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Genital herpes treatment

Treat and suppress outbreaks before the first symptom. Prescription medication may also minimize the risk of transmitting herpes by decreasing viral shedding between outbreaks. A doctor will work with you to see if outbreak, suppressive, or intermittent therapy is right for you.

Get your first month of treatment free on a quarterly plan, if approved.

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~~$15~~ Free online visit

Treatment overview

Free 2-day shipping

Ongoing care + free follow ups

Outbreak & suppressive therapy

No commitment / cancel anytime

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes, caused by viruses HSV-1 or HSV-2, causes painful ulcers on and around the genitals in both men and women. It is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Can it be treated?

Yes. FDA-approved medication is available to treat and suppress outbreaks as well as reduce the risk of transmission. A physician on the platform will answer your questions about treatment and create your personalized treatment plan.

Treatments

Valacyclovir (generic Valtrex)

did you know

Only 20% of people with genital herpes know they have it.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Treatment for genital herpes

In order to receive treatment for genital herpes through Roman, you must already have seen a doctor and received a diagnosis. A doctor on our platform can help you manage your genital herpes and find the treatment best suited for you.

Our physician in residence, Dr. Michael Reitano, was the lead author on a landmark study on valacyclovir, one of the leading prescription medications used to treat genital herpes.

Transparent manufacturing

Valacyclovir manufactured by Camber, Cadista, and Cipla in India.

Get treated

Valacyclovir isn’t safe for some people and others may need a lower than normal dose to use valacyclovir safely. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or if your immune system isn’t normal because of a bone marrow or kidney transplant or HIV. Common side effects of valacyclovir include headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. There is no cure for herpes, and even with treatment it may be possible to spread herpes.

What to expect

Valacyclovir will get to work as soon as the medication is in your system, but the time it takes to see noticeable results varies from person to person.

Treatment updates

If you still don’t see results, your doctor may be able to recommend a different treatment plan.

Help with side effects

If you experience adverse side effects, message your doctor and they’ll help determine if a different treatment approach is better for you.

Let’s take care of it

Too many people who have herpes suffer silently. We’re here to help you take control of outbreaks and decrease risk of transmission with FDA-approved medication and without any judgement.

1. Online visit

Report your symptoms and medical history to a US-licensed physician for evaluation.

2. Free deliveries

Your treatment will be sent in discreet packaging, always with free 2-day shipping.

3. Ongoing care

Send your doctor a message any time to discuss updating your treatment, solving for side effects, or any other questions or concerns.

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FAQ

For more information about Roman, Ro, and more, visit our FAQ page. To speak to a care representative, give us a call at (888) 798-8686 or email us at [email protected].

How does genital herpes treatment with Roman work?

We use telemedicine technology and U.S. licensed doctors to provide genital herpes treatments discreetly, conveniently, and inexpensively.
It starts with your online doctor visit. Your doctor needs to know about your health (e.g., your medications, lifestyle issues, prior surgeries) and how genital herpes affects you.

They also need personal ID so they know who they will be helping in the coming year. They review everything, determine if you’re a candidate for telemedicine and, if so (most people are), they will craft a personalized treatment plan.
Their treatment plan will include a great deal of information about genital herpes. It is important you take the time to read it all. You will be better prepared to manage your condition as a partner—and not just a patient.

If you qualify, your doctor will provide a diagnosis and prescribe the right course of treatment to help you take control of herpes outbreaks.

What type of genital herpes medication do you prescribe?

Our physicians prescribe valacyclovir (generic Valtrex) to treat genital herpes. When used properly, this medication can help prevent and clear up herpes outbreaks.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Is genital herpes medication effective?

Genital herpes medication is available, and it works extremely well. But it requires you to dedicate the time to learn about your condition and work with your physician to craft the ideal, personalized treatment plan.

When you do, you’ll be able to identify the first indication of your specific symptoms (prodrome) and use your medication to shorten or stop the outbreak from occurring.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What are the side effects of genital herpes medication?

What follows is a partial summary and does not include every side effect possible.

Common side effects include headache, feeling sick, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, skin reaction after exposure to sunlight (photosensitivity), rash, or itching (pruritus).

Uncommon side effects include feeling confused, seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations), feeling very drowsy, tremors, or feeling agitated, shortness of breath (dyspnea), stomach discomfort, rash, sometimes itchy, hive-like rash (urticaria), low back pain (kidney pain), blood in the urine (hematuria), reduction in the number of blood platelets which are cells that help blood to clot (thrombocytopenia), reduction in the number of white blood cells (leucopenia), increase in substances produced by the liver

Rare side effects include unsteadiness when walking and lack of coordination (ataxia), slow, slurred speech (dysarthria), fits (convulsions), altered brain function (encephalopathy), unconsciousness (coma), confused or disturbed thoughts (delirium), kidney problems where you pass little or no urine. Lastly, watch out for a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). These are rare in people taking Valtrex. Anaphylaxis is marked by the rapid development of flushing, itchy skin rash, swelling of the lips, face, neck, and throat—causing difficulty in breathing (angioedema), fall in blood pressure leading to collapse. If any of these occur, get emergency treatment immediately

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Can a doctor treat genital herpes remotely?

Yes. If your genital herpes has been diagnosed by a physician, our doctors can prescribe medication and help you dial in the most effective treatment plan for your unique needs.

Physicians on the Ro platform use telemedicine technologies to treat you in the same way they treat patients in-person. Doctors ask you questions to evaluate your symptoms and make sure it’s safe and appropriate to prescribe medication. The physicians on the Ro platform use your answers to assess your condition and create a treatment plan. That’s why it’s vital you answer each question to the best of your knowledge and ensure that every communication with your physician is truthful, accurate, and thorough.

Do I need to take a photo of my genital herpes outbreak?

No. But you do need to have your genital herpes previously diagnosed by a physician.

Why is the medication for oral and genital herpes the same?

Though they infect different parts of the body, cold sores (oral herpes) and genital herpes are caused by the same virus. There are two strains of the herpes virus—cold sores are more frequently caused by HSV-1, while genital herpes is more commonly associated with HSV-2. Both strains of the virus can be effectively treated using the same medication.

How much does a doctor’s visit cost?

Your online visit costs $15. This doesn’t include the cost of your medication (if prescribed). If a physician determines you’re not a good candidate for telemedicine, you’ll get a full refund for your online visit.

Is Roman covered by insurance?

Our services are not covered by insurance, but the $15 online visit is less than most co-pays.

How much does the medication cost?

If prescribed, the cost of treatment depends on the type of medication and the number of doses you receive. Check out the current Roman Pharmacy Network prices. Prices at your local pharmacy may vary and are often twice the cost of the Roman Pharmacy Network.

When am I charged for this medication?

You’re only charged for the medication after a physician has approved a personalized treatment plan. If you’re unsuitable for telemedicine, you’ll be refunded for your online visit ($15).

Frequently asked questions

What are the specific regimens for using valacyclovir for different purposes?

For genital herpes:

To Treat Or Abort An Outbreak When There Are Early Symptoms (Prodrome)

Some patients use the medication to abort an outbreak. Whether oral or genital, people can take medication when their specific prodrome tells them an outbreak is on the horizon. The medication will stop an outbreak cold (often) and when it does not, it can shorten and make an outbreak milder than it might have been otherwise.

To Prevent Outbreaks When There Are No Symptoms But Outbreaks Are More Likely

Patients also learn the life circumstances or behaviors that lead to more outbreaks. For some, a lack of sleep, increased alcohol, another illness, stress, too much sunlight, irritation, or anything, in fact, that can affect one’s immunity can spur an outbreak. They know when they are more likely to have an outbreak due to their circumstances. They can avoid their triggers but they also might want to take medication preventatively knowing when they are more vulnerable. Essentially they might take the medication for a week or two until the circumstance that is making them more susceptible to an outbreak has resolved.

To Suppress Outbreaks For An Extended Period

Patients can take medication when they would like to do all they can to reduce their chance of having an outbreak. The classic example would be during a honeymoon, going on vacation, starting a new job, in a new relationship, or at any time a patient feels it is how they want to keep the chance of having an attack as low as possible.

To Prevent Transmission to An Uninfected Partner

One of the most important advances in herpes treatment came with the knowledge that transmission from an infected person to their uninfected partner could be reduced. Valacyclovir not only reduces the number of outbreaks a person experiences but it reduces asymptomatic shedding. That results in fewer uninfected partners catching herpes. If a condom is worn and the medication used, the chances are reduced at least in half compared to using a condom alone. Fewer outbreaks and fewer episodes of shedding means fewer people become infected.

For oral herpes:

To abort an outbreak at the earliest sign or symptom (Prodrome)

At that earliest sign, two tablets of Valacyclovir 1000 mg for a total of 2000 mg is taken by mouth as the first dose. Then, 12 hours later, 2 tablets of 1000 mg of Valacyclovir, for a total of 2000 mg, is taken as the second and final dose. The second dose can be taken sooner than 12 hours but never before 6 hours have passed. Adequate hydration makes sure the medicine is cleared through the kidneys as it should be.
The medication is only approved for two doses and there is no evidence for the use of medication once lesions have appeared.

How does valacyclovir work?

Valacyclovir works by interfering with the herpes virus’ ability to make more copies of its DNA. Since the herpes virus is basically just DNA wrapped in a protein coat, the inability to make more DNA means that the virus can’t replicate. The clinical outcome of this is that taking valacyclovir appropriately is effective at aborting outbreaks of oral and genital herpes, shortening the duration of an initial episode of genital herpes, suppressing outbreaks of genital herpes, and decreasing the risk of transmitting genital herpes to an uninfected partner.

Are there any special groups?

Yes. Certain people should not take valacyclovir and others should use decreased doses of valacyclovir. Below are some important examples.
Sensitivity or Allergies: Patients with sensitivity or an allergy to any of the following medications should not use Valacyclovir: Acyclovir, Famciclovir, ganciclovir, penciclovir, valacyclovir, or valganciclovir.

Kidney Issues: Dose adjustments should be made for those with kidney impairment or issues. Decreased doses are needed as kidney impairment slows the clearing from the body of valacyclovir. The degree of impairment determines the decrease in the dosage. The PDR states, “Acute renal failure and CNS (Nervous System) toxicity have been reported in patients with underlying renal (Kidney) dysfunction who have received inappropriately high doses of valacyclovir for their level of renal (Kidney) function. Patients receiving potentially nephrotoxic (Toxic to the Kidney) drugs together with valacyclovir may have an increased risk of renal dysfunction (impairment).”

The Elderly: The elderly are more likely to have impaired kidneys so they might not clear valacyclovir from their system as efficiently as they should. This can lead to inappropriately high levels of valacyclovir, which means the elderly may need lower doses of valacyclovir. The elderly are also more likely to experience neurological side effects, including: agitation, hallucinations, confusion, delirium, and other abnormalities of brain function termed encephalopathy.

Dehydration: When patients are dehydrated acyclovir can reform as a solid in the kidney leading to kidney damage. Patients should all remain well hydrated when taking valacyclovir.

Pregnancy: While a registry that collected data on the 756 pregnancies of women exposed to acyclovir in the first trimester showed no greater occurrence of birth defects than occurs in the general population, the study size was too small to guarantee safety during pregnancy.

You should not take Valacyclovir if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant unless recommended by your obstetrician/gynecologist or other healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding: The PDR states, “According to the manufacturer, valacyclovir should be administered to a nursing mother with caution and only when indicated. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has not specifically evaluated valacyclovir, systemic maternal acyclovir is considered to be usually compatible with breastfeeding…Consider the benefits of breastfeeding, the risk of potential infant drug exposure, and the risk of an untreated or inadequately treated condition.”

See here for other special groups, warnings, and precautions