Paxlovid : After keeping the dreaded Covid at bay for... - NRAS

NRAS

37,274 members46,139 posts

Paxlovid

Hightower62 profile image
36 Replies

After keeping the dreaded Covid at bay for almost three years I finally tested positive last week. I had assumed this would happen at some point but being immunocompromised it goes without saying that it’s a worrying time. Fortunately I was able to access antivirals very easily and started taking them yesterday. I am already experiencing a foul taste in my mouth which I understand is a common side effect but woke during the night experiencing intense night sweats so was wondering if anyone else has had the same problem or whether it may be a symptom of Covid and just a coincidence that it’s happened immediately after starting on Paxlovid.

I would be very interested to hear whether anyone else has had a similar experience.

Regards

Elwyn

Written by
Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
36 Replies
Jackie1947 profile image
Jackie1947

Had it April last year and I remember the taste in the mouth. I kept some mints to suck. I'm trying to recall about night sweats but tbh can't remember. I was put in a virtual ward and had to text twice a day when prompted my oxygen levels. Hope you recover soon

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply toJackie1947

Thank you 😊

Createsomething profile image
Createsomething in reply toJackie1947

Please can I ask, what is a virtual ward?

rabbits65 profile image
rabbits65 in reply toCreatesomething

I think your find it means virtually on your own.

bpeal1 profile image
bpeal1

I’ve taken Paxlovid twice. Both times I got the horrible taste in the mouth. I found the only thing which cut through it was citrus flavours. I drank a lot of lemon and honey and ate lots of toast & marmalade! I don’t remember ever getting night sweats though.

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply tobpeal1

Thank you

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62

Thank you 😊

hopegalore20 profile image
hopegalore20

Hi Hightower62, like yourself I am inmume supprest and ended up taking covid just prior to Christmas 2022. I was very ill with it and offered Anti-Virals. I was also on Plaxlovid. I am to this day so happy to have the chance of this drug as it was a life saver. I did not experience the metallic taste in my mouth or the severe body temperatures at night with this particular med. I hope that you found Plaovid a very useful drug that helped you fight the battle against the severity of covid. Hoping yiu are much better now. Stay Safe x

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply tohopegalore20

Thank you 😊

Sheila_G profile image
Sheila_G

Sorry I can't help but hope you feel better soon.

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply toSheila_G

Thank you 😊

GinnyE profile image
GinnyE

I took this antiviral and had the metallic taste. Can't remember having sweats though. Maybe it's the covid? But the drug works at protection from severe illness thank goodness. Hope you feel better soon.

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply toGinnyE

Thank you 😊

Scottishlad profile image
Scottishlad

I can't remember getting sweats. Biotene Gel gave me some relief from the metallic taste in my mouth. It didn't cure it but for a while it would go away and I felt a bit more normal if only for a time.

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply toScottishlad

Thank you 😊

Gymcactus profile image
Gymcactus

I had Covid in December 22, told I do not qualify for antivirals but fortunately it was like having a bad cold for me. Now in the last week I have had a letter fron NHS saying that I am on the vunerable list and have received a box of tests in the post, what is going on!!!

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply toGymcactus

Thankfully you weren’t seriously ill but this doesn’t surprise me as I have heard many similar stories where the criteria appears to be constantly changing which is confusing and unhelpful.

KathleenMary profile image
KathleenMary in reply toGymcactus

Me too

Anniebl24 profile image
Anniebl24

I had paxlovid. I had a few hours of very severe sweats and it was just before I took the first dose of paxlovid. It could be that was part of the virus running its course for you and the drugs timing was coincidental. I would not have believed it was possible to sweat as much as I did.

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62

Thank you 😊. This sounds the same and I’m thinking it’s the virus. Severe enough to dampen the bedsheet but seems to have cleared up now thankfully.

Leics profile image
Leics

I had awful sweats all day and night for three days but that for me was part of the fever. I had paxlovid on day two of the virus but after 24 hours I developed diarrhoea and it became so bad I could only take paxlovid for three days. The dehydration as a result of the diarrhoea was more of an issue. Thankfully the fever broke and I was much better after that. I was unlucky enough to develop covid symptoms again after 5 days of being negative and have another short dose of covid for 3 further days 🙄 rarely happens and wasn’t necessarily because I stopped the paxlovid early. It can happen with or without so I guess I was just unlucky. Hope you feel better soon.

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply toLeics

Thank you, I guess everyone’s experience is different. Thankfully it worked out ok for you in the end 😊.

BonnieG123 profile image
BonnieG123

Hi, there, Hightower. Many people can experience different side-effects from the same drug. But, check with your health care provider on the night sweats anyway. Get well quickly!

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply toBonnieG123

Hi Bonnie, thank you. That’s really appreciated 😊

BonnieG123 profile image
BonnieG123

😊

Pastels profile image
Pastels

yes absolutely a foul taste! I felt incredibly hot for days but assumed it was covid. No big sweats though.

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply toPastels

Thank you 😊

nanapat61 profile image
nanapat61

I wasn't offered anti-virals at all when I had Covid - twice! Sorry I can't comment on their side effects but just wanted to say that I hope you recover very soon.

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply tonanapat61

Thank you for your comment, did you report your positive tests on gov.uk? If you declare that you believe that you are eligible you should receive an email to inform you that you will be contacted regarding Covid treatments.

I know that the criteria has been changing over time so it may be that they weren’t available when you had Covid but worth bearing in mind in the unfortunate event that you get it again. I sincerely hope you don’t 😊

nanapat61 profile image
nanapat61 in reply toHightower62

Thank you for your response. I first had Covid in November 2020 so the anti-virals possibly weren't available then - I really can't remember. My second dose of Covid was in March 2022 but I had no symptoms and had only tested because my husband had, surprisingly, tested positive when he had a mild 'cold' but thought he had better do a test before a hospital appointment. 6 days later, we both tested negative so I never thought to report my positive test because, thankfully, I wasn't ill in the slightest. I hope I don't get in again, too! If I do, I'll bear in mind that I may need anti-virals.

hatshepsut profile image
hatshepsut

I had paxlovid when I developed covid on holiday in France. I too had the metallic taste, I found honey and lemon lockets helped.I did sweat buckets, and soon added dreadful diarrhoea to the mix. However, I definitely improved on paxlovid, and assumed the other symptoms were covid.

I was so grateful to get the antivirals, and I do believe that I would have been even sicker without them. I really never want to have it again, it took weeks to feel human again!!

Hope you improve soon. x

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply tohatshepsut

Thank you 😊

Chrissycl profile image
Chrissycl

I'm immunosuppressed caught covid twice first time phonecas instructed about antivirals Doctor finally phoned to ask questions said he would get back to me soon, never heard another thing. This time Iwas told I would be phoned within 24 hours . Nope again nothing. Glad you got yours tho.

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply toChrissycl

Thank you 😊

oznaf profile image
oznaf

I am 70 and had my first a serious bout with covid in September 12,2022. The lack of breathing is what scared me the most so my wife of 50 years got me in the ER. Doctor said I checked all the boxes with everything from fever,throat,aches,migraines etc and put me on Paxlovid with an inhaler to use for 10 days. The after taste of that drug was awful but after 2 weeks I felt better but loss ,my taste. I am now in my 6 month and still no taste but less 20 lbs. I knock on wood am healthy with no other drugs(lots of hardware in back and wrist) so the doctor said it will take time and eventually come back. We will see! Weird no to taste even hot spicy food like jalapeños etc. I drink chicory coffee and that has no taste…I had all the shots etc and still got it…..GOOD HEALTH to everyone!

Hightower62 profile image
Hightower62 in reply tooznaf

Thank you.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Covid and taking Paxlovid antiviral

Hello everyoneI tested positive for Covid on Thursday 12th October I was prescribed Paxlovid on...
Mouseling profile image

COVID and Paxlovid

Hello everyone, just looking for a little advice if anyone can help? I tested positive for COVID on...
MaxineC profile image

Paxlovid for “mild” COVID?

hello all. Just wondering what your experiences have been regarding taking Paxlovid. I realize you...
Bon1 profile image

Paxlovid Antiviral Treatment

After managing to avoid COVID until now (and I work in a department store!) I tested positive last...
HethB profile image

Paxlovid/Rituximab

Hello. I'm on rituximab and have been offered Paxlovid antiviral tablets as i have covid. Is...
BernardBear profile image

Moderation team

See all
KateL-NRAS profile image
KateL-NRASAdministrator
Donagh-NRAS profile image
Donagh-NRASAdministrator
Nicola-NRAS profile image
Nicola-NRASAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.