$29 consultation + insurance-eligible medication. Try it now →
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Sign up for Counsel and answer a few simple questions (less than 3 minutes).
Message with a board-certified doctor to discuss which treatment options would be best suited for your body and lifestyle.
Pick up your prescription from a local pharmacy. We’ll be here to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment through ongoing check-ins.
Consultations are $29, which is less than a standard copay. We prescribe insurance-covered generics available at your local pharmacy.
Treat genital herpesTreat cold soresInsurance
Without insurance
Valacyclovir
$10 - $60 with most plans
$25 per month for a 30 day supply
Acyclovir
$5 - $30 with most plans
$10 per month for a 60 day supply
*Prices will vary depending on your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you choose.
Counsel offers a range of herpes treatments. Below are some of the most common and cost-effective choices, and you're always able to select alternative brand-name or generic medications if you prefer.
Valacyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat genital herpes and cold sores. It speeds up healing, reduces pain and discomfort, and lowers the risk of spreading the virus to partners.
70-80% reduction in outbreaks
500 mg orally, once a day
Acyclovir is a trusted, antiviral medication used for decades to treat herpes outbreaks. It is highly effective at reducing pain and speeding up healing.
70-80% reduction in outbreaks
400 mg orally, twice a day
MALE, 30–39 years old
FEMALE, 40–49 years old
Male, 30–39 years old
FEMALE, 30–39 years old
FEMALE, 20–29 years old
Unlike traditional healthcare, Counsel uses pattern recognition to uncover insights from your whole health history, so our doctors (and you) can see the full picture.
From testing, treatments, and lifestyle changes to second opinions and specialist referrals, Counsel covers the full spectrum of healthcare.
Get free, unlimited personalized support from Counsel AI, then add a doctor to your conversation for $29.
Stay proactive about your health with an on-demand selection of several lab panels.
Our doctors can prescribe medication, order refills, and help you navigate any side effects or interactions.
No, there is currently no cure for genital herpes (HSV-2), but it is very manageable. The virus stays in your body, but antiviral medications like Valacyclovir are highly effective at suppressing it. These treatments can stop outbreaks from happening, speed up healing if you do have one, and significantly lower the chance of passing the virus to a partner.
Both are antiviral medications that work against HSV. Valacyclovir is a newer prodrug of Acyclovir, meaning your body converts it into Acyclovir after absorption. The key difference is convenience: Valacyclovir is taken less frequently (once or twice daily) because it's absorbed more efficiently, while Acyclovir typically requires dosing two to five times per day. Both are equally effective at treating and suppressing outbreaks.
Yes. Daily suppressive therapy is a common and effective approach, especially if you experience frequent outbreaks (six or more per year) or want to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to a partner. Taking Valacyclovir or Acyclovir daily can reduce outbreak frequency by 70-80% and significantly lower transmission risk.
Not necessarily. If you've already been diagnosed with genital herpes by a healthcare provider, our doctors can prescribe treatment based on your medical history and symptoms. If you haven't been diagnosed, our doctors can help determine if testing is appropriate and guide you through the process.