Possible side effects
of ▼ PAXLOVID ®
(nirmatrelvir tablets 150mg;
ritonavir tablets 100mg)
Possible side effects
What are the possible side effects of Paxlovid?
Like all medicines, Paxlovid can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Not many people have taken Paxlovid. Serious or unexpected side effects may happen. If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any side effects not listed below.
Common side effects which may affect up to 1 in 10 people are:
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Altered sense of taste (such as metallic, bitter taste)
- Headache
Uncommon side effects which may affect up to 1 in 100 people are:
- Allergic reaction (such as hives, trouble swallowing or breathing, swelling of the mouth, lips, or face, throat tightness, hoarseness or skin rash)
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- High blood pressure
Rare side effects which may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people are:
- Severe allergic reaction known as ‘anaphylaxis’ (such as swelling of tongue, mouth and face, trouble swallowing or breathing, throat tightness, or hoarseness)
- Serious skin reactions known as ‘toxic epidermal necrolysis’ and ‘Stevens-Johnson syndrome’ (such as red and painful skin, blisters and peeling skin, blisters or sores in your mouth or lips)
- Feeling generally unwell
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions, including severe allergic reactions (known as ‘anaphylaxis’) and serious skin reactions (known as ‘toxic epidermal necrolysis’ and ‘Stevens-Johnson syndrome’), can happen in people taking Paxlovid, even after only 1 dose.
Stop taking Paxlovid and call your doctor right away if you get any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Swelling of the tongue, mouth, and face
- Throat tightness
- Hoarseness
- Red and painful skin
- Blisters and peeling skin
- Blisters or sores in your mouth or lips
For more information about the possible side effects when taking Paxlovid, read the Patient Information Leaflet
Reporting possible side effects with Paxlovid
Any suspected side effects (also called adverse events) should be reported, so use the steps below if you think you are experiencing a side effect:
- Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse for advice about any side effects not listed in the Patient Information Leaflet or if you are worried about your health.
- Report side effects on the MHRA Coronavirus Yellow Card reporting site (https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk) or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
- If you are unsure or in doubt, report it anyway, as only a suspicion of a side effect is needed to report.
Adverse event reporting website
MHRA, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
Frequently asked questions
Reporting of side effects
▼This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. If you get any side effects talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. You can also report any side effects directly via the Coronavirus Yellow Card Reporting site https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
References
PAXLOVID® Patient information leaflet. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13145/pil
PAXLOVID® Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13145/smpc
PP-C1D-GBR-0544 | January 2025