Paxlovid is an oral antiviral medication prescribed to individuals diagnosed with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who face a higher risk of developing severe illness, including hospitalization or death. This treatment aims to reduce the viral load in the body, thereby lessening the impact of the infection.
Common Side Effects of Paxlovid
Individuals taking Paxlovid may experience several common side effects. A metallic or bitter taste, often called “Paxlovid mouth,” is frequently reported, affecting about 6% of patients. This taste disturbance is generally temporary and resolves after completing the five-day treatment course. Diarrhea is another commonly reported side effect, occurring in about 3% of individuals, though it can also be a symptom of COVID-19 itself.
Other potential side effects include muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, headache, and a temporary increase in blood pressure. These effects are typically mild to moderate and subside once the medication is finished. Most people tolerate Paxlovid well, with few needing to discontinue treatment due to side effects.
Is Sweating a Known Side Effect?
Sweating (including night sweats or excessive perspiration) is not consistently listed as a common side effect of Paxlovid in official drug information or clinical trial data. However, some individuals have anecdotally reported experiencing sweating or night sweats while taking the medication.
Sweating, particularly night sweats, is a recognized symptom of many viral infections, including COVID-19 itself. The body’s immune response can lead to fever and increased perspiration, making it challenging to differentiate if sweating is a direct result of Paxlovid, the underlying COVID-19 illness, or a combination of both. Some reports suggest that while sweating occurred during Paxlovid treatment, it often continued even after stopping the medication, implying COVID-19 as the primary cause. Profuse sweating can also indicate a more serious, though rare, adverse event, particularly when it occurs alongside severe neurological symptoms.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Contact a healthcare provider if sweating becomes severe, persistent, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. This includes signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Seek medical attention for symptoms that could indicate liver problems (a rare but serious potential side effect of Paxlovid). These symptoms include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark-colored urine, pale stools, persistent nausea or vomiting, or unusual abdominal pain. Always discuss any new, worsening, or bothersome symptoms with your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking Paxlovid without consulting your doctor, as discontinuing the medication prematurely could affect the effectiveness of your COVID-19 treatment.