Nurx Review

Overview

Nurx is a privacy-first telehealth platform founded in 2015, originally focused on birth control but now offering comprehensive sexual health services including herpes treatment. Known for exceptional discretion, supportive care, and educational resources, Nurx has become a trusted name for people seeking confidential STI treatment and prevention.

What Nurx Treats

Herpes Treatment (HSV-1 & HSV-2)

Episodic (Outbreak) Therapy:

• Valacyclovir (generic Valtrex): $30-45 per treatment course
  • 500mg or 1000mg options
  • 3-10 day treatment protocols
  • Keep on hand for outbreak management
• Acyclovir: $25-40 per treatment
  • Alternative if valacyclovir not suitable
  • More frequent dosing schedule

Suppressive (Daily) Therapy:

• Valacyclovir daily: $30/month
  • 500mg once daily (standard dose)
  • Reduces outbreak frequency by 70-80%
  • Reduces transmission risk to partners by ~50%
  • Best for: 6+ outbreaks per year or active relationship
• Acyclovir daily: $25/month
  • Twice-daily dosing
  • Slightly less convenient than valacyclovir

Cold Sore Treatment (Oral Herpes - HSV-1)

• Same medications as genital herpes
• Episodic treatment for lip/mouth outbreaks
• Suppressive therapy if frequent cold sores

PrEP (HIV Prevention)

• Truvada or generic emtricitabine/tenofovir
• Daily medication to prevent HIV
• Required lab testing every 3 months

Pricing Details

Herpes Treatment Costs

First-Time Episodic Treatment:

• $15 medical consultation
• $30-45 for medication (10-day supply)
• Free shipping
• Total: $45-60 for first treatment

Ongoing Episodic (Refills):

• No new consultation fee
• $30-45 per outbreak treatment
• Order as needed, keep extra supply on hand

Suppressive Therapy (Daily Prevention):

• $15 medical consultation (one-time)
• $30/month for valacyclovir
• Free shipping
• First month: $45
• Ongoing: $30/month

Annual Cost Comparison:

• Episodic (4 outbreaks/year): ~$180/year
• Suppressive therapy: $375/year
• In-person doctor + pharmacy: $500-800/year

Insurance Coverage

Nurx accepts most insurance plans for medication costs:

• Many insurance plans cover herpes antivirals
• Consultation fee typically not covered ($15 out-of-pocket)
• Can significantly reduce medication costs
• HSA/FSA cards accepted

How It Works

Simple 4-Step Process

1. Complete Online Assessment (10 minutes)

• Select treatment type (episodic vs suppressive)
• Answer health questions
• Provide outbreak history
• No video call required - all text-based

2. Medical Review (Within 24 hours)

• Licensed physician or nurse practitioner reviews
• Typically approved same day
• May ask follow-up questions via messaging

3. Choose Pharmacy

• Nurx pharmacy (default, fastest)
• Local pharmacy pickup option
• Insurance processing if applicable

4. Discreet Delivery

• Ships within 1-2 business days
• Arrives in 2-3 days typically
• Plain, unmarked packaging
• Free standard shipping

Privacy & Discretion

What Makes Nurx Stand Out

Ultra-Discreet Packaging:

• Plain brown boxes or padded envelopes
• No external logos or branding
• Return address is generic “Thirty Madison” (parent company)
• No mention of “Nurx” or medical service
• Inside packaging has no identifiable information

Billing Privacy:

• Charges appear as “Nurx” or “Thirty Madison”
• No mention of specific condition or medication
• Can use insurance without office visit record
• HIPAA-compliant data protection

Communication Privacy:

• All provider communication via secure messaging
• No phone calls unless you request
• Email notifications are generic
• Can disable notifications if needed

Why Choose Nurx for Herpes Treatment?

Strengths

1. Privacy Focus

• Built specifically for stigmatized conditions
• Staff trained in sensitivity and discretion
• Judgment-free approach
• Anonymous questionnaire

2. Educational Resources

• Comprehensive guides about herpes
• Transmission risk information
• Disclosure conversation tips
• Outbreak management strategies
• Partner safety information

3. Exceptional Support

• Medical team available 9 AM - 9 PM PT daily
• Quick response times
• Compassionate, knowledgeable staff
• Can discuss concerns freely

4. Suppressive Therapy Expertise

• Specializes in long-term management
• Helps determine if daily meds right for you
• Monitors effectiveness
• Easy dosage adjustments

5. Relationship Support

• Information for partners
• Transmission risk reduction strategies
• Guidance on disclosure conversations

Potential Drawbacks

1. Geographic Limitations

• Not available in Arkansas, Missouri, North Carolina
• May affect users who travel frequently to these states

2. Higher Prices Than Budget Platforms

• Lemonaid Health: $25/month suppressive
• Nurx: $30/month suppressive
• $60/year difference for peace of mind and support

3. No Same-Day Options

• 2-3 day delivery standard
• Can’t help urgent outbreak today
• Plan ahead by keeping episodic supply on hand

Who Is Nurx Best For?

Ideal Candidates

Recently Diagnosed:

• Need education and emotional support
• Want judgment-free, sensitive care
• Seeking guidance on partner communication
• Maximum discretion priority

Frequent Outbreaks:

• 3+ outbreaks per year
• Considering suppressive therapy
• Want specialist guidance on daily medication
• Need ongoing medical support

In Relationships:

• Active dating or in partnership
• Want to minimize transmission risk
• Need partner safety information
• Seeking medical advice on disclosure

Privacy-Concerned:

• Living with family/roommates
• Don’t want office visit records
• Need discreet packaging/billing
• Value confidentiality above all

May Not Be Best For

• Users in AR, MO, NC (service unavailable)
• Urgent same-day needs (no instant delivery)
• Budget-first shoppers (Lemonaid cheaper by $5/month)
• Those wanting all-in-one platform (limited to sexual health)

Consultation Experience

What to Expect:

Initial Assessment:

• Current outbreak status
• Frequency of outbreaks
• Previous treatments tried
• Medical history review
• Relationship status (for suppressive therapy consideration)

Medical Provider Communication:

• Text-based messaging
• Usually approved within 2-4 hours
• Can ask questions anytime
• Follow-up included in consultation

Treatment Recommendations:

• Episodic vs. suppressive guidance
• Dosing recommendations
• Lifestyle management tips
• When to seek in-person care

Comparison to Competitors

vs. Ro (Herpes Treatment)

• Nurx: Better privacy, more support
• Ro: More treatment variety overall
• Best for: Nurx for discretion, Ro for options

vs. Lemonaid Health (Herpes)

• Nurx: Better support, resources, insurance option
• Lemonaid: $5/month cheaper
• Best for: Nurx for support, Lemonaid for budget

vs. LifeMD/RexMD (Comprehensive Platforms)

• Nurx: Specialized herpes care, better privacy
• LifeMD: Multi-condition platform
• Best for: Nurx for herpes focus, LifeMD for multiple conditions

Customer Reviews

What Users Love

• “Most discreet service I’ve found - packaging is perfect”
• “The educational resources helped me understand my diagnosis”
• “Staff is incredibly compassionate and helpful”
• “Finally comfortable managing my herpes long-term”
• “Insurance acceptance saved me hundreds”

Common Complaints

• “Wish they were available in my state (NC)”
• “Slightly more expensive than Lemonaid”
• “Would like same-day delivery option”
• “Mobile app could use improvements”

Red Flags & When to See Doctor In-Person

Seek Emergency Care If:

• First outbreak with severe symptoms
• High fever (>101°F) during outbreak
• Urinary retention or inability to urinate
• Severe pain uncontrolled by OTC medication
• Headache, stiff neck (possible meningitis)

See In-Person Doctor For:

• Uncertain diagnosis (need testing confirmation)
• Frequent outbreaks despite suppressive therapy
• Pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Immunocompromised condition
• Genital sores not healing after treatment

Value Assessment

For Episodic Users (2-4 outbreaks/year):

• Cost: ~$180/year
• Value: Good for occasional needs
• Alternative: Keep supply on hand from Lemonaid to save $

For Suppressive Therapy Users:

• Cost: $375/year ($15 consult + $30/month × 12)
• Value: Excellent if you need support and resources
• Alternative: Lemonaid $325/year (save $50 but less support)

The Nurx Premium:

• +$50/year vs. Lemonaid
• What you get: Better support, education, discretion, insurance option
• Worth it if: You value guidance, privacy, or use insurance

Bottom Line

Nurx is the best choice for herpes treatment if privacy, support, and education are priorities. While not the absolute cheapest option, the “Nurx premium” of ~$50/year buys you best-in-class discretion, compassionate support, and comprehensive resources.

Choose Nurx if:

• Maximum privacy is essential
• You’re newly diagnosed and need support
• You want educational resources about herpes
• You’re considering suppressive therapy
• You value responsive customer support
• You have insurance that covers antivirals

Consider Lemonaid instead if:

• Price is your only concern
• You don’t need extra support or resources
• You’re experienced managing herpes
• You don’t use insurance

For most people with herpes, especially those newly diagnosed or in relationships, Nurx’s combination of privacy, support, and specialized care makes it worth the small premium over budget competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nurx really discreet?

Yes, Nurx is known for industry-leading discretion. Packaging has no branding, return address is generic “Thirty Madison,” and there’s nothing identifying the contents or service.

Do they accept insurance?

Yes, Nurx accepts most insurance plans for medication costs. The $15 consultation is typically out-of-pocket, but medication may be covered depending on your plan.

How fast is delivery?

Standard delivery is 2-3 days after prescription approval. Ships within 1-2 business days. No same-day or overnight options currently.

Can I get emergency outbreak supplies?

Yes, many users keep an extra episodic treatment supply on hand for quick access during outbreaks. Discuss with your provider.

What if I’m not sure I have herpes?

Nurx cannot diagnose herpes - you need testing first. They can provide treatment if you have a confirmed diagnosis or clear symptoms.

Can they help with disclosure conversations?

While providers can’t counsel directly, Nurx offers excellent written resources about disclosure, transmission risk, and partner communication.

Is suppressive therapy right for me?

Generally recommended if you have 6+ outbreaks per year, are in an active sexual relationship, or want to reduce transmission risk. Discuss with Nurx provider.

Can I switch from episodic to suppressive therapy later?

Yes, easily. Message your provider anytime to discuss changing treatment approach based on your needs.