Take Control of Your Herpes

Yes, online herpes treatment is completely safe and legitimate when using licensed telehealth services. All platforms we list use licensed US physicians who review your medical history before prescribing. They provide the same medications (valacyclovir, acyclovir) as in-person doctors, from licensed US pharmacies. Herpes is well-suited for telehealth because it's a straightforward diagnosis and treatment.

Episodic (outbreak) treatment costs $30-55 for a 10-day supply of valacyclovir including consultation. Suppressive (daily) therapy costs $25-45 per month. Many services accept insurance which can significantly reduce medication costs. Without insurance, generic valacyclovir is very affordable compared to in-person care.

Episodic therapy means taking medication only during outbreaks (usually 3-10 days per outbreak). Suppressive therapy means taking a daily low-dose medication to prevent outbreaks. Suppressive therapy is recommended if you have 6+ outbreaks per year, are in an active sexual relationship, or want to reduce transmission risk to a partner by about 50%.

Yes, all herpes medication arrives in completely discreet packaging. Boxes and envelopes have no logos, no medical labels, and return addresses don't mention telehealth services. Nurx is particularly known for exceptional discretion. Billing on credit cards also uses generic company names, not 'herpes medication' or anything identifiable.

Online doctors prescribe valacyclovir, which is the generic version of Valtrex. It's the exact same medication with the same active ingredient and dosage. Generic valacyclovir is FDA-approved as bioequivalent to brand-name Valtrex and works identically. Most online services focus on affordable generics rather than expensive brand-name options.

No, you don't need an active outbreak. You can get suppressive therapy (daily prevention medication) even between outbreaks. For episodic therapy, it's best to have medication on hand before an outbreak starts, as early treatment is most effective. Most services allow you to keep emergency supplies for fast treatment at first signs of an outbreak.

Valacyclovir works fastest when taken at the very first sign of an outbreak (tingling, itching, or burning). Taken within 24 hours of symptom onset, it can significantly shorten outbreak duration and severity. For suppressive therapy, it takes about 1-2 weeks of daily use to reach maximum effectiveness in preventing outbreaks.

Some online services offer herpes testing through at-home test kits or partner labs. However, most platforms require a confirmed diagnosis before prescribing treatment. If you suspect you have herpes but haven't been tested, consider using a service like Everlywell or LifeMD that offers testing alongside treatment.

Some platforms like Nurx accept insurance for medication costs (though consultation fees are usually out-of-pocket). Other services like Lemonaid and Ro are cash-pay only. However, generic valacyclovir is so affordable that cash prices ($25-45/month for suppressive therapy) are often comparable to insurance copays anyway.

Yes, daily suppressive therapy with valacyclovir reduces transmission risk to partners by approximately 50%. Combined with consistent condom use and avoiding sex during outbreaks, you can significantly reduce (but not eliminate) transmission risk. Online doctors can provide guidance on safer sex practices and partner communication.