Effective prescription treatment for herpes from the privacy of home

Prescription treatment for herpes can help reduce outbreaks, promote healing and lower the chance of transmission. Get started with a confidential health assessment with Dr. B.

Start genital herpes Consultation
Woman laying in bed wearing silk pajamas smiling into the rising sunshine
Middle-aged man sitting at his home's kitchen counter on phone

How Dr. B treats genital herpes

1
Health assessment with Dr. B

Tell us about your condition with a $15 online consultation. No video calls necessary.

2
Prescription sent to pharmacy

If a genital herpes prescription is recommended after a medical provider reviews your treatment, it will be sent to your pharmacy.

3
Get your medications

Pick up and pay for the medication at the pharmacy of your choice. Or, get it delivered.

How much will it cost?

Dr. B offers online consultations for $15, which is less than most co-pays. If a genital herpes prescription is appropriate, your out-of-pocket cost for your medication will depend on your insurance and where you decide to get your prescription filled.

Dr. B logo
$15
Online visit with Dr. B
+
CVS Pharmacy logo
Walmart logo
Rite Aid logo
Costco Wholesale logo
Walgreens logo
Prices vary

Medication

Herpes treatments at Dr. B

Dr. B offers several treatments for herpes. We’ve highlighted a few of our most popular and affordable options below, but you can also choose others, including both brand and generic medications.

Learn more about Valtrex
Icon of pill

Valtrex

Valtrex is a tablet used to treat both genital and oral herpes. It helps slow production of the herpes virus, which can result in pain relief, shorter outbreaks and prevention of future outbreaks.

Prescription length:

90 days

Application:

Tablet taken once a day

Typical pharmacy prices:

  • Prices start at (with insurance): $12
  • Prices start at (without insurance): $472
Get Started With Valtrex
Learn more about Valacyclovir
Icon of pill

Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir is the generic version of Valtrex and is prescribed for both genital and oral herpes. The drug can slow production of the herpes virus, which helps relieve pain and itching and reduces the chance of future outbreaks.

Prescription length:

90 days

Application:

Tablet taken once a day

Typical pharmacy prices:

  • Prices start at (with insurance): $0
  • Prices start at (without insurance): $41
Get Started With Valacyclovir
Learn more about ValtrexLearn more about Valacyclovir
Icon of pill

Valtrex

Valtrex is a tablet used to treat both genital and oral herpes. It helps slow production of the herpes virus, which can result in pain relief, shorter outbreaks and prevention of future outbreaks.

Icon of pill

Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir is the generic version of Valtrex and is prescribed for both genital and oral herpes. The drug can slow production of the herpes virus, which helps relieve pain and itching and reduces the chance of future outbreaks.

Prescription length:

90 days

Prescription length:

90 days

Application:

Tablet taken once a day

Application:

Tablet taken once a day

Typical pharmacy prices:

  • Prices start at (with insurance): $12
  • Prices start at (without insurance): $472

Typical pharmacy prices:

  • Prices start at (with insurance): $0
  • Prices start at (without insurance): $41
Get Started With ValtrexGet Started With Valacyclovir

More Genital Herpes Prescription Treatments

Looking for a different medication? Here are some options.

Not sure which treatment may be best for you?

Complete a confidential virtual health assessment to learn more.

Start genital herpes Consultation
Young black woman with long braided hair leaning forward and looking at camera expressionless

Genital Herpes Questions

About Genital Herpes

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection that can result in outbreaks of pain, itching and sores in the genital area. The infection is spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner. When there are no obvious sores or symptoms on the skin, it’s possible to not know you’re infected—but the condition can still be spread. Genital herpes can’t be contracted from toilet seats, swimming pools or by touching objects.

What causes genital herpes?

Genital herpes is caused by two viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 causes most cases of genital herpes, while HSV-1 more often results in oral herpes, also known as cold sores.

How common is genital herpes?

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 11.9% percent of Americans ages 14 to 49 have genital herpes caused by HSV-2. The actual incidence is likely far higher. There are a growing number of cases caused by HSV-1, typically acquired during childhood.

When does the initial genital herpes outbreak typically occur?

For those who show symptoms of genital herpes, the first outbreak usually occurs 2-4 weeks after exposure and presents as painful sores and blisters on the genitals that slowly heal within a couple of weeks. People who experience symptoms can have numerous outbreaks, but their symptoms often lessen over time.

Is there a cure for genital herpes?

There is currently no cure for genital herpes. However, the right antiviral medications can help relieve outbreak symptoms, shorten their duration, reduce pain levels after healing and reduce the chances of passing the infection to your partner.

What are the prescription treatments available for genital herpes condition?

Dr. B offers Valacyclovir (and its brand equivalent Valtrex), an antiviral tablet that works by inhibiting the virus’s ability to replicate. The medication is prescribed in higher doses for short-term relief following an initial genital herpes outbreak and as a long-term treatment to reduce the risk of future outbreaks. It is most effective when used at the first sign of an outbreak. Follow your medical provider’s prescribing instructions carefully.

How is Valacyclovir / Valtrex taken?

Valacyclovir / Valtrex is a tablet taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day in 1 gram or 500 milligram doses. The medication should be taken exactly as directed with plenty of water.

What are common Valacyclovir and Valtrex side effects?

Common side effects of Valacyclovir include: nausea, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and dizziness. These symptoms often subside as the body adjusts to the treatment. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms become more severe; you notice significant mood or behavior changes; or you experience unexplained fever, bleeding or blood in your urine.

How can I get a genital herpes prescription online?

Dr. B provides convenient, prescription treatment for genital herpes through our online medical service. The first step is a comprehensive online assessment of your health and medical history. Next, a board-certified doctor or medical provider will review your assessment--no video call required. If the provider determines that a prescription is right for you, you can choose from one of four different options or ask the provider to recommend an effective genital herpes medication for you. The prescription is then sent to the pharmacy of your choice for pick-up. Genital herpes medications can be prescribed for a single outbreak or for ongoing condition management.

How much does genital herpes treatment cost?

Consultation: A virtual medical consultation for genital herpes costs $15.00, which is lower than most doctor co-pays. Currently we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies, but you can use insurance for any resulting prescriptions at your pharmacy.

Medication: Dr. B only charges for the medical consultation. When medications are prescribed, we enable you to choose the most affordable or convenient pharmacy to get the prescription filled. Prices for your medication will vary depending on your insurance coverage and whether the drug is a brand or generic.

Do you accept insurance?

At this time we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies, but you can use insurance for any resulting prescriptions at your pharmacy.

How do refills work?

We’ll send you a reminder for an online assessment when it’s time for your next refill.

The whole team at Dr. B has been so helpful, making sure I got the best-suited medicine and checking up to see how things are going.

Kristin, Los Angeles

More Specialties