Wisp Herpes Treatment Overview
- Cost: $9 to $35 per month
- Treatments for: Cold sores and genital herpes, episodic or suppressive therapy
- Rx medications: Valacyclovir and acyclovir pill, acyclovir cream (10%), lidocaine-amitriptyline cream
- OTC remedies: L-lysine capsules, all-natural antiviral herbal supplements
- Potential side effects: GI discomfort, headache, dizziness, vomiting, skin irritation, diarrhea
- Who qualifies: Individuals with HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection who aren’t pregnant
- FDA information: Valacyclovir and acyclovir are FDA-approved for herpes treatment
- Insurance information: Doesn’t currently take
- Shipping information: Medications ship within 3 to 5 days
- Trustpilot rating: 4.7
Wisp is a telemedicine platform offering sexual and reproductive health services, including online herpes treatment. With both prescription antiviral medications and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, Wisp may be a good choice for individuals looking for an affordable, convenient way to treat or prevent herpes outbreaks, using prescription and/or natural remedies.
Herpes treatment plans from Wisp address cold sores and genital herpes with prescription antivirals valacyclovir and acyclovir (in oral and topical formulations), along with lidocaine-amitriptyline cream. Acyclovir and valacyclovir are FDA-approved to treat herpes, while lidocaine-amitriptyline cream is a compounded pain cream used to manage herpes outbreak pain. Wisp also offers over-the-counter remedies to prevent herpes, including all-natural antiviral herbal capsules and L-lysine.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of Wisp’s prescription and OTC treatments for herpes, including their cost, potential side effects, shipping information, and more to help you determine if this telehealth platform could work for you.
Wisp is a more affordable and highly accessible solution for herpes treatment and prevention. It stands apart from its competitors for its comprehensive range of treatment options, including antivirals in both pill and cream formulations, lidocaine-amitriptyline cream for outbreak pain, and natural remedies for herpes prevention. This makes it an excellent solution for individuals seeking quick, online herpes prescriptions with free provider consultations, as well as those who prefer natural herpes prevention.
Hello Wisp Herpes Treatment Pros & Cons
Pros
- Broad range of prescription and over-the-counter remedies for both cold sores and genital herpes
- Options for both episodic and suppressive therapy, as well as outbreak pain relief
- Same-day pharmacy pickup option for fast treatment
- Free provider consultations and 24/7 support
Our Experience With Wisp for Herpes
I found Wisp to be a simple, comprehensive source of herpes treatment with a user-friendly platform. I love that Wisp is set up like an online store, allowing you to browse all of their prescription and OTC treatments before undergoing the intake process. The platform values customers’ treatment preferences, making it easy to find the right remedy for your needs.
Wisp’s intake process involves completing a short medical intake form, which one of the platform’s qualified providers will review within 24 hours to determine if the prescription is safe and appropriate for you. Wisp doesn’t require a video consultation (your clinician will reach out via phone or online chat), so I found it to be a great option for busy individuals who may not have time for a traditional doctor’s appointment.
In my experience with Wisp, the platform also stood out for its speed. Wisp processes treatment orders all week, including on weekends, with same-day pharmacy pickup. It’s a straightforward, stress-free way to obtain herpes treatment when you need it – no need to commute to the doctor’s office, wait for your appointment, and hope that the prescription is processed quickly.
What Is Wisp Herpes Treatment?
Wisp offers prescription medications, including compounded drugs, and OTC remedies for both oral and genital herpes. To treat and prevent genital herpes outbreaks and cold sores, Wisp sells FDA-approved prescription antiviral pills and creams, as well as prescription pain cream. The platform also offers all-natural, OTC remedies to prevent outbreaks.
Herpes treatment with Wisp allows you to select the prescription medication that works for you or leave the choice to your provider. After determining that it’s safe and appropriate for you, your provider can send the prescription to your local pharmacy for same-day pickup or have it shipped to your door.
Wisp focuses on affordability by providing generic medications and continuous care with free provider consultations. The platform’s care team is available 24/7 via online chat to answer your questions and address any concerns.
How Much Does Wisp Herpes Treatments Cost?
Wisp herpes treatment costs $9 to $35 monthly, depending on the medication. Some of the platform’s medications are available as a one-time purchase for $45.
Can I Use Insurance With Wisp?
No, Wisp doesn’t currently accept insurance. However, it does accept HSA and FSA payments. However, with certain insurance plans, you may be able to bill your insurance for your prescription medication with the pharmacy pickup option.
How Does Wisp Work?
To obtain herpes treatments from Wisp, follow these steps:
- Complete the short online medical intake form, which gathers information about your medical history, symptoms, and preferred treatment.
- A licensed clinician will review your submission within 24 hours and follow up via phone or online chat. If it’s deemed safe and appropriate, your provider will prescribe the treatment.
- Select same-day pharmacy pickup and/or have medication shipped to your door for free. If you opt for shipping, your medications will arrive within 3 to 5 days in discreet packaging.
- Reach out anytime to Wisp’s online care team with any questions about your treatment plan.
Wisp uses a quarterly subscription model for many of its herpes treatments. If you opt for this option, you’ll be charged every 3 months for your medications, which will be sent to your pharmacy or shipped to your door automatically. Wisp herpes subscriptions can help you avoid running out of medications or forgetting to refill your prescription.
Wisp typically takes 3 to 5 days to ship treatments to your doorstep.
Benefits of Wisp’s Herpes Treatments
Wisp’s herpes treatments address oral cold sores, which are usually caused by the HSV-1 virus, and genital herpes, which is usually caused by the HSV-2 virus. Oral cold sores cause symptoms including tingling, burning, and itching around the mouth, followed by small fluid-filled sores. Genital herpes symptoms include pain, itching, and small bumps or blisters around the genitals, which can rupture. Both can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever and body aches.
Prescription antiviral medications are the first-line treatment for both oral and genital herpes. There’s no permanent cure for herpes, so those infected have the virus for life. To manage outbreaks, many people must take medications frequently, either daily, known as suppressive herpes therapy, or when an outbreak occurs, known as episodic herpes therapy.
Genital herpes symptoms often go away and come back as recurring outbreaks, which are less severe than the initial outbreak. In these cases, Wisp’s automatic refills are a convenient way to effortlessly stay on top of your herpes treatment.
Wisp Prescription Treatments for Cold Sores and Genital Herpes
Wisp offers the following prescription treatments for both cold sores and genital herpes. These medications are available alone or in convenient bundles:
- The Lips and Privates Trio for HSV-2 and the Cold Sore Trio contain oral valacyclovir or acyclovir, all-natural antiviral herbals, and acyclovir cream.
- The Duo for HSV-2 contains oral valacyclovir or acyclovir and acyclovir cream.
Wisp Valacyclovir and Acyclovir Pill
Valacyclovir (brand name Valtrex) and acyclovir (brand name Zovirax) are antiviral medications that the FDA has approved to treat and prevent both cold sores and genital herpes. Wisp offers oral valacyclovir and oral or topical acyclovir. These medications work by inhibiting the production of DNA in the herpes virus, causing the infection to clear.
- Valacyclovir dosage: 500mg 2 times daily for 3 days (episodic therapy); 500mg daily (suppressive therapy), or 1,000mg daily (suppressive therapy)
- Oral acyclovir dosage: 400mg 3 times daily for 5 days; 800mg twice daily for 5 days; 800mg 3 times daily for 2 days (episodic therapy)
Valacyclovir and acyclovir capsules are considered the first-line treatment for oral and genital herpes. They’re widely studied, FDA-approved, and effective for both episodic and suppressive therapy.
Wisp Acyclovir Cream (10%)
Acyclovir cream can be applied directly to cold sores or genital herpes outbreaks to provide targeted relief. It starts working quickly to reduce the outbreak healing time. It’s most effective when it’s used at the earliest sign of an outbreak and may even keep an outbreak from forming.
Apply topical acyclovir cream (10%) up to 6 times daily for the duration of the outbreak.
Topical acyclovir is often used with antiviral pills to reduce herpes outbreak healing times. This treatment may also be preferred by individuals who experience systemic side effects from oral antivirals for herpes.
Wisp Lidocaine-Amitriptyline Cream
Wisp offers lidocaine-amitriptyline cream for HSV-2 infections. It’s a compounded medication containing 5% lidocaine and 2% amitriptyline that can be prescribed off-label for genital herpes pain.
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that blocks pain signals from reaching the nerve endings in the treated skin. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant medication, but when it’s used topically, it can help treat neuropathic, or nerve pain. Lidocaine-amitriptyline cream is the most effective for herpes pain when it’s applied at the earliest signs of an outbreak.
Apply lidocaine-amitriptyline cream to the affected area up to 4 times daily for the duration of the outbreak.
Wisp OTC Remedies for Cold Sores and Genital Herpes
Various natural remedies for cold sores and genital herpes have been widely researched and may effectively help prevent outbreaks in some individuals. Wisp offers natural, OTC herpes remedies for individuals who prefer non-prescription options for herpes prevention.
Wisp L-Lysine
L-lysine is an essential amino acid that your body can’t produce on its own. In some people, high blood levels of lysine can prevent the replication of the herpes virus and lower outbreak duration and severity. It’s thought to work for both cold sores and genital herpes by blocking arginine, the amino acid that multiplies the herpes virus.
The typical dosage for L-lysine involves taking 2 to 3 500mg capsules daily. At the earliest sign of an outbreak, double the dose for 5 days.
Wisp All-Natural Antiviral Herbal Supplements
Wisp’s all-natural antiviral herbal supplements are formulated to maintain a strong immune system, which may help prevent cold sores and genital herpes outbreaks. The ingredients in this supplement include:
- Andrographis paniculata, or green chiretta, a plant with clinically proven protective benefits against the herpes simplex virus
- Astragalus membranaceus, an herb widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine that’s known to inhibit HSV-1
- Echinacea angustifolia, an herb that’s known to prevent herpes outbreaks from developing
This supplement can be taken regularly to prevent outbreaks. For active outbreaks, Wisp recommends taking 3 pills twice daily at the first signs of an outbreak. This dosage is also recommended if you’re exposed to herpes outbreak triggers, such as stress, illness, and injury.
Make sure to speak with your healthcare provider before trying any OTC remedy to ensure it’s safe for you and doesn’t interact with any other medications, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking.
Why We Recommend Wisp for Herpes Treatment
We recommend Wisp for herpes treatment because they provide an extensive range of prescription and over-the-counter remedies for episodic and suppressive therapy. Not all herpes treatments work for everyone, and Wisp makes it possible to build a personalized treatment plan with ongoing clinician support from the comfort of home.
Free Automatic Shipping
Particularly for suppressive herpes therapy, which requires long-term medication use, Wisp’s free automatic shipping comes in handy. With a subscription plan, Wisp will automatically ship your medication refills to your doorstep – no need to worry about missed doses.
Personalized Episodic or Suppressive Treatment Plan
Herpes cases vary significantly. Wisp values your individual needs and preferences with personalized episodic or suppressive treatment plans. Whether you want to prevent herpes outbreaks with long-term, ongoing treatment or take medications at the earliest signs of an outbreak, Wisp has a range of prescription and over-the-counter treatments to consider.
Affordable Subscription
Wisp prioritizes affordability, with herpes treatment subscriptions ranging from $9 to $35 per month without insurance. This low monthly rate (plus free provider consultations) makes ongoing herpes treatment highly accessible with Wisp.
Free Provider Consultation and 24/7 Help
Wisp provides free provider consultations and 24/7 assistance via online chat. So, whether you’re struggling with side effects, aren’t getting the results you want, or have a question about your symptoms, Wisp’s licensed providers are available to help.
Compounded Meds
Wisp’s range of herpes treatments includes compounded medications. These treatments may provide better results than individual medications for some people. Compounded medications also provide greater flexibility and personalization.
Integrated Care
Wisp can integrate all of your sexual and reproductive healthcare needs in a single place. If you experience symptoms of an STD, require access to birth control, or need relief from a vaginal infection, Wisp can provide the treatment you need while ensuring new additions won’t interact with your herpes medications.
Wisp Herpes Treatment Side Effects and Safety
Wisp’s herpes treatments can cause side effects in some individuals.
Oral valacyclovir may cause:
- Headache
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Constipation
- Vomiting
Oral acyclovir may cause:
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Agitation
- Hair loss
- Vision changes
Topical acyclovir may cause:
- Dry, cracked lips
- Flaking, dry, or peeling skin
- Burning or stinging skin
- Skin redness, irritation, or swelling
Topical lidocaine-amitriptyline may cause:
- Skin irritation
- Burning or stinging
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Dry lips
- Headache
- Pain at the treatment site
L-lysine capsules may cause:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
Antiviral herbal supplements may cause:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Wisp Treatment Safety
Wisp’s herpes treatment plans aren’t right for everyone. One of the platform’s licensed providers will ensure that your medication is safe for you based on your medical intake form.
- Prescription antiviral medications: Valacyclovir and acyclovir may not be suitable for people with advanced HIV, kidney problems, or pregnant individuals.
- OTC remedies: You shouldn’t take Wisp’s over-the-counter herpes remedies if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Seek emergency care while using Wisp’s herpes treatments if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including:
- Hives or severe skin rash
- Swollen mouth, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Dizziness and fainting
Wisp vs. Hers vs. Nurx vs. PlushCare | Hello Wisp | Hers | Nurx | PlushCare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $9 to $35/month | Available after consultation | $45 to $75 for 3 months supply | $16.99/month membership fee Medication fee charged separately |
| What's prescribed to prevent & treat outbreaks? | Valacyclovir and acyclovir pills Acyclovir cream | Valacyclovir pills | ✅ Valacyclovir pills | ✅ Valacyclovir, acyclovir, and famciclovir pills |
| What's prescribed to relieve outbreak pain? | Lidocaine-amitriptyline cream | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| OTC remedies | ✅ L-Lysine and other supplements | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Personalized episodic or suppressive treatment plan? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 🟡 Depends on doctor's consultation |
| Compounded meds? | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Free doctor's consultation? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ $30 fee | ❌ $129 if paying without insurance |
| Free shipping? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Same-day pickup at pharmacy? | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Accepts insurance? | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Accepts FSA/HSA? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Available in all 50 US states? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Website |
Wisp vs. Hers
Hers offers just one treatment option for herpes: valacyclovir pills. Without other antivirals or over-the-counter remedies, its treatment range is much more limited than Wisp’s. While Hers provides free provider consultations, like Wisp, it doesn’t provide the same-day pharmacy pickup option. However, Hers provides a wide range of other healthcare services, including acne, hair loss, and mental health treatments, so individuals already subscribed to Hers for these needs may want to keep their herpes treatment within the same platform.
Related reading: Hers vs. Nurx – Compare the Best Online Birth Control Subscription
Wisp vs. Nurx
Nurx only offers valacyclovir pills for herpes, with no over-the-counter remedies, making its treatment selection far smaller than Wisp’s. It also lacks the option of same-day pharmacy pickup, which could delay your herpes treatment when compared to Wisp. While Wisp provides free provider consultations, Nurx charges $30 per consultation. But, Nurx accepts insurance, which may make it preferable for those seeking herpes treatments that are covered by their insurance plans.
Some, but not all, of Nurx’s treatments are cheaper than Wisp – Nurx charges $45 to $75 for a 3-month supply ($15 to $25 monthly), while Wisp charges $9 to $35 monthly. However, Nurx charges $30 for doctor consultations, while Wisp provides free clinician consultations.
Related reading: Nurx Review – Is It a Legit Birth Control Delivery Service?
Wisp vs. PlushCare
PlushCare offers valacyclovir, acyclovir, and famciclovir, an additional antiviral option, although it lacks the OTC remedies available at Wisp. It’s also much more expensive than Wisp, charging a $16.99 monthly membership fee, with medications billed separately, and $129 per doctor consultation out of pocket. However, unlike Wisp, PlushCare accepts insurance, and offers treatments beyond sexual and reproductive health, including those for weight loss, anxiety, and more.
The Verdict: Does Wisp Work for Herpes Treatment?
Wisp is ideal for individuals seeking fast, affordable herpes treatment, with the option to choose prescription or over-the-counter remedies.
With a broad range of antiviral medications, natural remedies, and a prescription herpes pain cream, Wisp prioritizes customer preferences. This extensive range of treatment options also allows for greater personalization, with the help of Wisp’s licensed providers. Additionally, with both same-day pharmacy pickup and free home delivery, Wisp provides complete convenience for remote herpes care.
While Wisp doesn’t currently accept health insurance, it provides out-of-pocket affordability at $9 to $35 per month. We recommend a subscription plan, which ensures automatic refills and prevents missed doses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Wisp require a herpes test for treatment?
No, Wisp doesn’t require a herpes test for treatment.
Is Wisp medication legit?
Yes, Wisp medication is legit, clinically proven, and prescribed by licensed clinicians.
What is the best product for herpes?
Prescription antiviral medications like valacyclovir and acyclovir are considered the first-line treatment for herpes.
What vitamin kills the herpes virus?
Vitamin C may boost the healing rate for herpes ulcers. But, generally, vitamins can’t kill the herpes virus.
How long is herpes contagious?
Herpes is contagious from the earliest signs of an outbreak to when the sores have completely healed. Wait at least 7 days after the sores heal and the scabs naturally fall off to have intimate contact with another individual after an outbreak.
What foods trigger herpes?
Chocolate, peanuts, caffeine, red wine, sugar, fried foods, processed meats, and white flour may trigger herpes.
Methodology
We conducted extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, customer support, and useability of Wisp, which also included examining other online herpes treatment providers. To determine overall value, we evaluated cost, usability, treatment options, subscription services, and additional features.
Other factors we investigated prior to choosing the best telehealth platform for herpes included convenience, discounts, customer service, access to healthcare providers, health insurance, package deals, and any free services offered. For the best, most accessible platform overall, Wisp stood out for its wide range of prescription and over-the-counter treatments, access to clinicians, more affordable pricing, and speed of treatment for individuals seeking online herpes care.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 0.5 |
| Vitual consult with provider / determine eligibility | – ease to get appointment to determine eligibility – need to leave house for labs or other in-person care? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – discreet packaging to maintain privacy | 0.5 |
| Test + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of application – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – lack of side effects – ease of refill / reordering – quality of ongoing clinical support – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
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