day dose of Paxlovid. 2 more days to go!
Update, I forgot to add that after I finished my medication (Paxlovid) I felt great! I did NOT suffer any rebound effect as some other's mentioned happened to them.
I have the same thing . Tested positive on July 10. I took ibuprofen,tyneol, and vitamin c . It took away my chills but still had a cough , runny nose , and a sore throat. I was recommended paxlotiv I took it July 11 and I got chills a few hours later and a little bit of fever . Is that common for chills after your first dose ? I took medication before I took the covid pill at 1 ish but I waited until 6 ish to take the pill
@@ivanpina4978 I had fever and chills on and off for 2 days. But, I had chills and fever prior to taking the paxlovid and then I took a test and tested positive. After I tested positive my Doctor prescribed Paxlovid. I don't believe it is due to the medication.
@@ivanpina4978 I read the chills are from the body raising its core temperature. I personally believe (not medical advice) that when the anti-virals kick in and limit the virus replication, the body is freed up to kill the existing viral load, and perhaps increasing core temp soon after being freed up is part of that.
Well, nothing has changed from these comments a year ago. Symptoms sll right down the line as described.. I'm pretty good at positive self-talk but, boy this one, um um mm, it is something else. I keep telling myself I can do this. It really requires patience. Thanks for the helpful video. I have been going through this 100% alone. That is really scary. It has helped to come here and to see that I am not alone, just isolated.
How are you feeling now? I just started my pack. Risk factors are asthma and pregnancy. I worry the mild side affects I feel today may get worse with each additional dose.
Started with a feeling of unwell, chills, tiredness and then fever on Monday. Took a test and it was positive. Called my doctor but not in on Tuesday. Had horrible headache and sore throat by then, aches and cough. Took another positive test. Called doc again on Wed. Nurse called back and asked how I was. She mentioned the Paxlovid and I said I would take it. I started my first dose this morning. No bad taste cause I already have lost taste and smell. THAT is caused by the virus not medication. My ribs hurt like heck when I cough, but need to because of the congestion. Wish I could have started paxlovid a day or two sooner. Glad I am on it now and thank God and the medical community for all they do. Good luck to you all ❤️
I just began Paxlovid. I am on day 2 and feeling a bit better. I began taking it on day 6 of symptoms and within 24 hours of testing positive. I have asthma and chronic sinusitis. My oxygen dropped down to 94 yesterday, but is back up to 97 today. The taste in the back of my mouth is NASTY, but it’s not horrendous and goes away as the day progresses. Coughing definitely makes it worse, though.
This is day 4 of symptoms. I took first dose of Paxlovid 3 hours ago. I just started noticing a bitter taste in my mouth, and I think my senses of taste and smell are suddenly much less this evening (not sure if from the drugs.) I would describe my symptoms as mild. Day 1, deep fatigue and mild joint aches. Day 2, positive home test, add coughing, sneezing and headache, 100.2°F, couldn't sleep. Day 3, woke up worse, but got better through the day. Pulse oxygenation on Samsung Health Stress meter was 95%. My PC doc connected me with local covid support services who did an intake interview with me. Day 4, I felt pretty good and was able to get some nice rest. Covid support team did a video call with me to check my meds and symptoms again and then called in the prescription to my local pharmacy. Since this was mild, I wasn't sure if I needed the drugs but because I had several risk factors, I decided to go ahead with it . Thank you for the video. I searched to find out the potential side effects and found them here and on WebMD.
So glad you got access to it with your risk factors! I had the same questions about whether I should take it. Amazing how quickly the bitter taste starts. Thank you for sharing your Covid experience so far… feel free to update with your Paxlovid experience. Wishing you a speedy recovery 🙏 -Stephanie
I did the same thing. I was on the mend on day 3 but took the medicine because obese and blood pressure. So far I notice the bitter taste. I don’t anticipate rebound since mild cough by the time I took it.
I tested positive last Wednesday and started paxlovid Thursday. I practically had zero Covid symptoms but had the awful taste and nausea. Tuesday I had 2 negative tests. Thursday I had a negative test. Today (Saturday), I woke up with a sore throat. Three positive tests later, I’ve rebounded. I’m tired and a little achy but otherwise doing all right.
Two hours ago I took my third dose of Paxlovid, but the bitter taste in my mouth increased and I was afraid that I was losing my sense of taste, so I immediately started to investigate and saw that one of the main side effects of this medicine , it is loss of taste!! a life without being able to taste my food would not be life!! So I ran to the bathroom to vomit up the dose of Paxlovid that I had just ingested, and now I am here reading to you and thankful that I found support in your experiences. Thank you!! I wish you all recovery.💕😘
Thank you so much for putting out this information. My father and ai just contracted COVID 19 and he just completed cancer treatment. My symptoms seem to be worst than his but I am glad to see someone who has been through it and come out the other side.
My doctor prescribed this for me tonight. I am COVID positive currently on day 4. Don't know if I should take this. Worried I might get an allergic reaction. I've read the pros and cons of taking paxlovid. I am a 32 year old female with no other health conditions
I’m on my second day of Paxlovid and I’m feeling nominally better - but my doc reminded me that symptom relief isn’t really the short term goal - it’s keeping the virus away from places like the lungs, the attack of which could land you in the hospital. That being said, the taste is awful, but I think I’ve figured out the how’s and why’s of that side effect and have a rudimentary way to ameliorate it. I’m pretty sure the problem is reflux to the back to the tongue within an hour after taking it - remember it’s three uncoated and somewhat large pills. I’ve tried a few things, and here’s what’s worked best: pour a bowl of cereal with milk or milk substitute (I find whole milk actually works best). Take two bites, chew and swallow. Drink two mouthfuls of water or other non acidic beverage - do not use coffee for this step. Take your Paxlovid dose. Drink two more mouthfuls of beverage after swallowing the pills. Then finish your bowl of cereal as normal. After, I find a rinse and gargle with oral rinse containing alcohol also helps.
I'm glad I saw your video and read some of your comments. I had bariatric sleeve surgery a month ago. My doctor suggested i should visit the ER to get this drug through an IV as these tablets would be difficult to swallow with my surgery. At the ER, they said there was no such medication that could be given through my IV, i would need to crush these pills daily and eat with apple sauce. After hearing of the metallic side effects and stomach pain some have experienced, i have decided not to take this drug. I'm feeling much better with my shortness of breath because I'm also on Prednisone. This has helped me greatly. I'm starting to feel less fatigue. I am considered high risk, but since I'm starting to feel better, I think I'll pass. I don't think I could tolerate crushing these pills and having more intensified metallic taste and pain after a delicate stomach surgery. Thanks for your content material. It was a very useful intimation.
High risk, vaxxed up well, day four of symptoms, looking at this box of paxlovid, watching my husband deal with side effects of the other oral antiviral… started with mild but obvious symptoms after husband tested positive. I tested positive a couple days later. My symptoms were distressing the first night but are mild now. Fever steady at 99.7. Appetite improving, GI symptoms resolving. Cough improved knock on wood. I just don’t know what to do.
My wife had covid and being in the vulnerable group, Paxlovid was authorised. She took this for the full 5 day course. She complained of the bad taste in her mouth but knew that this was because of the drug. 2 days after completion of the course she tested negative for two days in succession. She still felt bad and had the cough. We happened to notice a RU-vid video about ‘rebound’ with Paxlovid and so took another test and found she was positive again! We rang the medical people to report. They said that this ‘rebound’ occurred in 6% of Paxlovid cases but that it would be mild and last about 3 days. In fact it was very bad, much worse than the period leading up to the taking of Paxlovid, and at one point we both felt she was not going to survive. I would leave it at that but for the fact that I read somewhere that the Chief Medical Officer of the USA took Paxlovid and he too suffered from this mysterious ‘rebound’ and that he found the symptoms during this secondary wave of covid much much worse just like we did.
Douglas, so sorry she experienced the rebound. Hopefully they figure out more about the regimen and about this rebound so others can avoid this. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I received Covid in July 2022. I was told I would be taking the same as the IV infusion. It would just be oral for 5 days instead of 5 days. Anyway, moving forward. Sept 22 My hair is falling out, especially in the front of my head. I am , itching real bad in the scalp. This is the only medicine that i have taken since, my hair, begin to fall out I had a head full of hair in June 22. It has only been a month and about 80 percent of my hair is gone. I would not take it. If I had the choice. To do it again!
Paxlovid reduced the fatigue.and headache. Continue to test positive 3 days after final dose. Runny nose returned with fatigue. Hope to test negative in near future
I took 2 home test with negative results but start feeling bad symptoms overnight so I took another test at pharmacy with positive results. 1 day after start taking Paxlovid, the coughing, sore throat and runny nose were gone and slept really well. Day 2 no more headache or any fever, only side effects are the diarrhea because to me metal taste is not a big one. Overall I’m feeling good but I understand this medicine is not for everyone. I have 2 1/2 more days to go and have no regrets for had taken this medicine!!
I have covid rebound. Started Paxlovid after one day of cold like symptoms, fever, chills, pain and tested positive. Had the terrible bitter taste and it hurt my stomach. Finished the 5 days course and felt fine. Then, 6 days after finishing the course, I started with sore throat, runny nose, etc. I retested and I now am positive.
Vac’d and double boosted. Had symptoms and + home test on 7/28. Urgent care confirmed + and gave me Paxlovid morning of 7/29. Just finished 1st day and feel great. Walked dog 4 1/2 miles and did some push ups. Chest is a little heavy and not the most pleasant taste in mouth, but no other issues.
After, reading how all felt....im not going to take the medicaton the doctor prescribed!!! Im going to leave it to the grace of god!! Blessing to all for a speedy recovery!!!
Same. Got the prescription, but after doing research I decided not to take it. Just didn’t sit well in my spirit. I decided to trust the Lord and let my innate immune system continue to work. I made it thank you Jesus. Hope you’re better too.
I took Paxlovid starting on August 1st and by August 4th I felt like I was much better. Fever was gone and only had slight congestion. I did have the bitter taste side effect, but otherwise I had no other issues. I did have to stop my Crestor prescription for several days but was otherwise able to continue my regular medications.
I am vaccinated and boosted. Tested positive for covid last Sunday Morning- had fever, chills sore throat, aches and pains, etc etc. Started Paxlovid Sunday afternoon. By Monday night my symptoms were vastly improved. Felt like I was getting better by the hour By pill 9 on Thursday I had already tested negative for covid. My side effects were awful taste in my mouth, Small price to pay. If you want to lessen severity and duration of covid- paxlovid is great treatment plan
Thank you for this and all the comments also helped to inform and reassure. Just took my last dosage to complete👍 I almost quit taking it the second day because it made my nausea worsen and had no appetite but my brother has been through worse and so I kept on. The covid headache was the worst part for me this second time. Taking this did reduce symptoms for me after 2 full days of dosages but I didn’t even think to try and use something to combat the awful taste. I will definitely pass this on to others if needed. I am grateful my physician ordered it for me! We have all been vaccinated but I have a son who is autoimmune compromised so couldn’t risk him getting covid and so far, he has not.
I can handle the taste but the nausea and diarrhea is a no go for me. I prefer to keep my food in. I feel worse after I take the meds. I update when I’m over Covid. Good luck everyone
I just started paxlovid today. I agree metal taste similar to flagyl. I was diagnosed Saturday evening got med Sunday am and it is free with insurance at Walmart. I also developed diarrhea around 7 pm but not sure if that’s from one of my many daily changing COVid symptoms. Mine started off with scratchy sore throat by the evening fever chills horrible headache body aches went to urgent care for PCR because my rapids were both neg. It’s been horrible journey. I am Vaccinated and boostered. Dodged covid for 2 years working at ARNP losing some friends to Covid in the beginning of pandemic.
Jean,I agree it's hard to decipher what's a covid side effect and what's from the medication. I hope you are through everything and feeling much better. -Stephanie
I’m vaxxed and boosted also. As a retired firefighter / medic, I lost a few friends in the last two years to Covid. However, I’m thankful that I got Covid now, in 2022, instead of in the first months of the pandemic. I’ve had GI issues too, Jean. My doc says it’s a rare symptom of Covid - so I guess we’re special. Not a happy, “Yay, you won a trip to Disneyland!” kinda special, of course. More like “Hope you bought lots of Charmin during that crazy toilet paper rush! Have some bad acid and a headache to go with that scratchy throat!” kind of special.
I am a lung cancer survivor of 5 years. I had a terrible sore throat and tested positive for COVID.I started taking Paxlovid and on the second day of treatment the pain disappeared. I finished The 5 day course and yes that terrible taste was treated with mouth wash. On the 6th day and 21st I was tested negative. I have had no other side affects.
I received the current vaccination last June. Then, on Thursday night, August 1st, I started to feel a light sore throat and as if my body were rundown, fighting something. I stayed home from work on Friday. I wasn't feeling better that Saturday morning, so I went to urgent care and, yes, I tested positive. i went on Paxlovid that day. I started to feel better, just a slight cough and congestion. Then I tasted negative that next Friday August 11, almost a week later. Then, this past Sunday, August 11, I started to feel run down and the congestion got worse. The next morning, Monday, I tested positive again. I'm now slightly better, sometimes I get achy, but the congestion is the issue as well as pressure that's giving me a headache. I feel slightly feverish but not full blown fever. i just want this to end already!
I am a current COVID patient on Paxlovid, and also a prescribing MD. I started a patient of mine on Paxlovid yesterday. This is a wonderful medication, notwithstanding all the drug-drug interactions and side effects - several of which I experienced. (Not sure if grapefruit will ever hold the same appeal for me in the future.) Commentary as an attending physician: I wonder if the current dosing regimen of 3 tabs twice a day x 5 days is optimal for Omicron, especially the newer variants? I would like to see research done into alternative dosing regimens - for instance twice a day for the first two days, then daily x six days. Alternatively - Paxlovid bid x 3 days, then off medication 4-5 days, then on it another two to four days. The intent of either regimen would be reducing Paxlovid rebound. Great video, BTW.
Hi David, thank you so much for sharing your experience, and for your work as a physician. Those are great questions - hopefully we (the general population) will learn soon more about Paxlovid/rebound. Wishing you a quick recovery! -Stephanie
@@ThePatientStory I made a calculated choice not to take Paxlovid as labeled. Instead I took the first four doses on twice-a-day dosing, then I took three tablets on daily dosing, and I held the last three doses in reserve. I took one of those reserve doses yesterday when symptoms began to return and Paxlovid knocked the virus back down. I have two remaining doses which I will use accordingly, or perhaps not take them at all. My understanding is Paxlovid does not cure COVID-19. It suppresses the virus until a person’s immune system mounts its response. This is a different paradigm versus antibiotics. Strict quarantine is what prevents off-label usage from becoming a population risk. I am at peace with my decision in balancing Rx risks versus disease risks, however I am not advocating for others to do as I did. There is simply no published data to support it, and no way to know what if any impact alternative dosing has on long COVID - nor standard dosing either.
So “wonderful” medication but not for everyone. In some people, myself included, it causes a terrible diarrhoea, stomach pain, etc so that it does more harm rather than good.
I'm so very glad you are feeling better. This is a great update with lots of very useful information. I appreciate you sharing this with others. You're amazing! Stay safe.
@@dagrynch I'm so sorry! I hope it didn't take too long to recover. My husband has covid now and on his 3rd day with Paxlovid. He's a little concerned about that happening to him too.
My partner gave me one of their doses as I had been exposed to them early on as an extra preventative even though I have been vaccinated 4 times. It seriously tasted like when you throw up and it is only bile coming out, but you can’t brush it away! It lasted about 24 hours and I had to constantly suck on gummy candy to not get nauseous from that taste. But…it did help my partner BIG TIME on symptoms and I never ended up testing positive even though I was around them for at least 24 hours of them being contagious. As much as it sucked, worth it for not being as sick or even sick at all.
Do NOT take this medication without consulting with a doctor! It is contraindicated with many other medications. I'm glad this person and her partner are ok.
One way to get rid of the metallic taste is to brush your tongue with toothpaste. After a complete cleaning your tongue should not appare white anymore.
I was positive for covid, they gave me paxlovid due to my age. I started it and besides the metallic taste and dry mouth no matter how much water I drank and the sleeplessness I kept trying to take it. By day 3 of taking it I ended throwing it up and had the worse headache ever. There's alot of medications that interact with it, but I called my Dr and he let me take imitrex for headache and I was finally able to sleep for 12 hours. I had to stop taking it, I felt it made my symptoms worse. Letting it take its course and taking care of myself. Peggy
How are you feeling? I'm on day 3 and have been conflicted this entire time. I want to stop so bad, but unsure if that'll help or hurt me. I'm that rarity patient and not crazy about taking anything new.
It is interesting that you are able to get this treatment, even though I tested positive for COVID I needed to call an assessment Center to get treatment. My doctor didn’t want to prescribe it to me . I qualify since it has been almost a year after my last vaccine and I have asthma. I now have to wait until tomorrow to get assessed by their doctor at the clinic.
Finished a 5 day course of paxlovid Sunday night. Wednesday starting having symptoms return. Thursday sick...tested positive again thursday after testing negative tuesday. Rebound covid. I can't take paxlovid again. Sicker now than when I first was sick with it.
I’m taking Paxlovid and feeling better,.I’m also vaccinated and boosted..side effects the mouth taste, had diarrhea as well and fatigue now is very low..it’s a process for the better.
I got covid on just over 3 months ago, I got the covid vaccine plus the booster, I didn't take Plexlovid I was out of the 5 day time limit tho tested negative on day 7, I finally got over long covid, my GF who took the other antiviral med recovered sooner.
I am currently on Paxlovid. I am on day 3. It has been the worst experiance. If it were not for my family pushing me to keep taking it, I would have thrown it away after the first day. I feel like I am taking poison. The intense body pain and weakness is bad enough. But the nausea and diarrhea will is the worst. And that metallic taste it gives me just amps up the nausea. I cannot believe anything about this drug is good for my body or that it is going to be helpful. Especially since the Covid symptoms may very well continue after the Paxlovid or return a few days after finishing the 5 day dose. I am about to just stop taking it and not telling anyone.
Hi. How are you doing? I took it too, but I stopped it at day 3 it cook my thong and mouth very very dry mouth and left me with a very bad acid reflux 😭
@@retarskhjjk I took it all but the last dose. If I had to do it over, I would have stopped after the second day. Today was my first day that I did not take it. I feel better for sure. I was even able to cook me a meal and eat it. I am so hungry. With that said. A day ago, I developed a burning in my stomach that is uncomfortable. But I have not been nauseous today. This morning when I woke up I had more diarrhea and it was a pastey yellow color. That is when I said NO More. Not taking even the last dose that I was suppose to take this morning. This is the first day that ai have not been nauseous. My remaining Covid symptom is my cough and overall tiredness.. Had a coughing fit this afternoon. But, the coughing does help clear my lungs. I am not well, but feel better now that I am not taking the Paxlovid.
Took three doses, just can't do it anymore and I agree... I feel like I'm taking poison. Just can't do it... Cinnamon candy works great for the awful taste in the mouth.
@@kickstand7224 me too! I made it through a couple of days and the side effects are horrendous. My vision was getting blurry and I feel brain fog. My chest feels tight and I almost had a panic attack this morning. I came on here to make sure I wan't crazy for wanting to stop. I am so glad I found this thread. I am stopping and detoxing my body. Are you feeling back to normal now?
@@janisbenstock yes I am feeling much better without it . It took about 24 hours for the side effects of the medication to fade. I also got dizzy and almost fell down my basement stairs.
Hi, so glad you are feeling better. So glad you posted the videos very helpful. I started Paxlvoid yesterday which was on Day 5 of on-site of Covid. Immediately got the metallic taste and was sleepy. About 3 hours after 1 dose I got a headache. Which is not mentioned as a side effect so not sure if it’s from the pills. After second dose the headache continue and I started getting muscle aches in my right shoulder and arm. Today, Day 2, headache is very mild body ache is mild as well. We’ll see what day 2 brings. Thank you
Hello. I'm curious as well to know how you're doing know. Also, I didn't have a headache initially, felt somewhat tired or lazy, but after taking my 4th dose (2 days worth), I got a weird feeling in my head a few hours later. Not a headache, but like a feeling of not able to fully focus, or not feeling sharp. I was doing some housework and was really hot and sweaty, maybe that's why (did the same yesterday but didn't feel this in my head), so I just stopped what I was doing and I'm taking on lighter chores. Anyways, I got 3 more days, not skipping, well at least I think no reason to. I want that negative corona result and I want to put this behind me. Also, one final note, I'm not vaccinated and I have no medical issues, I take no medications, except the doctor though I can be considered mildly obese.
@@defcon2544 hey there, I can’t speak for the others who have posted, but I’m fully Vaccinated, and boosted. I do have underlying health conditions, doc said, the vaccine isn’t really helping much w/ this omicron variant. I have 2 doses left, 1 for tonight, 1 tomorrow morning, I’m still testing positive, and not feeling even 90%. I too hope it will go away quickly. Good luck.
@@sweett0208 You're using the do-it-yourself test kit? Shouldn't the line on the test at least get lighter than your initial positive result? That's not the case for you? Also, not sure what variant it is, I just know I took the home test kit and tested positive.
@@defcon2544 yes I’m doing the @ home kits. I thought that the test line lightened up a couple of times, and the test took longer to turn negative. Today they look the same color as other test. My first test was so faint, and it became darker with each test. I was hoping I could track the viral load. My doc did say that this may not work for me. I am keeping hope, 2x it took a second longer to turn positive.
I received a similar box of Paxlovid as was mentioned in this article and there were three pills in each blister pack but they don’t differentiate between the morning and evening pills. I’ve been taking this for 2 days and am just beginning to see a decrease in my symptoms. I had it for 4 days before I received the meds. The main symptoms were: fever of 100.5F that was gone after the first day prior to receiving the medication. My temp returned to normal. The worst symptom was a god-awful sore throat which just beginning to subside after taking 4 doses of the drug. I am a 71 year old normally healthy male.
I started taking paxlovid last night But my symptoms have nothing change at all. Still a lot throat pain And fever. Then I took some ibuprofen for it. I feel much better now.
So I just finished the course of paxlovid last night. I tested positive last Monday. Didn't have sever symptoms. Some congestion. Mostly nasal and body aches. I believe I experienced a low grade fever of 99.5 for about an hour. The second day was probably the worst. I feel like me again. Except for the lingering metallic taste and diahrea. Was curious to know how long the side effects would last.
Jennie, so glad you feel better! I agree Day 2 was the worst. I tested negative after 5 days of Paxlovid, but I did still have some coughs and congestion for a couple of days. -Stephanie
My experience with Paxlovid. Day 1 not feeling well; tested positive, Day 2 high fever and aches. Day 3 started Paxlovid, by this time my fever had already broke and I never had any coughing or breathing issues. Day 4, I was feeling better but after taking the medication that metallic taste returned and made it difficult to eat or sleep. I researched the drug and discovered that this was a side effect. This was strange because I had previously had Covid and this was the same taste I had experienced at that time without the Paxlovid. I am 66 yrs old and would advise if your immune system is not compromised Paxlovid may not be your best option. The metallic taste for me made life miserable. My older brother raved about Paxlovid and its benefits. We are all different and need to access a medicines benefits and side effects.
Wow I can’t believe I found you! I just picked up my paxlovid which I just got my results back ! I had the PCR test yesterday. I’m in probably the 4th day of symptoms. They’re not severe, but I am very tired and I’ve had a headache ,neck and back ache. Day before not knowing, because I did a rapid test and it was negative. But I wanted to do the PCR because I work at walmart and 2 people in my department were sick and 24 in the store were sick and 16 had Covid. Which I think 24 had Covid but didn’t get tested properly! Anyway with that being said I wanted to make sure so I had the PCR which they also checked to see if I had the flu. So now they recommended this drug. I just took the first 3 pills! It sounds like they’ve done clinical trials and they have used this for other viruses. This Covid is a virus that is unpredictable. They know about hepatitis etc. it’s only for 5 days so I will see. Hopefully, I will be feeling better by then. I’m older and I have asthma. I went in the ocean the day before yesterday and it felt so good and sat in the sun for at least an hour and I’ve been doing turmeric, ginger, garlic, lemon water. Eating more veggies but not eating much. Low appetite! The symptoms are weird up and down. Every joint was hurting and my back was really hurting and my stomach last night. Sore throat slight cough mild fever comes and goes. Yesterday I didn’t do much. Today I went in the ocean again and it was incredible beautiful and I was in the sun for an hour! Only ate watermelon and made some onion and garlic soup with chicken broth had a cup. Delicious so I have taste, but not really hungry. I will let you know how I feel after a day or 2 on the paxlovid. Off work Doctors orders 5 days or until I feel better. I just need to be low keyed quiet calm. I will not go back to work till I get tested again because I would not want to give this to anyone.
Ok so I took the anti viral last night and felt completely sick to my stomach about a half hour later. And than I started coughing up phlegm nothing terrible but it felt good to cough out. It took my stomach and Nauseous hours to subside. Could not get comfortable! Got up this morning and took 3 more of the paxlovid antiviral and now I’ve been sick again for 2 hours. I’m not taking it! I feel absolutely terrible. I did not feel as bad before but I did have a severe back ache. I just had a spoonful of soup having really bad burning in my throat and stomach. No energy still feeling slightly nauseous. Now I’m afraid to take them.
Michelle, I really appreciate you sharing so many details of your own experience. I'm sorry to hear that the treatment didn't help you and am so glad that you listened to your body on the reaction. Sending you healing wishes to get you through this. -Stephanie
I’ve spent the pandemic working my butt off to get back in shape. I went from 380 lbs down to 208 lbs in a little under two years - no surgery, just hard work, discipline and eating a healthy diet. I’m so thankful it took this long for me to get infected. It gave my body time to get ready for the assault, as it were. I’m on day two of Paxlovid and the taste, nausea and headaches aren’t fun but I shudder to think of the alternative. I’m glad you’re doing better.
Yes I only took 2 doses and I felt poisoned and so I just stopped it and did what I do. Organic Garlic ,onion , bone broth . Water lemon very little food. Tea ginger. It took a few days but the tiredness took about 2 weeks . Also going to the ocean swimming and getting Vitamin D. 🙏 thank you.
I was given Paxlovid 2 weeks ago after testing positive for Covid. I ran a low-grade fever twice and my other symptoms were coughing and bad throat irritation. The throat irritation was the worst. I had a slight headache off and on but not terrible. the body aches were beginning to get stronger. I started taking Paxlovid on the second day and by the end of that day I felt a little better. Each day I felt better and better. I did not have any major side effects. The only thing I experienced was the really bad taste after you take the pills. It seemed like it just kept coming and coming.
I’ve never had heart concern. I’m 66 had an annual check in September 2021 in May 2022 have afib. High blood pressure high heartbeat. Never had anything like this before. I had my vacation in Oct 2021. Against my better judgment. Still got Covid. Took paxlovid sickness held on for over two weeks. Still have the metallic taste
Started taking it 7-20. Hurt stomach, but ate several meals as directed. Horrible taste in mouth.Everything is so dried out. My skin, hair, eyes, sinus. It made me feel so horrible, I didn’t take the 4th days medication. Now I’m left with a terrible headache for two days, no appetite and still a horrible feeling of dryness. Not sleeping well, as my mouth and throat are so dry, I have to take sips of water during the night. When will this stop?? Can’t get hold of any dr. To ask questions. I’m miserable and wish I’d never taken it.
I had covid but did not take paxlovid. The dry mouth was awful. I called it cotton-mouth and it went on for days. I've never experienced this with other viruses.
I'm vaccinated and also both boosters. I did an at home test Tuesday was negative, took another at home test today and I am positive for covid. Told my primary care doctor.. I'm on the first round of the paxlovid to help and I have a nasty after taste in the mouth. Feels like tongue ate something spicy and plus it makes me even colder. When does that nasty after taste go away because I've got 4 more days of it. I'm glad I saw the video.
I took Paxlovid last week after having Covid symptoms . Home tested twice. In 2 days all symptoms were gone. It was amazing. Metallic taste was horrible.
I am 71. I had first symptoms on Feb. 15. On 2/16 I bought a box of two Abbott antigen tests. Result was clearly positive. My physician had previously advised me in favor of Paxlovid in case I got COVID so I went to urgent care where my temp was 100.7 F. Symptoms were fatigue and mild otherwise. I got a prescription, and started Paxlovid that evening. Bitter taste in mouth was awful. I helped that with tea + honey. By weekend I felt 99% good. After finishing Paxlovid 5 days ago I think I have minor COVID rebound. Occasional deep cough from lungs and minor fatigue but feels no different from other unknown "bugs" in years past.
Unfortunately I just got Covid and got this medicine due to my asthma. However I am done taking it after night 1. I would much rather deal my previous symptoms than these side effects. After reading the comments i see not everyone gets these negative side effects. Thats good. However im young with a decent immune system- sure i will get beat up by covid but i shouldnt Die or go to hospital. Side effects I am experiencing (none of which occured before taking just my first dosage): - extreme bitter taste in mouth. I am Talking extreme. I can barely breathe without being disgusted from The taste. When i talk, i feel sick its so bad. - nausea. I think it may be related to The bitter taste. My stomach is super nauseous feeling and its horrible. - acid reflux: not sure if related to the medicine. But my stomach is burrrrning. - loss of taste and smell. Before this i had nearly full taste and smell. Now i have almost none. - difficulty sleeping (due to the taste) - super dry or either super watery mouth The side effects are not worth it for me. I’d rather just deal with what I was already dealing with.
Completely agree with everything your saying. I stopped taking it after 3 doses. My stomach, chest & bottom was so upset from the burning. My doc felt it was Covid related & I said, no way it’s from this poison medicine.
Glad to hear you are much better! Thanks for this detailed Paxlovid information I got covid from my grandson last Saturday presumably?? I started coughing and had headache by Sunday Did a self test on Monday morning and bam!! positive right way Called by GP immediately Because I'm 70 and have congestive heart desease, diabetes and a little high on my BMI my doctor called in my Paxlovid at the pharmacy Started talking the pills Monday evening and finished Saturday morning Yes my blood pressure when up especially when l checked first thing in the morning, l mean really high! but by mid morning in dropped to a more acceptable level so l stayed on the Paxlovid Wednesday was my worst day All thinks considered it wasn't all that bad, but l could tell my body was in a real fight! So other than being tired for a few days and l had the taste like l was eating tin cans : ) l also had that off on on cough and almost lost my voice. My wife was crossing her fingers l should also mention l had the Pfizer vaccine and one booster shot
I had to stop taking paxlovid on day 3 of treatment (today) all of the side effects - diharrea- horrible bitter taste with extreme dryness in my mouth -couldn’t make saliva- horrible headaches- just awful overall feeling- I had ovarian cancer 7 years ago and have compromised kidney function, so it was essential for me to take this after I stopped my Rubraca- a Parp inhibitor that has kept me in remission since 2017-I called my doctor today who suggested I stop the paxlovid. I’m not having breathing issues. I’ll see how I’m doing tomorrow.
i get corona virus two weeks ago approved by test immediately i started antivirus bills after i finished treatment i get change in color of my stool to black one i just want to know is it side effect of medication????
I want to say thank you for the video I was tested positive to covid yesterday and the ER give me paxlovid I take a lot of medication so I was scare to take it because I'm a paranoic person when it have to be with medication today I open this video cause I was looking for information about paxlovid and I found you and that help me to start today taking the paxlovid thanks for the video.
Has anyone experienced sleeplessness while on Paxlovid? If so, did you discontinue taking it? I've not been sleeping more than about 45 minutes to 1 hour before I'm awake and unable to get back to sleep. I've got 3 doses left and am considering stopping the med.
I slept maybe 8-10 hours the entire time on it. And I’m prescribed sleeping medicine, I have cystic fibrosis so I have trouble sleeping in general. When I did manage to sleep I’d wake up feeling like hours went by but it was like 45-50 minutes.
Tested positive on Tuesday after symptoms appeared on Monday. Wasn't going to take anything but I started awful sore throat on Wednesday. I'm on day 3 of Paxlovid, day six since symptoms first appeared and I still have horrible one sided sore throat. Is is possible I got strep on top of this?
Good morning everyone. I am taking my last dose of Paxlovid in a few hours! How did everyone feel after the last package? Most days maybe 30-60 before the next dose I would start sweating and feeling feverish,but after the pills all issues vanished. Just wondering how my body is going to react without anymore pills? Did you all find it better to eat before or after the medicine? The taste takes forever to erase. Happy Healing everyone ❤️🙏🏼
I'm halfway done with my dosage (5 more to go). How are you feeling now? Did you get tested for corona now that you're done? And I also have the same question/concern as you, how will my body reach with no more medication. I was told it's ineffective after 5 days of taking it. I don't think I have heard of any medicine that stops being effective after such a short period.
@@defcon2544 Glad to read that you are half way finished with the meds. Honestly not feeling 100% just yet. Breathing is a little off and constantly feverish. On Saturday,June 11, I tested negative at my local pharmacy. From my understanding is that you can still have Covid symptoms 2-10 after completing the medication.I would hope the medicine would not dissipate so quickly,since Covid stays in the body 3-6 months. Happy Healing!
@@charleshammer2928 Oh I am so sorry for that. Don't mean to pry,but is that your only side effect? Rona d'Virus and her cousins need to move to another planet.
I'm taking paxlovid at the moment. I started on day 3 of being sick.i took my first does at 10am yesterday. I still have cough with mucus and sneezing. my headache is going away. I do have a bitter taste. And my fever went way ass well. Body aches come and go. And my tongue is peeling.. it doesn't hurt. But I find that kinda weird. Over all I think it's working.
Paxlovid - I had hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis. Projectile vomiting, blacked out, explosive diarrhea high Bp. They need much more testing of paxlovid
Thank you for sharing this video. I'm on day 1 of Paxlovid. I hope it and the black elderberry concentrate kicks this illness in the buns. Bites that I got the jab and still got the bug. Best wishes.
I am currently on paxlovid with my final dose being Saturday morning I feel alot better on this medication. Could you please cover the whole rebound controversy with paxlovid I keep looking for good information but it is hard to find I greatly appreciate it .
Patrick, this is a great question. I will look into this and see if I can find the right folks with answers (and will only post if I feel I've been able to get those answers). I, personally, have not experienced it. So glad to hear you are feeling much better! -Stephanie
Hello Stephanie gladly your feeling well. I’m on Paxlovid it’s my last day. And I’m feeling much better but I have a little cough still that comes once in awhile. Did you have that?
Hi Stephanie, apologies for my delayed reply! I hope you are still feeling much better. I definitely still had a lingering cough for a few days after, including some with phlegm. The cough finally went away about 1 week after the Paxlovid course of treatment. -Stephanie
Thank you for this informative video! my parents and myself had covid in August 2021 and my father had to go to the hospital on a ventilator for a week and a half but thankfully didn’t get intubated. His lungs are not the best and especially after surviving covid. But he’s prescribed a inhaler now and getting some treatment. We were not vaccinated at the time but now we all have our 2 vaccines. Yes we will get boosted. I’m worried if we ever get covid 19 ever again it will be worse hoping we don’t ever get it again. I’m wondering with his condition if Paxlovid will really help him not go back to the hospital or for my mother and myself. It was a scary month for us and been waiting for a medication for covid 🙏🏼
I tested Positive on the 4th didn’t have any flu like symptoms but a resting heart rate of 130, palpitations and chest tightness so I started taking Paxlovid on day 2 and I finished it 2 days ago and I feel fine, again I didn’t really have any symptoms but a migraine/tired but I have those daily anyways so I don’t think it was COVID. I tested negative on day 6 but I’m wondering what is the rebound that everyone seems to be getting? Background info I have an auto immune disorder, blood clotting disorder and asthma just to name a few. Thank you!
Took paxlovid after a day after symptoms appeared, felt about 75% better the next day.. first day without it was absolutely awful. Stuff is really effective.
I was exposed on Monday, sick Wednesday night, tested positive Thursday. I had body aches & an awful headache. My temperature went from 97.7 to 101. I called my Doctor, followed by a tele conference. I just started paxlovid to help prevent my child from catching this crap. I don't feel bad but certainly don't want to wait too late to head a worse scenario off at the path . It sure seems like dam if ya do, dam if ya don't 🤷♀️
I was taking paxlovid I could only do about a day of it the after taste for me was so bitter it made me sick but that doesn’t mean it’ll be the same affect on you
Lucas, thanks so much for sharing! So true that what we each experience may be so different for others, though the bitter taste seems to be the one that most are talking about! -Stephanie
Despite the doctor's comments, without knowing if Paxlovid reduced hospitalizations and deaths for those that had been previously vaccinated, the clinical trial is worthless for such individuals. And since there has not been a clinical trial of vaccinated people receiving Paxlovid for treatment - we have zero evidence that it would be of any help. Also, the trial was limited to those at high risk of complications. While the drug undoubtedly helps for such a select subset, the trial produced zero evidence for treating those that are not at high risk.
Sadly I had a + Covid test. My doctor faxed over Paxlovid rx at noon. The Walgreen’s pharmacist refused to fill the rx because she required a kidney and liver clearance. Never heard this before but I have had many issues with this Pharmacist in the past. I typically don’t go there but being sick they are closest to my house and that had my positive covid test taken that morning. 5 hours later and 10 phone calls it finally got filled after my doctor submitted multiple documents to the pharmacist. More and more I have had Walgreen’s pharmacists interfere with my treatments.
It should have sufficed for this pharmacist to have asked you verbally if you have normal kidney and liver function. If your answer was yes, that’s all they need. No need for Walgreens to require all of that documentation. I’m a pharmacist and have seen the list of requirements and criteria.
@@mistianna17 that is exactly correct. I just got covid and when I went to the pharmacy at Walmart the pharmacist asked did I have kidney issues and I was like no. She said according to Dr something something something but anyway she was like she would call my Dr office cause it could have been error on their part and sure enough it was go Paxlovid and other meds they prescribed for me. Have covid and sinus infection felt horrible.
I have taken my first dose! My mouth taste like I have a bar of soap in it!! I can’t do this!! It’s horrible!! Calling doctor in AM to change meds!! It’s disgusting!!
