Like all medicines, Paxlovid can cause side effects in some people, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
These common side effects of Paxlovid happen in up to 1 in 10 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Diarrhoea
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
If you take the combined contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill and Paxlovid causes severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice
Feeling sick or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your medicine after you have eaten.
If you're being sick, try small, frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
If you take contraceptive pills and Paxlovid makes you vomit, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.
Changes in your sense of taste
Drink plenty of water and eat plain foods that you usually enjoy.
Serious side effects
There are no known serious side effects with Paxlovid.
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to Paxlovid.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects Paxlovid. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.