Hello everyoneI tested positive for Covid on Thursday 12th October
I was prescribed Paxlovid on Friday 13th October and had my first dose. The Dr told me that most likely side effects were vomiting, diorhoea and, a metallic taste in the mouth.
After my first dose I started to get extremely nauseous and upset stomach.
I spoke to the Dr today, she prescribed anti sickness meds and told me to take anti acid Lanzoprazole. Then to eat before taking the Paxlovid.
I am feeling very bothered about taking more of the Paxlovid because of my stomach.
In the last couple of years I have had digestive issues and my stomach is obviously very sensitive now.
I have had mild symptoms of Covid, runny nose, sneezing, a slight temperature.
When I spoke to the Dr on Friday she asked if my symptoms were getting worse, I said I thought there was a little improvement. But because of being immunosurpressed she advised taking the Paxlovid to prevent symptoms worsening.
Today my symptoms are much less, no sneezing, occasional slight headache and the upset stomach.
When I spoke to her again earlier she said if I can tolerate it to try again with the Paxlovid.
I took the anti sickness meds about 3hrs ago
I have just eaten and taken an anti acid and I am now deciding whether to try again with Paxlovid, knowing that I have symptoms of nausea and discomfort now and taking it will most likely make it all much worse.
You have 5 days from start of Covid symptoms to use Paxlovid for it to be effective, and again for it to be effective you should complete the 5 day course.
There are so many unknowns around Covid for each individuals prognosis, and when you are immunosurpressed you have so much fear of the effect of Covid. So even though my symptoms may be improving naturally I am feeling unnerved by the possible outcome of not taking more Paxlovid but having to battle these horrible stomach problems.
Has any one else experienced the same as this, or had any other experiences of Paxlovid?
Thank you for your time and support 😊
Written by
Mouseling
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Hi. I’m sero positive on hydroxychloroquin, methotrexate and a biologic. I’ve had Covid twice in 18 months. First time was like a very heavy/bad cold and chesty cough so I took antivirals which really upset my tummy as well as leaving a strange taste in my mouth. So this time (4weeks ago) when I tested positive again I chose not to access antivirals and just let it run its course.
For me this time it was like a light cold …sneezes, runny nose and slight cough but nothing too bad. Strangely although I felt well after 4 days I was still testing positive and then it suddenly got worse again (but still only like a summer cold). According to my GP i think this wave effect has been quite common with the latest strain of Covid. Altogether it took 8 days to shake it off completely I stayed home because I didn’t want to pass it on … but could really have carried on as normal.
In all honesty catching Covid the second time has taught me that my immune system is capable of fighting off a virus without requiring anti viral medicines. I take that as a positive and it makes me feel more confident 👍
Yes it is good to hear that you have been able to do that. There is so much fear around Covid which is of course is justified for the obvious reasons. I only hope that as a nation people will start taking sensible hygiene precautions more seriously once again this winter. Take care of yourself
Hi Mouseling, Ive just had Covid two weeks ago I have seronegative RA. Am on Hydroxy and Benepali injections.
First time I had Covid there were no antivirals, it was my worst bout in March 2020 and I felt dreadful. Second time I had the infusion of antivirals at the hospital. Apparently Paxlovid and Hydroxy are contra indicated. It was all fine.
This time I chose to go without and it was nothing more than a mild cold. Im fully vaxxed and have had the latest booster with my flu jab.
Its really doing the rounds. I know at least four people with it currently.
Good luck with your choice, if you are having rotten side effects from the Paxlovid it would make me question whether to take it.
The latest Covid variant seems to give people a bad tummy as one of the symptoms so its hard for you to decide. I understand your concerns.
I was prescribed paxlovid too when I had Covid in January. I could only stomach them excuse the pun for 3 out of the 5 days as I became severely dehydrated and figured I could manage without as the fever had broken by then. After 7 days of testing negative I tested positive again for a further 4 days so got a rebound infection. I only stopped paxlovid with doctors advice but I would have been hospitalised if I had carried on with them I have no doubt about that. I was told that I was able to take some Imodium but if it was me and I didn’t feel too bad I would stop taking them and wouldn’t have them again unless I was VERY ill.
I took the anti virals. My covid symptoms were very mild but I wanted to make sure I wouldn't dip. I got the funny taste. It's frustrating when the treatment makes you ill aswell as the illness. I'd do what the GP says. What worries you most? Getting really ill with Covid or feeling rotten with the pills? No fun for you.
I tried to get Paxlovid when I had Covid for the second time, started Covid on the Monday and didn't get Paxlovid till the Friday after much telephoning. However, after taking the first dose, I also had diarrhea within 30 mins. and the experience of taking Pax. was worse than the symptoms of Covid so I immediately stopped taking it and decided I wasn't going to take it again. It is a very individual decision I think and there must be some people for whom it is very beneficial and doesn't have the side effects. The second time I had Covid was more like a bad cold and not as bad as the first time. Hope you are recovering OK from Covid.
Thank you for your reply. Yes it seems to be very variable how they effect people. I really didn't expect to be sick from them, I thought they were the cure!! It was my immediate thought to get them after testing positive. I really hope that you don't get Covid again. Take care 😊
I took the Paxlovid in March when I had Covid. I really think I would have ended up hospitalized if I had not taken it. Then I got a bad sinus infection and the strong antibiotics I was on made the stomach symptoms worsel! I sympathize with you having an upset stomach. They gave me a lower dose of Paxlovid. Maybe they can adjust the dose for you and it would be easier on your stomach.
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Covid antiviral treatment
RA, immunosuppression and Paxlovid 
Paxlovid 
Tested positive for COVID now on antiviral.
