Q and A

Question

Do I need to take the full five days of Paxlovid?

I tested positive for Covid last Tuesday. Diagnosed 2018, RITA test showed recent infection and on ARV’s straightway. On Biktarvy, undetectable and no other health issues. However I was advised to start Paxlovid. On day 3, metallic taste in mouth, stomach cramps. Do I really need to take this 5 day course or can I stop now? Tested negative for Covid today.

Answer

Hi, how are you doing?

Yes. It is still advised to continue with the complete course of Paxlovid even if you are testing negative for COVID.

The symptoms you have mentioned are common side effects of Paxlovid. To help with changes in taste drinking water and eating plain foods that you normally enjoy can help improve this.

As there are no long term side effects associated with Paxlovid. Your symptoms will soon disappear after you finish your course.

Even while testing negative, stopping early can risk more severe illness. If you do want to stop sooner please speak with a doctor first.

Josh.

6 comments

  1. Simon Collins

    Hi Beth, thanks – what is your CD4 count and viral load over this time?

  2. Beth

    I suffered with long covid from February 2024 through end of July 2024. I tested positive for COVID last week and was started on paxlovid. Prior to contracting the virus again in July, I was on due nebulizer treatments four times daily with little relief. I am almost finished with the paxlovid and my breathing treatments are cut in half. Will this last after stopping paxlovid? I really hope my long COVID is gone after this but can’t find any research to confirm or deny.

  3. Simon Collins

    Hi Sam;s Dad – thanks for these tips.

  4. Sam's Dad

    I find it helpded to eat anything strongly flavoured with cinnamon (candy, gum, etc) to alleviate the metallic taste that comes with Paxlovid.

  5. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Ksdorothy, what is the name of the different antiviral you have been given?

    The treatment needs to be taken as prescribed. In this case the Paxlovid along with the different antiviral. The combination is why the treatment works. Without one, the other tablet you take will not be as effective.

    It is not guaranteed that you will have this metallic taste side effect. Even though it is common, this only means around 1 out of every 10 people will experience this. If you do have this side effect, eating/drinking and/or having foods that coat the mouth e.g., yogurt and chocolate can help lessen the taste. The side effect will also go away after stopping treatment.

    Paxlovid is a very effective treatment. A bad taste for 5 days means that the severity of covid will be greatly reduced. It is important to take this treatment to ensure you do not experience a difficult infection with covid.

  6. ksdorothy

    My doctor gave me 10 bubble packs with two,150 mg paxlovids & a different antiviral that is also used for HIV. Can I take just one of the 150 mg and skip the HIV antiviral? Or perhaps I could take the two 150 mg Paxlovids & skip the HIV antiviral. I’m being told by a couple people that, this is the one that is making the horrible horrible metallic taste?? Btw, I’m considered slightly high risk with my high blood pressure and age.

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