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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 138 (from laksa148)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa138.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/paxlovid-side-effects\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/paxlovid-side-effects\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/paxlovid-side-effects","crawl_time":1774767108,"first_indexed_time":1725210008,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"edu,northwell!thewell,\/covid\/paxlovid-side-effects s443","src_root_hash":"15053446874383013538","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Paxlovid Side Effects: How They Affect You | The Well by Northwell","meta_descriptions":["Paxlovid can prevent a COVID-19 hospital stay, but are its side effects & drug interactions enough to discourage you from using it?"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"In March 2020, when the world was on lockdown, I was in bed unable to breathe and struggling with severe body aches. I had a bag packed and was ready to go to the hospital, which was already overflowing with people suffering from what we would soon learn was\nCOVID-19\n. Early in the pandemic, the only option we had was over-the-counter remedies, and I was self-treating with Tylenol. Luckily, I was able to make a full recovery, but so many weren’t as lucky.\nSo, when Paxlovid, a drug designed to help prevent hospitalization and death from COVID, was approved for emergency use in December 2021, there seemed to be a collective sigh of relief. However, there’s still a lot of confusion around the benefits of the drug, the side effects to watch out for, and the precautions that people need to take.\nIn addition, with the\nFDA approval\nof Paxlovid in May 2023, the federal government has decided to no longer fund the drug, meaning that by the beginning of 2025, people may have to pay for it—and it could be pricey.\nWith that in mind, you may be wondering if Paxlovid is worth it. But the bigger question is: Do you actually need it? To answer all of these questions, we spoke with\nBruce Farber, MD\n, an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health.\nHow Paxlovid works\nPaxlovid is a combination of nirmatrelivir, an antiviral drug that stops replication of the virus, and ritonavir, a drug used to treat HIV. Ritonavir prevents the degradation of nirmatrelivir, slowing down the body’s elimination of the antiviral agent so that it sticks around long enough to do its job. The standard dose is three pills a day for five days and can only be accessed with a prescription from your doctor.\nLike what you’re reading? Subscribe to our newsletter and get the same great content delivered straight to your inbox!\nBy providing your email address, you agree to receive email communication from The Well.\nWhen taken within five days of the onset of symptoms, Paxlovid has an 86% rate of reduction in the risk of COVID-related hospitalizations or death. “It has little to no effect if it’s begun five days or more after the onset of symptoms, so if you’re going to use this drug to treat COVID, you’ve got to treat it relatively early,” explains Farber. Most people who start out with mild symptoms often hold off on taking Paxlovid until symptoms progress, but by then it’s too late to begin treatment.\nWho should take Paxlovid?\nAccording to Farber, the latest COVID strains no longer cause serious disease in the overwhelming majority of people. “In healthy people who generally do well with COVID, there was no significant difference in improvement,” he explains. “The improvement was demonstrated only in those people who have risk factors, which increases the risk of them getting sick and winding up in the hospital.”\nPeople who are\nimmunocompromised\n, immunosuppressed, HIV infected, or who are elderly with comorbidities (other health conditions) are most at risk for hospitalization and death. “I’m not prescribing Paxlovid to otherwise healthy people, I’m giving it to people in those subcategories who are more likely to get sick,” notes Farber. People in these populations who took Paxlovid felt better significantly quicker.\nWhat about side effects?\nPaxlovid is considered very safe and doesn’t have serious long-term side effects. However, many people do experience a metallic chalky taste in their mouth. The drug can also make you nauseated and cause diarrhea.\nA bigger issue for some people is that Paxlovid can negatively interact with other medications. “There’s over a dozen drug interactions, including psychiatric medications, cardiac medications, and lipid drugs,” explains Farber. If you’re considering Paxlovid, let your doctor know what medicine you’re on so together you can decide if the benefits outweigh the risks, and if you need to temporarily stop your other medications.\nMany people who consider taking Paxlovid are also worried about COVID rebound. This is when you begin feeling better and suddenly have a reoccurrence of symptoms. It’s still unclear why and how often rebound occurs with Paxlovid. But Farber explains that a potential rebound shouldn’t be part of your decision to take Paxlovid because it can happen even without the drug, and, if it does occur, it isn’t usually serious.\nWhat else can you do to feel better?\nIf you come down with COVID, there are many\nover-the-counter\noptions that can help you feel comfortable. “There’s no magic bullet, but some people get relief from Motrin, Tylenol, and other pain relievers, as well as decongestants” says Farber.\nThe one thing that can help more than anything is to continue to get\nvaccinated\n. While vaccines don’t prevent COVID after two or three months, they do decrease the viral load and the severity of the disease. There’s going to be a new monoclonal antibody on the market soon for immunosuppressed people who can’t take the traditional vaccine, and there are also new medications in the works that will offer alternatives to Paxlovid.\nAnd if you have COVID symptoms, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. Don’t wait for it to get worse.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/paxlovid-side-effects#main-content)\n\n[![The Well logo](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/themes\/custom\/thewell_digital_design_system\/thewell-dds\/images\/thewell-logo.png)](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/)\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/paxlovid-side-effects)\n\n[Northwell.edu](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/) [SearchSearch]()\n\n[Main menu]()\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/paxlovid-side-effects)\n\n- Topics\n- [Trending](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/trending)\n- [Our Picks](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/our-picks)\n- [About](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/about-well)\n\n#### [Topics](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/paxlovid-side-effects#accordioncollapse1)\n[Aging](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/aging) [Caregiving](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/caregiving)  [Chronic 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Living\/Fitness](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/healthy-living-fitness)\n\n[Relationships\/Sexual Health](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/relationships-sexual-health)\n\n[Women's Health](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/womens-health)\n#### [Trending](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/trending)\n#### [Our Picks](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/our-picks)\n#### [About](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/about-well)\n\n[Northwell.edu](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/)\n\n- Topics\n- [Trending](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/trending)\n- [Our Picks](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/our-picks)\n- [About](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/about-well)\n\n#### [Topics](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/paxlovid-side-effects#accordioncollapse1)\n[Aging](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/aging) [Caregiving](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/caregiving)  [Chronic Diseases\/Conditions](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/chronic-diseases-conditions) 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Health](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/relationships-sexual-health)\n\n[Women's Health](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/womens-health)\n#### [Trending](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/trending)\n#### [Our Picks](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/our-picks)\n#### [About](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/about-well)\n\n[Northwell.edu](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/)\n\n- Topics\n- [Trending](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/trending)\n- [Our Picks](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/our-picks)\n- [About](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/about-well)\n\n#### [Topics](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/paxlovid-side-effects#accordioncollapse1)\n[Aging](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/aging) [Caregiving](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/caregiving)  [Chronic Diseases\/Conditions](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/chronic-diseases-conditions) [Covid](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/covid) [Emotional Wellness](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/emotional-wellness) [Fertility](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/fertility)  [Healthy Living\/Fitness](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/healthy-living-fitness) [Men's Health](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/mens-health) [Parenting](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/parenting) [Pregnancy](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/pregnancy) [Relationships\/Sexual Health](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/relationships-sexual-health) [Women’s Health](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/womens-health)\n\nTrending Topics\n\n[Covid](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/covid)\n\n[Aging](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/aging)\n\n[Parenting](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/parenting)\n\n[Healthy Living\/Fitness](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/healthy-living-fitness)\n\n[Relationships\/Sexual Health](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/relationships-sexual-health)\n\n[Women's Health](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/womens-health)\n#### [Trending](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/trending)\n#### [Our Picks](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/our-picks)\n#### [About](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/about-well)\n\n[Northwell.edu](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/)\n\n[![The Well logo](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/themes\/custom\/thewell_digital_design_system\/thewell-dds\/images\/thewell-logo.png)](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/)\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/paxlovid-side-effects)\n\n[Northwell.edu](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/)\n\n[SearchSearch]()\n\n![](https:\/\/dam.northwell.edu\/m\/663e644f4080030b\/Drupal-TheWell_paxlovid_AS_486930644.jpg)\n\n[covid](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/covid)\n\n# Paxlovid: The COVID Treatment, Explained\nPaxlovid could help prevent hospitalization for COVID-19, but is it right for you? An infectious disease specialist explains.\n\n5 min read\n\nBy\n\nAileen Weintraub, Writer\n\nIn March 2020, when the world was on lockdown, I was in bed unable to breathe and struggling with severe body aches. I had a bag packed and was ready to go to the hospital, which was already overflowing with people suffering from what we would soon learn was [COVID-19](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/covid-in-2023). Early in the pandemic, the only option we had was over-the-counter remedies, and I was self-treating with Tylenol. Luckily, I was able to make a full recovery, but so many weren’t as lucky.\n\nSo, when Paxlovid, a drug designed to help prevent hospitalization and death from COVID, was approved for emergency use in December 2021, there seemed to be a collective sigh of relief. However, there’s still a lot of confusion around the benefits of the drug, the side effects to watch out for, and the precautions that people need to take.\n\nIn addition, with the [FDA approval](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/fda-approves-first-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19-adults) of Paxlovid in May 2023, the federal government has decided to no longer fund the drug, meaning that by the beginning of 2025, people may have to pay for it—and it could be pricey.\n\nWith that in mind, you may be wondering if Paxlovid is worth it. But the bigger question is: Do you actually need it? To answer all of these questions, we spoke with [Bruce Farber, MD](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/find-care\/find-a-doctor\/dr-bruce-frederick-farber-md-11307862), an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health.\n\n### How Paxlovid works\nPaxlovid is a combination of nirmatrelivir, an antiviral drug that stops replication of the virus, and ritonavir, a drug used to treat HIV. Ritonavir prevents the degradation of nirmatrelivir, slowing down the body’s elimination of the antiviral agent so that it sticks around long enough to do its job. The standard dose is three pills a day for five days and can only be accessed with a prescription from your doctor.\n\n***\n### Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to our newsletter and get the same great content delivered straight to your inbox\\!\nBy providing your email address, you agree to receive email communication from The Well.\n***\n\nWhen taken within five days of the onset of symptoms, Paxlovid has an 86% rate of reduction in the risk of COVID-related hospitalizations or death. “It has little to no effect if it’s begun five days or more after the onset of symptoms, so if you’re going to use this drug to treat COVID, you’ve got to treat it relatively early,” explains Farber. Most people who start out with mild symptoms often hold off on taking Paxlovid until symptoms progress, but by then it’s too late to begin treatment.\n\n### Who should take Paxlovid?\nAccording to Farber, the latest COVID strains no longer cause serious disease in the overwhelming majority of people. “In healthy people who generally do well with COVID, there was no significant difference in improvement,” he explains. “The improvement was demonstrated only in those people who have risk factors, which increases the risk of them getting sick and winding up in the hospital.”\n\nPeople who are [immunocompromised](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/well-informed\/immune-compromised-coronavirus), immunosuppressed, HIV infected, or who are elderly with comorbidities (other health conditions) are most at risk for hospitalization and death. “I’m not prescribing Paxlovid to otherwise healthy people, I’m giving it to people in those subcategories who are more likely to get sick,” notes Farber. People in these populations who took Paxlovid felt better significantly quicker.\n\n### What about side effects?\nPaxlovid is considered very safe and doesn’t have serious long-term side effects. However, many people do experience a metallic chalky taste in their mouth. The drug can also make you nauseated and cause diarrhea.\n\nA bigger issue for some people is that Paxlovid can negatively interact with other medications. “There’s over a dozen drug interactions, including psychiatric medications, cardiac medications, and lipid drugs,” explains Farber. If you’re considering Paxlovid, let your doctor know what medicine you’re on so together you can decide if the benefits outweigh the risks, and if you need to temporarily stop your other medications.\n\nMany people who consider taking Paxlovid are also worried about COVID rebound. This is when you begin feeling better and suddenly have a reoccurrence of symptoms. It’s still unclear why and how often rebound occurs with Paxlovid. But Farber explains that a potential rebound shouldn’t be part of your decision to take Paxlovid because it can happen even without the drug, and, if it does occur, it isn’t usually serious.\n\n### What else can you do to feel better?\nIf you come down with COVID, there are many [over-the-counter](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/news\/insights\/how-covid-antiviral-treatments-work) options that can help you feel comfortable. “There’s no magic bullet, but some people get relief from Motrin, Tylenol, and other pain relievers, as well as decongestants” says Farber.\n\nThe one thing that can help more than anything is to continue to get [vaccinated](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/vaccine-myths-debunked). While vaccines don’t prevent COVID after two or three months, they do decrease the viral load and the severity of the disease. There’s going to be a new monoclonal antibody on the market soon for immunosuppressed people who can’t take the traditional vaccine, and there are also new medications in the works that will offer alternatives to Paxlovid.\n\nAnd if you have COVID symptoms, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. Don’t wait for it to get worse.\n\n### Next Steps and Useful Resources\n- Understanding that odd [metallic taste](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/healthy-living-fitness\/metallic-taste) in your mouth.\n- What you should know about [COVID booster shots](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/covid-booster-shot).\n- Learn about [Northwell’s comprehensive approach](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/infectious-disease) to infectious disease.\n\nMay 27th, 2024\n\nTags:\n\n[infectious disease](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/search?tag=infectious-disease) [treatment](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/search?tag=treatment)\n\n### Related Articles\n[![A woman holding her head in pain, with a blanket over her shoulders.](https:\/\/dam.northwell.edu\/m\/36c4f39780b61f47\/Drupal-TheWell_longcovid_AS_239043334.jpg)](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/long-covid-brain-health)\n\n[covid](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/covid)\n\n[Long COVID’s Impact On The Brain](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/long-covid-brain-health)\n\n[![Woman sitting at a desk, taking a COVID test.](https:\/\/dam.northwell.edu\/m\/338296a9fa2af1ad\/Drupal-TheWell_covid_AS_480198730.jpg)](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/paxlovid-rebound-risks)\n\n[covid](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/covid)\n\n[The Facts About Paxlovid & COVID Rebound](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/paxlovid-rebound-risks)\n\n[![A woman sitting up in bed with a blanket over her shoulders, holding her throat in pain.](https:\/\/dam.northwell.edu\/m\/34d7b8d1cff67195\/Drupal-TheWell_laryngitis_AS_238898005.jpg)](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/covid-laryngitis-symptoms)\n\n[covid](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/topics\/covid)\n\n[Can COVID Cause Laryngitis?](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/covid-laryngitis-symptoms)\n\n![A young woman with brown straight hair is using mobile phone. Female is smiling while holding smart phone. She is sitting on sofa at home.](https:\/\/dam.northwell.edu\/m\/2c384857c1de1f81\/Drupal-web_AdobeStock_352421745.jpg)\n\n### Sign Up For Our Well Weekly Newsletter\nFrom the latest tips on sleep and skin care to personal stories that’ll hit you in the feels, we’ve got you covered with all the good stuff.\n\n[Subscribe now](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/subscribe-well)\n\nMay 27th, 2024\n\nTags:\n\n[infectious disease](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/search?tag=infectious-disease) [treatment](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/search?tag=treatment)\n\n[Back to top](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/paxlovid-side-effects#site-links)\n\n###\nThe Well by Northwell\n\nThe Well is Northwell Health’s commitment to the future of health care. In this time of information overabundance, much of which is inaccurate, unhelpful, or even difficult to understand, Northwell Health is on a mission to make a difference as an honest, trusted, and caring partner. The site connects with consumers to provide them with personalized content that reduces their stress, makes them laugh, and ultimately feel more confident and capable on their healthcare journey.\n\n[Quick links](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/paxlovid-side-effects)\n\n- [About](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/about-well)\n- [Contact The Well](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/contact-us)\n- [Subscribe now](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/subscribe-well)\n\n[Visit Northwell Heath on facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/northwellhealth)   [![](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/themes\/custom\/northwell_health_digital_design_system\/nwh-dds\/images\/fa-6-twitter-icon.svg) Visit Northwell Heath on Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/northwellhealth)   [Visit Northwell Heath on instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/northwellhealth\/)   [Visit Northwell Heath on linkedin](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/northwell-health\/)   [Visit Northwell Heath on youtube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/nslijhs)\n\n- [Visit Northwell.edu](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/)\n- [Find a doctor](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/find-care)\n- [Register for an event](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/support-and-resources\/find-an-event)\n- [About Northwell Health](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/about-northwell)\n\n[Request an appointment](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/find-care\/request-an-appointment)\n\n- [Privacy policies and disclaimers](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/privacy-policies-disclaimers?utm_medium=cta_link&utm_source=the_well&utm_campaign=the_well&utm_content=thewell_footer)\n\n- © Copyright 2026 Northwell Health\n\n[![Back to top](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/themes\/custom\/thewell_digital_design_system\/thewell-dds\/images\/icons\/src\/arrow-up.svg) Back to top](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/paxlovid-side-effects#site-links)","attrs_readable_markdown":"In March 2020, when the world was on lockdown, I was in bed unable to breathe and struggling with severe body aches. I had a bag packed and was ready to go to the hospital, which was already overflowing with people suffering from what we would soon learn was [COVID-19](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/covid-in-2023). Early in the pandemic, the only option we had was over-the-counter remedies, and I was self-treating with Tylenol. Luckily, I was able to make a full recovery, but so many weren’t as lucky.\n\nSo, when Paxlovid, a drug designed to help prevent hospitalization and death from COVID, was approved for emergency use in December 2021, there seemed to be a collective sigh of relief. However, there’s still a lot of confusion around the benefits of the drug, the side effects to watch out for, and the precautions that people need to take.\n\nIn addition, with the [FDA approval](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/news-events\/press-announcements\/fda-approves-first-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19-adults) of Paxlovid in May 2023, the federal government has decided to no longer fund the drug, meaning that by the beginning of 2025, people may have to pay for it—and it could be pricey.\n\nWith that in mind, you may be wondering if Paxlovid is worth it. But the bigger question is: Do you actually need it? To answer all of these questions, we spoke with [Bruce Farber, MD](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/find-care\/find-a-doctor\/dr-bruce-frederick-farber-md-11307862), an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health.\n\n### How Paxlovid works\nPaxlovid is a combination of nirmatrelivir, an antiviral drug that stops replication of the virus, and ritonavir, a drug used to treat HIV. Ritonavir prevents the degradation of nirmatrelivir, slowing down the body’s elimination of the antiviral agent so that it sticks around long enough to do its job. The standard dose is three pills a day for five days and can only be accessed with a prescription from your doctor.\n\n***\n### Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to our newsletter and get the same great content delivered straight to your inbox\\!\nBy providing your email address, you agree to receive email communication from The Well.\n***\n\nWhen taken within five days of the onset of symptoms, Paxlovid has an 86% rate of reduction in the risk of COVID-related hospitalizations or death. “It has little to no effect if it’s begun five days or more after the onset of symptoms, so if you’re going to use this drug to treat COVID, you’ve got to treat it relatively early,” explains Farber. Most people who start out with mild symptoms often hold off on taking Paxlovid until symptoms progress, but by then it’s too late to begin treatment.\n\n### Who should take Paxlovid?\nAccording to Farber, the latest COVID strains no longer cause serious disease in the overwhelming majority of people. “In healthy people who generally do well with COVID, there was no significant difference in improvement,” he explains. “The improvement was demonstrated only in those people who have risk factors, which increases the risk of them getting sick and winding up in the hospital.”\n\nPeople who are [immunocompromised](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/well-informed\/immune-compromised-coronavirus), immunosuppressed, HIV infected, or who are elderly with comorbidities (other health conditions) are most at risk for hospitalization and death. “I’m not prescribing Paxlovid to otherwise healthy people, I’m giving it to people in those subcategories who are more likely to get sick,” notes Farber. People in these populations who took Paxlovid felt better significantly quicker.\n\n### What about side effects?\nPaxlovid is considered very safe and doesn’t have serious long-term side effects. However, many people do experience a metallic chalky taste in their mouth. The drug can also make you nauseated and cause diarrhea.\n\nA bigger issue for some people is that Paxlovid can negatively interact with other medications. “There’s over a dozen drug interactions, including psychiatric medications, cardiac medications, and lipid drugs,” explains Farber. If you’re considering Paxlovid, let your doctor know what medicine you’re on so together you can decide if the benefits outweigh the risks, and if you need to temporarily stop your other medications.\n\nMany people who consider taking Paxlovid are also worried about COVID rebound. This is when you begin feeling better and suddenly have a reoccurrence of symptoms. It’s still unclear why and how often rebound occurs with Paxlovid. But Farber explains that a potential rebound shouldn’t be part of your decision to take Paxlovid because it can happen even without the drug, and, if it does occur, it isn’t usually serious.\n\n### What else can you do to feel better?\nIf you come down with COVID, there are many [over-the-counter](https:\/\/www.northwell.edu\/news\/insights\/how-covid-antiviral-treatments-work) options that can help you feel comfortable. “There’s no magic bullet, but some people get relief from Motrin, Tylenol, and other pain relievers, as well as decongestants” says Farber.\n\nThe one thing that can help more than anything is to continue to get [vaccinated](https:\/\/thewell.northwell.edu\/covid\/vaccine-myths-debunked). While vaccines don’t prevent COVID after two or three months, they do decrease the viral load and the severity of the disease. There’s going to be a new monoclonal antibody on the market soon for immunosuppressed people who can’t take the traditional vaccine, and there are also new medications in the works that will offer alternatives to Paxlovid.\n\nAnd if you have COVID symptoms, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. Don’t wait for it to get worse.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Paxlovid Side Effects: How They Affect You \| The Well by Northwell
Meta Description	Paxlovid can prevent a COVID-19 hospital stay, but are its side effects & drug interactions enough to discourage you from using it?
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Boilerpipe Text	In March 2020, when the world was on lockdown, I was in bed unable to breathe and struggling with severe body aches. I had a bag packed and was ready to go to the hospital, which was already overflowing with people suffering from what we would soon learn was COVID-19 . Early in the pandemic, the only option we had was over-the-counter remedies, and I was self-treating with Tylenol. Luckily, I was able to make a full recovery, but so many weren’t as lucky. So, when Paxlovid, a drug designed to help prevent hospitalization and death from COVID, was approved for emergency use in December 2021, there seemed to be a collective sigh of relief. However, there’s still a lot of confusion around the benefits of the drug, the side effects to watch out for, and the precautions that people need to take. In addition, with the FDA approval of Paxlovid in May 2023, the federal government has decided to no longer fund the drug, meaning that by the beginning of 2025, people may have to pay for it—and it could be pricey. With that in mind, you may be wondering if Paxlovid is worth it. But the bigger question is: Do you actually need it? To answer all of these questions, we spoke with Bruce Farber, MD , an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health. How Paxlovid works Paxlovid is a combination of nirmatrelivir, an antiviral drug that stops replication of the virus, and ritonavir, a drug used to treat HIV. Ritonavir prevents the degradation of nirmatrelivir, slowing down the body’s elimination of the antiviral agent so that it sticks around long enough to do its job. The standard dose is three pills a day for five days and can only be accessed with a prescription from your doctor. Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to our newsletter and get the same great content delivered straight to your inbox! By providing your email address, you agree to receive email communication from The Well. When taken within five days of the onset of symptoms, Paxlovid has an 86% rate of reduction in the risk of COVID-related hospitalizations or death. “It has little to no effect if it’s begun five days or more after the onset of symptoms, so if you’re going to use this drug to treat COVID, you’ve got to treat it relatively early,” explains Farber. Most people who start out with mild symptoms often hold off on taking Paxlovid until symptoms progress, but by then it’s too late to begin treatment. Who should take Paxlovid? According to Farber, the latest COVID strains no longer cause serious disease in the overwhelming majority of people. “In healthy people who generally do well with COVID, there was no significant difference in improvement,” he explains. “The improvement was demonstrated only in those people who have risk factors, which increases the risk of them getting sick and winding up in the hospital.” People who are immunocompromised , immunosuppressed, HIV infected, or who are elderly with comorbidities (other health conditions) are most at risk for hospitalization and death. “I’m not prescribing Paxlovid to otherwise healthy people, I’m giving it to people in those subcategories who are more likely to get sick,” notes Farber. People in these populations who took Paxlovid felt better significantly quicker. What about side effects? Paxlovid is considered very safe and doesn’t have serious long-term side effects. However, many people do experience a metallic chalky taste in their mouth. The drug can also make you nauseated and cause diarrhea. A bigger issue for some people is that Paxlovid can negatively interact with other medications. “There’s over a dozen drug interactions, including psychiatric medications, cardiac medications, and lipid drugs,” explains Farber. If you’re considering Paxlovid, let your doctor know what medicine you’re on so together you can decide if the benefits outweigh the risks, and if you need to temporarily stop your other medications. Many people who consider taking Paxlovid are also worried about COVID rebound. This is when you begin feeling better and suddenly have a reoccurrence of symptoms. It’s still unclear why and how often rebound occurs with Paxlovid. But Farber explains that a potential rebound shouldn’t be part of your decision to take Paxlovid because it can happen even without the drug, and, if it does occur, it isn’t usually serious. What else can you do to feel better? If you come down with COVID, there are many over-the-counter options that can help you feel comfortable. “There’s no magic bullet, but some people get relief from Motrin, Tylenol, and other pain relievers, as well as decongestants” says Farber. The one thing that can help more than anything is to continue to get vaccinated . While vaccines don’t prevent COVID after two or three months, they do decrease the viral load and the severity of the disease. There’s going to be a new monoclonal antibody on the market soon for immunosuppressed people who can’t take the traditional vaccine, and there are also new medications in the works that will offer alternatives to Paxlovid. And if you have COVID symptoms, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. Don’t wait for it to get worse.
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/paxlovid-side-effects#main-content) [![The Well logo](https://thewell.northwell.edu/themes/custom/thewell_digital_design_system/thewell-dds/images/thewell-logo.png)](https://thewell.northwell.edu/) [Subscribe](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/paxlovid-side-effects) [Northwell.edu](https://www.northwell.edu/) [SearchSearch]() [Main menu]() [Subscribe](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/paxlovid-side-effects) - Topics - [Trending](https://thewell.northwell.edu/trending) - [Our Picks](https://thewell.northwell.edu/our-picks) - [About](https://thewell.northwell.edu/about-well) #### [Topics](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/paxlovid-side-effects#accordioncollapse1) [Aging](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/aging) [Caregiving](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/caregiving) [Chronic Diseases/Conditions](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/chronic-diseases-conditions) [Covid](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/covid) [Emotional Wellness](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/emotional-wellness) [Fertility](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/fertility) [Healthy Living/Fitness](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/healthy-living-fitness) [Men's Health](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/mens-health) [Parenting](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/parenting) [Pregnancy](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/pregnancy) [Relationships/Sexual Health](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/relationships-sexual-health) [Women’s Health](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/womens-health) Trending Topics [Covid](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/covid) [Aging](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/aging) [Parenting](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/parenting) [Healthy Living/Fitness](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/healthy-living-fitness) [Relationships/Sexual Health](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/relationships-sexual-health) [Women's Health](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/womens-health) #### [Trending](https://thewell.northwell.edu/trending) #### [Our Picks](https://thewell.northwell.edu/our-picks) #### [About](https://thewell.northwell.edu/about-well) [Northwell.edu](https://www.northwell.edu/) - 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Topics - [Trending](https://thewell.northwell.edu/trending) - [Our Picks](https://thewell.northwell.edu/our-picks) - [About](https://thewell.northwell.edu/about-well) #### [Topics](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/paxlovid-side-effects#accordioncollapse1) [Aging](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/aging) [Caregiving](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/caregiving) [Chronic Diseases/Conditions](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/chronic-diseases-conditions) [Covid](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/covid) [Emotional Wellness](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/emotional-wellness) [Fertility](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/fertility) [Healthy Living/Fitness](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/healthy-living-fitness) [Men's Health](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/mens-health) [Parenting](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/parenting) [Pregnancy](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/pregnancy) [Relationships/Sexual Health](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/relationships-sexual-health) [Women’s Health](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/womens-health) Trending Topics [Covid](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/covid) [Aging](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/aging) [Parenting](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/parenting) [Healthy Living/Fitness](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/healthy-living-fitness) [Relationships/Sexual Health](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/relationships-sexual-health) [Women's Health](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/womens-health) #### [Trending](https://thewell.northwell.edu/trending) #### [Our Picks](https://thewell.northwell.edu/our-picks) #### [About](https://thewell.northwell.edu/about-well) [Northwell.edu](https://www.northwell.edu/) [![The Well logo](https://thewell.northwell.edu/themes/custom/thewell_digital_design_system/thewell-dds/images/thewell-logo.png)](https://thewell.northwell.edu/) [Subscribe](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/paxlovid-side-effects) [Northwell.edu](https://www.northwell.edu/) [SearchSearch]() ![](https://dam.northwell.edu/m/663e644f4080030b/Drupal-TheWell_paxlovid_AS_486930644.jpg) [covid](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/covid) # Paxlovid: The COVID Treatment, Explained Paxlovid could help prevent hospitalization for COVID-19, but is it right for you? An infectious disease specialist explains. 5 min read By Aileen Weintraub, Writer In March 2020, when the world was on lockdown, I was in bed unable to breathe and struggling with severe body aches. I had a bag packed and was ready to go to the hospital, which was already overflowing with people suffering from what we would soon learn was [COVID-19](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/covid-in-2023). Early in the pandemic, the only option we had was over-the-counter remedies, and I was self-treating with Tylenol. Luckily, I was able to make a full recovery, but so many weren’t as lucky. So, when Paxlovid, a drug designed to help prevent hospitalization and death from COVID, was approved for emergency use in December 2021, there seemed to be a collective sigh of relief. However, there’s still a lot of confusion around the benefits of the drug, the side effects to watch out for, and the precautions that people need to take. In addition, with the [FDA approval](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19-adults) of Paxlovid in May 2023, the federal government has decided to no longer fund the drug, meaning that by the beginning of 2025, people may have to pay for it—and it could be pricey. With that in mind, you may be wondering if Paxlovid is worth it. But the bigger question is: Do you actually need it? To answer all of these questions, we spoke with [Bruce Farber, MD](https://www.northwell.edu/find-care/find-a-doctor/dr-bruce-frederick-farber-md-11307862), an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health. ### How Paxlovid works Paxlovid is a combination of nirmatrelivir, an antiviral drug that stops replication of the virus, and ritonavir, a drug used to treat HIV. Ritonavir prevents the degradation of nirmatrelivir, slowing down the body’s elimination of the antiviral agent so that it sticks around long enough to do its job. The standard dose is three pills a day for five days and can only be accessed with a prescription from your doctor. * ### Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to our newsletter and get the same great content delivered straight to your inbox\! By providing your email address, you agree to receive email communication from The Well. * When taken within five days of the onset of symptoms, Paxlovid has an 86% rate of reduction in the risk of COVID-related hospitalizations or death. “It has little to no effect if it’s begun five days or more after the onset of symptoms, so if you’re going to use this drug to treat COVID, you’ve got to treat it relatively early,” explains Farber. Most people who start out with mild symptoms often hold off on taking Paxlovid until symptoms progress, but by then it’s too late to begin treatment. ### Who should take Paxlovid? According to Farber, the latest COVID strains no longer cause serious disease in the overwhelming majority of people. “In healthy people who generally do well with COVID, there was no significant difference in improvement,” he explains. “The improvement was demonstrated only in those people who have risk factors, which increases the risk of them getting sick and winding up in the hospital.” People who are [immunocompromised](https://thewell.northwell.edu/well-informed/immune-compromised-coronavirus), immunosuppressed, HIV infected, or who are elderly with comorbidities (other health conditions) are most at risk for hospitalization and death. “I’m not prescribing Paxlovid to otherwise healthy people, I’m giving it to people in those subcategories who are more likely to get sick,” notes Farber. People in these populations who took Paxlovid felt better significantly quicker. ### What about side effects? Paxlovid is considered very safe and doesn’t have serious long-term side effects. However, many people do experience a metallic chalky taste in their mouth. The drug can also make you nauseated and cause diarrhea. A bigger issue for some people is that Paxlovid can negatively interact with other medications. “There’s over a dozen drug interactions, including psychiatric medications, cardiac medications, and lipid drugs,” explains Farber. If you’re considering Paxlovid, let your doctor know what medicine you’re on so together you can decide if the benefits outweigh the risks, and if you need to temporarily stop your other medications. Many people who consider taking Paxlovid are also worried about COVID rebound. This is when you begin feeling better and suddenly have a reoccurrence of symptoms. It’s still unclear why and how often rebound occurs with Paxlovid. But Farber explains that a potential rebound shouldn’t be part of your decision to take Paxlovid because it can happen even without the drug, and, if it does occur, it isn’t usually serious. ### What else can you do to feel better? If you come down with COVID, there are many [over-the-counter](https://www.northwell.edu/news/insights/how-covid-antiviral-treatments-work) options that can help you feel comfortable. “There’s no magic bullet, but some people get relief from Motrin, Tylenol, and other pain relievers, as well as decongestants” says Farber. The one thing that can help more than anything is to continue to get [vaccinated](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/vaccine-myths-debunked). While vaccines don’t prevent COVID after two or three months, they do decrease the viral load and the severity of the disease. There’s going to be a new monoclonal antibody on the market soon for immunosuppressed people who can’t take the traditional vaccine, and there are also new medications in the works that will offer alternatives to Paxlovid. And if you have COVID symptoms, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. Don’t wait for it to get worse. ### Next Steps and Useful Resources - Understanding that odd [metallic taste](https://thewell.northwell.edu/healthy-living-fitness/metallic-taste) in your mouth. - What you should know about [COVID booster shots](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/covid-booster-shot). - Learn about [Northwell’s comprehensive approach](https://www.northwell.edu/infectious-disease) to infectious disease. May 27th, 2024 Tags: [infectious disease](https://thewell.northwell.edu/search?tag=infectious-disease) [treatment](https://thewell.northwell.edu/search?tag=treatment) ### Related Articles [![A woman holding her head in pain, with a blanket over her shoulders.](https://dam.northwell.edu/m/36c4f39780b61f47/Drupal-TheWell_longcovid_AS_239043334.jpg)](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/long-covid-brain-health) [covid](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/covid) [Long COVID’s Impact On The Brain](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/long-covid-brain-health) [![Woman sitting at a desk, taking a COVID test.](https://dam.northwell.edu/m/338296a9fa2af1ad/Drupal-TheWell_covid_AS_480198730.jpg)](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/paxlovid-rebound-risks) [covid](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/covid) [The Facts About Paxlovid & COVID Rebound](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/paxlovid-rebound-risks) [![A woman sitting up in bed with a blanket over her shoulders, holding her throat in pain.](https://dam.northwell.edu/m/34d7b8d1cff67195/Drupal-TheWell_laryngitis_AS_238898005.jpg)](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/covid-laryngitis-symptoms) [covid](https://thewell.northwell.edu/topics/covid) [Can COVID Cause Laryngitis?](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/covid-laryngitis-symptoms) ![A young woman with brown straight hair is using mobile phone. Female is smiling while holding smart phone. She is sitting on sofa at home.](https://dam.northwell.edu/m/2c384857c1de1f81/Drupal-web_AdobeStock_352421745.jpg) ### Sign Up For Our Well Weekly Newsletter From the latest tips on sleep and skin care to personal stories that’ll hit you in the feels, we’ve got you covered with all the good stuff. [Subscribe now](https://thewell.northwell.edu/subscribe-well) May 27th, 2024 Tags: [infectious disease](https://thewell.northwell.edu/search?tag=infectious-disease) [treatment](https://thewell.northwell.edu/search?tag=treatment) [Back to top](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/paxlovid-side-effects#site-links) ### The Well by Northwell The Well is Northwell Health’s commitment to the future of health care. In this time of information overabundance, much of which is inaccurate, unhelpful, or even difficult to understand, Northwell Health is on a mission to make a difference as an honest, trusted, and caring partner. 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Readable Markdown	In March 2020, when the world was on lockdown, I was in bed unable to breathe and struggling with severe body aches. I had a bag packed and was ready to go to the hospital, which was already overflowing with people suffering from what we would soon learn was [COVID-19](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/covid-in-2023). Early in the pandemic, the only option we had was over-the-counter remedies, and I was self-treating with Tylenol. Luckily, I was able to make a full recovery, but so many weren’t as lucky. So, when Paxlovid, a drug designed to help prevent hospitalization and death from COVID, was approved for emergency use in December 2021, there seemed to be a collective sigh of relief. However, there’s still a lot of confusion around the benefits of the drug, the side effects to watch out for, and the precautions that people need to take. In addition, with the [FDA approval](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19-adults) of Paxlovid in May 2023, the federal government has decided to no longer fund the drug, meaning that by the beginning of 2025, people may have to pay for it—and it could be pricey. With that in mind, you may be wondering if Paxlovid is worth it. But the bigger question is: Do you actually need it? To answer all of these questions, we spoke with [Bruce Farber, MD](https://www.northwell.edu/find-care/find-a-doctor/dr-bruce-frederick-farber-md-11307862), an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health. ### How Paxlovid works Paxlovid is a combination of nirmatrelivir, an antiviral drug that stops replication of the virus, and ritonavir, a drug used to treat HIV. Ritonavir prevents the degradation of nirmatrelivir, slowing down the body’s elimination of the antiviral agent so that it sticks around long enough to do its job. The standard dose is three pills a day for five days and can only be accessed with a prescription from your doctor. * ### Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to our newsletter and get the same great content delivered straight to your inbox\! By providing your email address, you agree to receive email communication from The Well. * When taken within five days of the onset of symptoms, Paxlovid has an 86% rate of reduction in the risk of COVID-related hospitalizations or death. “It has little to no effect if it’s begun five days or more after the onset of symptoms, so if you’re going to use this drug to treat COVID, you’ve got to treat it relatively early,” explains Farber. Most people who start out with mild symptoms often hold off on taking Paxlovid until symptoms progress, but by then it’s too late to begin treatment. ### Who should take Paxlovid? According to Farber, the latest COVID strains no longer cause serious disease in the overwhelming majority of people. “In healthy people who generally do well with COVID, there was no significant difference in improvement,” he explains. “The improvement was demonstrated only in those people who have risk factors, which increases the risk of them getting sick and winding up in the hospital.” People who are [immunocompromised](https://thewell.northwell.edu/well-informed/immune-compromised-coronavirus), immunosuppressed, HIV infected, or who are elderly with comorbidities (other health conditions) are most at risk for hospitalization and death. “I’m not prescribing Paxlovid to otherwise healthy people, I’m giving it to people in those subcategories who are more likely to get sick,” notes Farber. People in these populations who took Paxlovid felt better significantly quicker. ### What about side effects? Paxlovid is considered very safe and doesn’t have serious long-term side effects. However, many people do experience a metallic chalky taste in their mouth. The drug can also make you nauseated and cause diarrhea. A bigger issue for some people is that Paxlovid can negatively interact with other medications. “There’s over a dozen drug interactions, including psychiatric medications, cardiac medications, and lipid drugs,” explains Farber. If you’re considering Paxlovid, let your doctor know what medicine you’re on so together you can decide if the benefits outweigh the risks, and if you need to temporarily stop your other medications. Many people who consider taking Paxlovid are also worried about COVID rebound. This is when you begin feeling better and suddenly have a reoccurrence of symptoms. It’s still unclear why and how often rebound occurs with Paxlovid. But Farber explains that a potential rebound shouldn’t be part of your decision to take Paxlovid because it can happen even without the drug, and, if it does occur, it isn’t usually serious. ### What else can you do to feel better? If you come down with COVID, there are many [over-the-counter](https://www.northwell.edu/news/insights/how-covid-antiviral-treatments-work) options that can help you feel comfortable. “There’s no magic bullet, but some people get relief from Motrin, Tylenol, and other pain relievers, as well as decongestants” says Farber. The one thing that can help more than anything is to continue to get [vaccinated](https://thewell.northwell.edu/covid/vaccine-myths-debunked). While vaccines don’t prevent COVID after two or three months, they do decrease the viral load and the severity of the disease. There’s going to be a new monoclonal antibody on the market soon for immunosuppressed people who can’t take the traditional vaccine, and there are also new medications in the works that will offer alternatives to Paxlovid. And if you have COVID symptoms, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. Don’t wait for it to get worse.
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