evidence: Medications to treat COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and started within 5–7 days after symptoms appear. [...] People have been seriously harmed (and have even died) after taking products not approved for use to treat or prevent COVID-19, even if they were approved or prescribed for other uses. The right medications for COVID-19 can help reduce your risk of severe illness. Talk to a healthcare provider about taking medications to treat COVID-19. [...] Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (Medication for Preventing COVID-19)