Paxlovid is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet. It isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes possible side effects of Paxlovid oral tablet. To learn more about Paxlovid, including the drug’s uses, side effects, and more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Boxed warning: Risk of serious effects due to certain drug interactions
Paxlovid has a boxed warning for the risk of serious effects due to certain drug interactions. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Side effects of Paxlovid in detail” section below.
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More common side effects of Paxlovid
Paxlovid oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of Paxlovid oral tablet include:
Mild side effects of Paxlovid
Paxlovid may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of Paxlovid oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Paxlovid in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with Paxlovid oral tablet. But it wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
Paxlovid may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of Paxlovid
Paxlovid may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Paxlovid oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Paxlovid.
Serious side effects of Paxlovid oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- risk of serious effects due to certain drug interactions*
- liver problems
- severe allergic reaction†
* Paxlovid oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of Paxlovid in detail” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Paxlovid in detail” section below.
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Common questions about side effects of Paxlovid
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Paxlovid oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can Paxlovid cause anxiety or kidney-related side effects?
No, Paxlovid oral tablet isn’t likely to cause anxiety or kidney-related side effects. These two side effects weren’t reported in studies of Paxlovid oral tablet.
But Paxlovid oral tablet can interact with other drugs and cause side effects. These include medications that treat anxiety. Taking Paxlovid with certain other medications could cause problems with anxiety and kidney function.
If you already have kidney problems, you may need a lower dosage of Paxlovid.
Tell your doctor about all the medications you take and any kidney problems you have. And let them know about any new or worsening symptoms you experience during Paxlovid treatment. To learn more about side effects due to drug interactions with Paxlovid, see the “Side effects of Paxlovid in detail” section below.
How long do side effects of Paxlovid usually last?
Paxlovid oral tablet is usually prescribed for 5 days. If mild side effects happen, they should be temporary and go away after you finish taking Paxlovid. In studies, people have reported side effects up to 28 days after their last dose. So it’s possible that mild side effects could continue during this time.
Serious allergic reactions or serious side effects from drug interactions may have long lasting effects.
If your side effects of Paxlovid oral tablet are bothersome or aren’t going away, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Does Paxlovid cause long-term side effects?
Long-term side effects aren’t expected with Paxlovid oral tablet. In studies, side effects that lasted more than 28 days after treatment ended weren’t reported.
Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about possible long-term side effects with Paxlovid.
Side effects of Paxlovid in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Paxlovid oral tablet.
Risk of serious effects due to certain drug interactions
Paxlovid has a boxed warning for the risk of serious effects due to certain drug interactions. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
In studies, severe, life threatening, or fatal side effects due to drug interactions were reported in people taking Paxlovid oral tablet.
Paxlovid oral tablet can increase or decrease the levels of certain other medications. This can cause very high levels of certain other drugs that can lead to serious side effects. It can also cause very low levels of certain other drugs. This can cause other drugs not to work the way they should, which can also lead to serious problems. In both cases, it can result in life threatening problems or death.
Ways to manage
It’s very important for your doctor to know if any of your other medications interact with Paxlovid. Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you take. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of Paxlovid or your other medications. They may also check lab tests while you take Paxlovid oral tablet. Sometimes, your doctor may have you stop taking other medications during treatment with Paxlovid oral tablet.
It also helps to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, including Paxlovid. This helps your pharmacist screen for drug interactions that might have been missed.
If you experience symptoms that could be life threatening, get immediate medical care.
Liver problems
In studies, liver problems weren’t reported in people taking Paxlovid oral tablet. But Paxlovid contains a drug called ritonavir, and liver problems have occurred in people taking this drug. People taking ritonavir have had liver problems, including high liver function tests, hepatitis, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). These side effects are uncommon but may be serious.
With liver problems, you may have symptoms that include:
- appetite loss
- belly pain
- dark urine
- itchiness
- light or pale stools
- yellowish color on the skin and whites of the eyes
Having liver disease can raise the risk of liver problems with Paxlovid oral tablet.
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of liver problems, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before taking Paxlovid oral tablet.
For some people, Paxlovid oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- severe skin rashes that may blister and peel
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Paxlovid, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for Paxlovid
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking Paxlovid oral tablet.
Boxed warning: Risk of serious effects due to certain drug interactions
Paxlovid has a boxed warning for the risk of serious effects due to certain drug interactions. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of Paxlovid in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take Paxlovid oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Paxlovid oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking Paxlovid, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
Paxlovid and pregnancy
It’s not known whether Paxlovid oral tablet should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Paxlovid and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether Paxlovid oral tablet should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Paxlovid oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.
But drinking alcohol can worsen liver problems. Paxlovid has the potential to cause liver problems, which may be serious. Alcohol can also affect your immune system. Since Paxlovid oral tablet is used to treat COVID-19 infection, drinking alcohol may interfere with your recovery.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with Paxlovid oral tablet.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of Paxlovid. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Am I at risk of serious side effects due to drug interactions with any of my medications?
- Do I have a higher risk of side effects than other people?
- Does the dosage of Paxlovid affect my risk of side effects?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
