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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 194 (from laksa012)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa194.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://www.rush.edu/news/taking-paxlovid-covid-19-what-expect\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.rush.edu/news/taking-paxlovid-covid-19-what-expect\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/news\/taking-paxlovid-covid-19-what-expect","crawl_time":1775440072,"first_indexed_time":1653586562,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"edu,rush!www,\/news\/taking-paxlovid-covid-19-what-expect s443","src_root_hash":"16139914032830663994","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Taking Paxlovid for COVID-19: What To Expect | Rush","meta_descriptions":["Benefits, side effects and more about this increasingly common COVID-19 treatment."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"If you notice a nasty taste in your mouth after taking the antiviral pill Paxlovid for COVID-19, you’re not imagining it.\n“About 5.6% of people who took Paxlovid in a study reported dysgeusia, which is a change in the taste in your mouth,” says\nShivanjali Shankaran, MD\n, an infectious disease specialist at Rush.\nPeople who get what’s being called “Paxlovid mouth” often notice a bitter or metallic taste in their mouth shortly after taking their first set of pills. Other\nmore colorful descriptions\nhave been reported in the media.\n“Fortunately, the bad taste goes away once you stop the medication and it gets out of your system,” Shankaran says.\nHaving a bad taste in your mouth may be a small price to pay for the benefits of taking the antiviral if you are at high risk for severe COVID-19. The drug\nhas been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 by 88%\nif taken within five days of getting symptoms.\nUnderstanding the rebound effect\nDespite Paxlovid’s efficacy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\nhas reported\nthat some patients who take the antiviral may experience a “rebound effect” within the first week after their recovery.\nYou may have a rebound if you notice mild COVID-19 symptoms briefly return. You can also have a positive COVID-19 test after having a negative test. However, the CDC noted that the rebound effect may happen whether or not someone takes Paxlovid.\n“During the initial study on Paxlovid, they found a small percentage of people in both the group taking Paxlovid and the group taking the placebo had a positive COVID-19 test a few days later. So, it’s hard to say that this rebound is purely because of the drug,” Shankaran says. However, one theory is that the drug may be given to some people before the virus has replicated and spread through their body. “It may be that the body hasn’t had an opportunity to ‘see’ the virus and produce the antibodies yet, and that’s why some people have a rebound,” she explains.\nIt’s not clear if some patients may be more likely to have a rebound effect, but Shankaran suspects the elderly and those with weakened immune systems may be most at risk because their bodies may not produce enough antibodies.\nIf you experience a rebound of COVID-19, CDC says you can reduce your risk of transmitting the virus to others by wearing a mask and following their\nadvice on isolation\n. These recommendations apply whether you take an antiviral for COVID-19 or not.\nPaxlovid vs. omicron\nIt’s hard to know for sure how well Paxlovid works against the latest omicron variants, including\nthe now dominant BA.2.12.1\n, given that most of the research on the drug is a year old, Shankaran says.\n“The studies were all done with prior variants, but we believe the medication still has efficacy against the newer variants because they affect the protease enzyme that the coronavirus needs to replicate, and this hasn’t changed with the many mutations of omicron,” she says. “Additionally, the company that produces the drug\nperformed in vitro studies\n, which showed it maintained its efficacy against the omicron variant.” In her practice, patients typically say their COVID-19 symptoms start improving within a day or two of starting Paxlovid.\nWho can take Paxlovid\nPaxlovid, a combination of the drugs nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, can be prescribed for people 12 and older\nwho are at risk for severe COVID-19\n. This includes those with cancer, heart disease, obesity and a range of other conditions.\nTo be effective, Paxlovid must be started within five days of symptoms appearing. Treatment involves taking three pills, twice a day for five days.\nHowever, Paxlovid is not for everyone, including people with severe kidney disease. Paxlovid can also interact with many drugs, so some people may need to reduce their dosage of certain medications or temporarily halt them while they are taking the antiviral. For people who aren’t candidates for Paxlovid, either a monoclonal antibody or another antiviral pill called molnupiravir may be better options, Shankaran says.\nWhere to find COVID-19 treatments\nConsidering that\nnearly 80,000 people\ntook Paxlovid during just one week in April, the drug’s availability has significantly improved since January. However, it’s still not available at every pharmacy, and you need a prescription from a provider, Shankaran says.\nRush carries Paxlovid in the\nRush Professional Building Pharmacy\n. The U.S. government also maintains a\nCOVID-19 therapeutics locator\nthat can help you and your doctor find Paxlovid and other treatments near you.\nIf you think you might have COVID-19, Shankaran recommends testing as soon as possible especially if you are a candidate for Paxlovid.\n“You have to start the medication within five days,” she says. “So, the quicker you have the diagnosis, the quicker you can get it.”\nIf you think you might have COVID-19,\nRush Connect Virtual Urgent Care\noffers variety of ways to reach a provider, including same-day appointments.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/news\/taking-paxlovid-covid-19-what-expect#main-content)\n\n[Call (888) 352-RUSH (7874)](tel:8883527874)\n\n- [Schedule Appointment](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/schedule-your-medical-appointment-rush)\n- [Call (312) 942-7874](tel:3129427874)\n- [MyChart](https:\/\/mychart.rush.edu\/)\n\n- [Pay Bill](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/patients-visitors\/billing)\n- [Refer a Patient](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/medical-professional-resources\/refer-or-transfer-patient)\n- [Giving](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/giving)\n- [Rush University](http:\/\/www.rushu.rush.edu\/)\n\n[I am a…](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/news\/taking-paxlovid-covid-19-what-expect)\n\nClose\n\n![Personality Icon](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/themes\/rush_theme\/public\/images\/persona-icon.svg)  Select from the list below to customize your experience:   [Select a new category](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/news\/taking-paxlovid-covid-19-what-expect)\n\nI am a:\n\n- [Medical Professional](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/)\n  - 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Other [more colorful descriptions](https:\/\/www.theatlantic.com\/health\/archive\/2022\/05\/pfizer-paxlovid-covid-pill-side-effects\/629772\/) have been reported in the media.\n\n“Fortunately, the bad taste goes away once you stop the medication and it gets out of your system,” Shankaran says.\n\nHaving a bad taste in your mouth may be a small price to pay for the benefits of taking the antiviral if you are at high risk for severe COVID-19. The drug [has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 by 88%](https:\/\/www.pfizer.com\/news\/press-release\/press-release-detail\/pfizer-announces-additional-phase-23-study-results) if taken within five days of getting symptoms.\n\n## Understanding the rebound effect\nDespite Paxlovid’s efficacy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [has reported](https:\/\/archive.cdc.gov\/#\/details?url=https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/han\/2022\/han00467.html) that some patients who take the antiviral may experience a “rebound effect” within the first week after their recovery.\n\nYou may have a rebound if you notice mild COVID-19 symptoms briefly return. You can also have a positive COVID-19 test after having a negative test. However, the CDC noted that the rebound effect may happen whether or not someone takes Paxlovid.\n\n“During the initial study on Paxlovid, they found a small percentage of people in both the group taking Paxlovid and the group taking the placebo had a positive COVID-19 test a few days later. So, it’s hard to say that this rebound is purely because of the drug,” Shankaran says. However, one theory is that the drug may be given to some people before the virus has replicated and spread through their body. “It may be that the body hasn’t had an opportunity to ‘see’ the virus and produce the antibodies yet, and that’s why some people have a rebound,” she explains.\n\nIt’s not clear if some patients may be more likely to have a rebound effect, but Shankaran suspects the elderly and those with weakened immune systems may be most at risk because their bodies may not produce enough antibodies.\n\nIf you experience a rebound of COVID-19, CDC says you can reduce your risk of transmitting the virus to others by wearing a mask and following their [advice on isolation](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/). These recommendations apply whether you take an antiviral for COVID-19 or not.\n\n## Paxlovid vs. omicron\nIt’s hard to know for sure how well Paxlovid works against the latest omicron variants, including [the now dominant BA.2.12.1](https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#variant-proportions), given that most of the research on the drug is a year old, Shankaran says.\n\n“The studies were all done with prior variants, but we believe the medication still has efficacy against the newer variants because they affect the protease enzyme that the coronavirus needs to replicate, and this hasn’t changed with the many mutations of omicron,” she says. “Additionally, the company that produces the drug [performed in vitro studies](https:\/\/www.pfizer.com\/news\/press-release\/press-release-detail\/pfizer-shares-vitro-efficacy-novel-covid-19-oral-treatment), which showed it maintained its efficacy against the omicron variant.” In her practice, patients typically say their COVID-19 symptoms start improving within a day or two of starting Paxlovid.\n\n## Who can take Paxlovid\nPaxlovid, a combination of the drugs nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, can be prescribed for people 12 and older [who are at risk for severe COVID-19](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/underlying-conditions.html). This includes those with cancer, heart disease, obesity and a range of other conditions.\n\nTo be effective, Paxlovid must be started within five days of symptoms appearing. Treatment involves taking three pills, twice a day for five days.\n\nHowever, Paxlovid is not for everyone, including people with severe kidney disease. Paxlovid can also interact with many drugs, so some people may need to reduce their dosage of certain medications or temporarily halt them while they are taking the antiviral. For people who aren’t candidates for Paxlovid, either a monoclonal antibody or another antiviral pill called molnupiravir may be better options, Shankaran says.\n\n## Where to find COVID-19 treatments\nConsidering that [nearly 80,000 people](https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2022\/05\/03\/pfizer-paxlovid-prescriptions-to-treat-covid-increased-tenfold-in-us-since-late-february.html) took Paxlovid during just one week in April, the drug’s availability has significantly improved since January. However, it’s still not available at every pharmacy, and you need a prescription from a provider, Shankaran says.\n\nRush carries Paxlovid in the [Rush Professional Building Pharmacy](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/locations\/professional-building-pharmacy). The U.S. government also maintains a [COVID-19 therapeutics locator](https:\/\/covid-19-therapeutics-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com\/) that can help you and your doctor find Paxlovid and other treatments near you.\n\nIf you think you might have COVID-19, Shankaran recommends testing as soon as possible especially if you are a candidate for Paxlovid.\n\n“You have to start the medication within five days,” she says. “So, the quicker you have the diagnosis, the quicker you can get it.”\n\n*If you think you might have COVID-19,* [*Rush Connect Virtual Urgent Care*](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/schedule-your-medical-appointment-rush\/demand-virtual-urgent-care) *offers variety of ways to reach a provider, including same-day appointments.*\n\n- [Content Hub](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/news\/search?tag=4886)\n\n[Find a Doctor](https:\/\/doctors.rush.edu\/) [Find a Location](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/locations) [Make an Appointment](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/schedule-your-medical-appointment-rush)\n\n[Sign Up for Our E-Newsletters\\!](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/newsletter\/signup)\n\n#### Related Doctors\n![Shivanjali Shankaran, MD](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/237x296\/public\/doctors\/17433.jpg?itok=yU26DheQ)\n\n[Shivanjali Shankaran, MD](https:\/\/doctors.rush.edu\/details\/17433)\n\nInfectious Disease\n\n## Rush Connect+: Easy, Affordable Health Care, 24\/7\n![Woman using a tablet for telemedicine](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/334x223\/public\/media-images\/connect-plus-lady-logo-570x380.jpg?itok=iBilWT8A)\n\n## Rush Connect+: Easy, Affordable Health Care, 24\/7\nIntroducing Rush Connect+, our health care membership designed for everyday health concerns. Get peace of mind with 24\/7 nationwide virtual urgent care and an on-call human assistant who is your convenient, single point of contact for any Rush care needs. It’s one-on-one help and support — now available for everybody. 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Some of the physicians featured are in private practice and, as independent practitioners, are not agents or employees of Rush University Medical Center, Rush Copley Medical Center or Rush Oak Park Hospital.\n\nPowered by[Fabric](https:\/\/www.fabrichealth.com\/)\n\nWhat can I help you with?\n\nClose","attrs_readable_markdown":"If you notice a nasty taste in your mouth after taking the antiviral pill Paxlovid for COVID-19, you’re not imagining it.\n\n“About 5.6% of people who took Paxlovid in a study reported dysgeusia, which is a change in the taste in your mouth,” says [Shivanjali Shankaran, MD](https:\/\/doctors.rush.edu\/details\/17433), an infectious disease specialist at Rush.\n\nPeople who get what’s being called “Paxlovid mouth” often notice a bitter or metallic taste in their mouth shortly after taking their first set of pills. Other [more colorful descriptions](https:\/\/www.theatlantic.com\/health\/archive\/2022\/05\/pfizer-paxlovid-covid-pill-side-effects\/629772\/) have been reported in the media.\n\n“Fortunately, the bad taste goes away once you stop the medication and it gets out of your system,” Shankaran says.\n\nHaving a bad taste in your mouth may be a small price to pay for the benefits of taking the antiviral if you are at high risk for severe COVID-19. The drug [has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 by 88%](https:\/\/www.pfizer.com\/news\/press-release\/press-release-detail\/pfizer-announces-additional-phase-23-study-results) if taken within five days of getting symptoms.\n\n## Understanding the rebound effect\nDespite Paxlovid’s efficacy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [has reported](https:\/\/archive.cdc.gov\/#\/details?url=https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/han\/2022\/han00467.html) that some patients who take the antiviral may experience a “rebound effect” within the first week after their recovery.\n\nYou may have a rebound if you notice mild COVID-19 symptoms briefly return. You can also have a positive COVID-19 test after having a negative test. However, the CDC noted that the rebound effect may happen whether or not someone takes Paxlovid.\n\n“During the initial study on Paxlovid, they found a small percentage of people in both the group taking Paxlovid and the group taking the placebo had a positive COVID-19 test a few days later. So, it’s hard to say that this rebound is purely because of the drug,” Shankaran says. However, one theory is that the drug may be given to some people before the virus has replicated and spread through their body. “It may be that the body hasn’t had an opportunity to ‘see’ the virus and produce the antibodies yet, and that’s why some people have a rebound,” she explains.\n\nIt’s not clear if some patients may be more likely to have a rebound effect, but Shankaran suspects the elderly and those with weakened immune systems may be most at risk because their bodies may not produce enough antibodies.\n\nIf you experience a rebound of COVID-19, CDC says you can reduce your risk of transmitting the virus to others by wearing a mask and following their [advice on isolation](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/). These recommendations apply whether you take an antiviral for COVID-19 or not.\n\n## Paxlovid vs. omicron\nIt’s hard to know for sure how well Paxlovid works against the latest omicron variants, including [the now dominant BA.2.12.1](https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#variant-proportions), given that most of the research on the drug is a year old, Shankaran says.\n\n“The studies were all done with prior variants, but we believe the medication still has efficacy against the newer variants because they affect the protease enzyme that the coronavirus needs to replicate, and this hasn’t changed with the many mutations of omicron,” she says. “Additionally, the company that produces the drug [performed in vitro studies](https:\/\/www.pfizer.com\/news\/press-release\/press-release-detail\/pfizer-shares-vitro-efficacy-novel-covid-19-oral-treatment), which showed it maintained its efficacy against the omicron variant.” In her practice, patients typically say their COVID-19 symptoms start improving within a day or two of starting Paxlovid.\n\n## Who can take Paxlovid\nPaxlovid, a combination of the drugs nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, can be prescribed for people 12 and older [who are at risk for severe COVID-19](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/underlying-conditions.html). This includes those with cancer, heart disease, obesity and a range of other conditions.\n\nTo be effective, Paxlovid must be started within five days of symptoms appearing. Treatment involves taking three pills, twice a day for five days.\n\nHowever, Paxlovid is not for everyone, including people with severe kidney disease. Paxlovid can also interact with many drugs, so some people may need to reduce their dosage of certain medications or temporarily halt them while they are taking the antiviral. For people who aren’t candidates for Paxlovid, either a monoclonal antibody or another antiviral pill called molnupiravir may be better options, Shankaran says.\n\n## Where to find COVID-19 treatments\nConsidering that [nearly 80,000 people](https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2022\/05\/03\/pfizer-paxlovid-prescriptions-to-treat-covid-increased-tenfold-in-us-since-late-february.html) took Paxlovid during just one week in April, the drug’s availability has significantly improved since January. However, it’s still not available at every pharmacy, and you need a prescription from a provider, Shankaran says.\n\nRush carries Paxlovid in the [Rush Professional Building Pharmacy](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/locations\/professional-building-pharmacy). The U.S. government also maintains a [COVID-19 therapeutics locator](https:\/\/covid-19-therapeutics-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com\/) that can help you and your doctor find Paxlovid and other treatments near you.\n\nIf you think you might have COVID-19, Shankaran recommends testing as soon as possible especially if you are a candidate for Paxlovid.\n\n“You have to start the medication within five days,” she says. “So, the quicker you have the diagnosis, the quicker you can get it.”\n\n*If you think you might have COVID-19,* [*Rush Connect Virtual Urgent Care*](https:\/\/www.rush.edu\/schedule-your-medical-appointment-rush\/demand-virtual-urgent-care) *offers variety of ways to reach a provider, including same-day appointments.*","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	If you notice a nasty taste in your mouth after taking the antiviral pill Paxlovid for COVID-19, you’re not imagining it. “About 5.6% of people who took Paxlovid in a study reported dysgeusia, which is a change in the taste in your mouth,” says Shivanjali Shankaran, MD , an infectious disease specialist at Rush. People who get what’s being called “Paxlovid mouth” often notice a bitter or metallic taste in their mouth shortly after taking their first set of pills. Other more colorful descriptions have been reported in the media. “Fortunately, the bad taste goes away once you stop the medication and it gets out of your system,” Shankaran says. Having a bad taste in your mouth may be a small price to pay for the benefits of taking the antiviral if you are at high risk for severe COVID-19. The drug has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 by 88% if taken within five days of getting symptoms. Understanding the rebound effect Despite Paxlovid’s efficacy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that some patients who take the antiviral may experience a “rebound effect” within the first week after their recovery. You may have a rebound if you notice mild COVID-19 symptoms briefly return. You can also have a positive COVID-19 test after having a negative test. However, the CDC noted that the rebound effect may happen whether or not someone takes Paxlovid. “During the initial study on Paxlovid, they found a small percentage of people in both the group taking Paxlovid and the group taking the placebo had a positive COVID-19 test a few days later. So, it’s hard to say that this rebound is purely because of the drug,” Shankaran says. However, one theory is that the drug may be given to some people before the virus has replicated and spread through their body. “It may be that the body hasn’t had an opportunity to ‘see’ the virus and produce the antibodies yet, and that’s why some people have a rebound,” she explains. It’s not clear if some patients may be more likely to have a rebound effect, but Shankaran suspects the elderly and those with weakened immune systems may be most at risk because their bodies may not produce enough antibodies. If you experience a rebound of COVID-19, CDC says you can reduce your risk of transmitting the virus to others by wearing a mask and following their advice on isolation . These recommendations apply whether you take an antiviral for COVID-19 or not. Paxlovid vs. omicron It’s hard to know for sure how well Paxlovid works against the latest omicron variants, including the now dominant BA.2.12.1 , given that most of the research on the drug is a year old, Shankaran says. “The studies were all done with prior variants, but we believe the medication still has efficacy against the newer variants because they affect the protease enzyme that the coronavirus needs to replicate, and this hasn’t changed with the many mutations of omicron,” she says. “Additionally, the company that produces the drug performed in vitro studies , which showed it maintained its efficacy against the omicron variant.” In her practice, patients typically say their COVID-19 symptoms start improving within a day or two of starting Paxlovid. Who can take Paxlovid Paxlovid, a combination of the drugs nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, can be prescribed for people 12 and older who are at risk for severe COVID-19 . This includes those with cancer, heart disease, obesity and a range of other conditions. To be effective, Paxlovid must be started within five days of symptoms appearing. Treatment involves taking three pills, twice a day for five days. However, Paxlovid is not for everyone, including people with severe kidney disease. Paxlovid can also interact with many drugs, so some people may need to reduce their dosage of certain medications or temporarily halt them while they are taking the antiviral. For people who aren’t candidates for Paxlovid, either a monoclonal antibody or another antiviral pill called molnupiravir may be better options, Shankaran says. Where to find COVID-19 treatments Considering that nearly 80,000 people took Paxlovid during just one week in April, the drug’s availability has significantly improved since January. However, it’s still not available at every pharmacy, and you need a prescription from a provider, Shankaran says. Rush carries Paxlovid in the Rush Professional Building Pharmacy . The U.S. government also maintains a COVID-19 therapeutics locator that can help you and your doctor find Paxlovid and other treatments near you. If you think you might have COVID-19, Shankaran recommends testing as soon as possible especially if you are a candidate for Paxlovid. “You have to start the medication within five days,” she says. “So, the quicker you have the diagnosis, the quicker you can get it.” If you think you might have COVID-19, Rush Connect Virtual Urgent Care offers variety of ways to reach a provider, including same-day appointments.
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[Share via Email](<mailto:?subject=Taking Paxlovid for COVID-19: What To Expect&body=https://www.rush.edu/news/taking-paxlovid-covid-19-what-expect>) ![Paxlovid pill](https://www.rush.edu/sites/default/files/styles/386x217/public/media-images/paxlovid-pill-feature.jpg?itok=uo1kloy1) By Laura Hegwer If you notice a nasty taste in your mouth after taking the antiviral pill Paxlovid for COVID-19, you’re not imagining it. “About 5.6% of people who took Paxlovid in a study reported dysgeusia, which is a change in the taste in your mouth,” says [Shivanjali Shankaran, MD](https://doctors.rush.edu/details/17433), an infectious disease specialist at Rush. People who get what’s being called “Paxlovid mouth” often notice a bitter or metallic taste in their mouth shortly after taking their first set of pills. Other [more colorful descriptions](https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2022/05/pfizer-paxlovid-covid-pill-side-effects/629772/) have been reported in the media. “Fortunately, the bad taste goes away once you stop the medication and it gets out of your system,” Shankaran says. Having a bad taste in your mouth may be a small price to pay for the benefits of taking the antiviral if you are at high risk for severe COVID-19. The drug [has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 by 88%](https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-announces-additional-phase-23-study-results) if taken within five days of getting symptoms. ## Understanding the rebound effect Despite Paxlovid’s efficacy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [has reported](https://archive.cdc.gov/#/details?url=https://www.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00467.html) that some patients who take the antiviral may experience a “rebound effect” within the first week after their recovery. You may have a rebound if you notice mild COVID-19 symptoms briefly return. You can also have a positive COVID-19 test after having a negative test. However, the CDC noted that the rebound effect may happen whether or not someone takes Paxlovid. “During the initial study on Paxlovid, they found a small percentage of people in both the group taking Paxlovid and the group taking the placebo had a positive COVID-19 test a few days later. So, it’s hard to say that this rebound is purely because of the drug,” Shankaran says. However, one theory is that the drug may be given to some people before the virus has replicated and spread through their body. “It may be that the body hasn’t had an opportunity to ‘see’ the virus and produce the antibodies yet, and that’s why some people have a rebound,” she explains. It’s not clear if some patients may be more likely to have a rebound effect, but Shankaran suspects the elderly and those with weakened immune systems may be most at risk because their bodies may not produce enough antibodies. If you experience a rebound of COVID-19, CDC says you can reduce your risk of transmitting the virus to others by wearing a mask and following their [advice on isolation](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/). These recommendations apply whether you take an antiviral for COVID-19 or not. ## Paxlovid vs. omicron It’s hard to know for sure how well Paxlovid works against the latest omicron variants, including [the now dominant BA.2.12.1](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions), given that most of the research on the drug is a year old, Shankaran says. “The studies were all done with prior variants, but we believe the medication still has efficacy against the newer variants because they affect the protease enzyme that the coronavirus needs to replicate, and this hasn’t changed with the many mutations of omicron,” she says. “Additionally, the company that produces the drug [performed in vitro studies](https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-shares-vitro-efficacy-novel-covid-19-oral-treatment), which showed it maintained its efficacy against the omicron variant.” In her practice, patients typically say their COVID-19 symptoms start improving within a day or two of starting Paxlovid. ## Who can take Paxlovid Paxlovid, a combination of the drugs nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, can be prescribed for people 12 and older [who are at risk for severe COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html). This includes those with cancer, heart disease, obesity and a range of other conditions. To be effective, Paxlovid must be started within five days of symptoms appearing. Treatment involves taking three pills, twice a day for five days. However, Paxlovid is not for everyone, including people with severe kidney disease. Paxlovid can also interact with many drugs, so some people may need to reduce their dosage of certain medications or temporarily halt them while they are taking the antiviral. For people who aren’t candidates for Paxlovid, either a monoclonal antibody or another antiviral pill called molnupiravir may be better options, Shankaran says. ## Where to find COVID-19 treatments Considering that [nearly 80,000 people](https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/03/pfizer-paxlovid-prescriptions-to-treat-covid-increased-tenfold-in-us-since-late-february.html) took Paxlovid during just one week in April, the drug’s availability has significantly improved since January. However, it’s still not available at every pharmacy, and you need a prescription from a provider, Shankaran says. Rush carries Paxlovid in the [Rush Professional Building Pharmacy](https://www.rush.edu/locations/professional-building-pharmacy). The U.S. government also maintains a [COVID-19 therapeutics locator](https://covid-19-therapeutics-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/) that can help you and your doctor find Paxlovid and other treatments near you. If you think you might have COVID-19, Shankaran recommends testing as soon as possible especially if you are a candidate for Paxlovid. “You have to start the medication within five days,” she says. “So, the quicker you have the diagnosis, the quicker you can get it.” If you think you might have COVID-19, [Rush Connect Virtual Urgent Care](https://www.rush.edu/schedule-your-medical-appointment-rush/demand-virtual-urgent-care) offers variety of ways to reach a provider, including same-day appointments. - [Content Hub](https://www.rush.edu/news/search?tag=4886) [Find a Doctor](https://doctors.rush.edu/) [Find a Location](https://www.rush.edu/locations) [Make an Appointment](https://www.rush.edu/schedule-your-medical-appointment-rush) [Sign Up for Our E-Newsletters\!](https://www.rush.edu/newsletter/signup) #### Related Doctors ![Shivanjali Shankaran, MD](https://www.rush.edu/sites/default/files/styles/237x296/public/doctors/17433.jpg?itok=yU26DheQ) [Shivanjali Shankaran, MD](https://doctors.rush.edu/details/17433) Infectious Disease ## Rush Connect+: Easy, Affordable Health Care, 24/7 ![Woman using a tablet for telemedicine](https://www.rush.edu/sites/default/files/styles/334x223/public/media-images/connect-plus-lady-logo-570x380.jpg?itok=iBilWT8A) ## Rush Connect+: Easy, Affordable Health Care, 24/7 Introducing Rush Connect+, our health care membership designed for everyday health concerns. 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Readable Markdown	If you notice a nasty taste in your mouth after taking the antiviral pill Paxlovid for COVID-19, you’re not imagining it. “About 5.6% of people who took Paxlovid in a study reported dysgeusia, which is a change in the taste in your mouth,” says [Shivanjali Shankaran, MD](https://doctors.rush.edu/details/17433), an infectious disease specialist at Rush. People who get what’s being called “Paxlovid mouth” often notice a bitter or metallic taste in their mouth shortly after taking their first set of pills. Other [more colorful descriptions](https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2022/05/pfizer-paxlovid-covid-pill-side-effects/629772/) have been reported in the media. “Fortunately, the bad taste goes away once you stop the medication and it gets out of your system,” Shankaran says. Having a bad taste in your mouth may be a small price to pay for the benefits of taking the antiviral if you are at high risk for severe COVID-19. The drug [has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 by 88%](https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-announces-additional-phase-23-study-results) if taken within five days of getting symptoms. ## Understanding the rebound effect Despite Paxlovid’s efficacy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [has reported](https://archive.cdc.gov/#/details?url=https://www.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00467.html) that some patients who take the antiviral may experience a “rebound effect” within the first week after their recovery. You may have a rebound if you notice mild COVID-19 symptoms briefly return. You can also have a positive COVID-19 test after having a negative test. However, the CDC noted that the rebound effect may happen whether or not someone takes Paxlovid. “During the initial study on Paxlovid, they found a small percentage of people in both the group taking Paxlovid and the group taking the placebo had a positive COVID-19 test a few days later. So, it’s hard to say that this rebound is purely because of the drug,” Shankaran says. However, one theory is that the drug may be given to some people before the virus has replicated and spread through their body. “It may be that the body hasn’t had an opportunity to ‘see’ the virus and produce the antibodies yet, and that’s why some people have a rebound,” she explains. It’s not clear if some patients may be more likely to have a rebound effect, but Shankaran suspects the elderly and those with weakened immune systems may be most at risk because their bodies may not produce enough antibodies. If you experience a rebound of COVID-19, CDC says you can reduce your risk of transmitting the virus to others by wearing a mask and following their [advice on isolation](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/). These recommendations apply whether you take an antiviral for COVID-19 or not. ## Paxlovid vs. omicron It’s hard to know for sure how well Paxlovid works against the latest omicron variants, including [the now dominant BA.2.12.1](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions), given that most of the research on the drug is a year old, Shankaran says. “The studies were all done with prior variants, but we believe the medication still has efficacy against the newer variants because they affect the protease enzyme that the coronavirus needs to replicate, and this hasn’t changed with the many mutations of omicron,” she says. “Additionally, the company that produces the drug [performed in vitro studies](https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-shares-vitro-efficacy-novel-covid-19-oral-treatment), which showed it maintained its efficacy against the omicron variant.” In her practice, patients typically say their COVID-19 symptoms start improving within a day or two of starting Paxlovid. ## Who can take Paxlovid Paxlovid, a combination of the drugs nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, can be prescribed for people 12 and older [who are at risk for severe COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html). This includes those with cancer, heart disease, obesity and a range of other conditions. To be effective, Paxlovid must be started within five days of symptoms appearing. Treatment involves taking three pills, twice a day for five days. However, Paxlovid is not for everyone, including people with severe kidney disease. Paxlovid can also interact with many drugs, so some people may need to reduce their dosage of certain medications or temporarily halt them while they are taking the antiviral. For people who aren’t candidates for Paxlovid, either a monoclonal antibody or another antiviral pill called molnupiravir may be better options, Shankaran says. ## Where to find COVID-19 treatments Considering that [nearly 80,000 people](https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/03/pfizer-paxlovid-prescriptions-to-treat-covid-increased-tenfold-in-us-since-late-february.html) took Paxlovid during just one week in April, the drug’s availability has significantly improved since January. However, it’s still not available at every pharmacy, and you need a prescription from a provider, Shankaran says. Rush carries Paxlovid in the [Rush Professional Building Pharmacy](https://www.rush.edu/locations/professional-building-pharmacy). The U.S. government also maintains a [COVID-19 therapeutics locator](https://covid-19-therapeutics-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/) that can help you and your doctor find Paxlovid and other treatments near you. If you think you might have COVID-19, Shankaran recommends testing as soon as possible especially if you are a candidate for Paxlovid. “You have to start the medication within five days,” she says. “So, the quicker you have the diagnosis, the quicker you can get it.” If you think you might have COVID-19, [Rush Connect Virtual Urgent Care](https://www.rush.edu/schedule-your-medical-appointment-rush/demand-virtual-urgent-care) offers variety of ways to reach a provider, including same-day appointments.
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