Nurx Review: Convenient Telehealth or Risky Shortcuts?

Nurx is a U.S.-based telehealth platform that provides accessible, affordable, and discreet healthcare services with a strong focus on women’s health. The platform also provides options for birth control, mental wellness, and dermatology by delivering expert care directly to your doorstep.

Nurx promises to simplify healthcare by allowing you to consult with licensed medical providers online and receive plans or prescriptions without needing to visit a clinic in person.

This article covers an overview of Nurx, the products it offers, key advantages and drawbacks, and how it compares to alternative telehealth brands. It also includes a quick list of pros and cons to help you decide if Nurx is right for you.

About Nurx

Nurx is a telehealth company headquartered in San Francisco, California, and was founded by Edvard Engesaeth and Hans Gangeskar. The brand offers a broad range of healthcare services, including birth control and contraceptives, STI testing and procedures, HIV prevention through PrEP, dermatology plans such as acne care, migraine care, and at-home health test kits.

The Nurx platform also provides some mental health plans. You start with an online consultation, after which a healthcare provider reviews your information and, if appropriate, prescribes plans. Medications or test kits are then shipped directly to your door in discreet packaging.

Products Offered By Nurx

1. Skincare

   Nurx is an online telehealth platform that provides personalized, prescription-strength skincare options for conditions such as acne, rosacea, melasma, and signs of aging. The process begins with an online consultation, where you complete a medical questionnaire and upload photos of your skin. A licensed medical provider reviews your case and, if medically appropriate, prescribes a tailored plan. Acne options by Nurx often include topical retinoids like tretinoin (a vitamin A derivative known to increase cell turnover, decrease inflammation, and prevent the formation of comedones), oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or minocycline (which target Cutibacterium acnes and reduce inflammation), or hormonal therapies like combined oral contraceptives or spironolactone (which reduce androgen-related sebum production).

   For anti-aging concerns, Nurx offers products like tretinoin, which promotes dermal collagen synthesis, reduces fine lines, and improves skin texture by binding to retinoic acid receptors in the skin. Some routines also include ReviveRx Cream, a compounded formulation that contains azelaic acid, which has antimicrobial and comedolytic properties, niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 that reduces inflammation and enhances the skin barrier), and tretinoin.

   As per the official website, products for managing melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation typically feature hydroquinone 4%, a tyrosinase inhibitor that suppresses melanin production by melanocytes. Rosacea care by Nurx may involve topical metronidazole or azelaic acid, and oral antibiotics like doxycycline at sub-antimicrobial doses to reduce inflammation without promoting bacterial resistance.

   The consultation fee ranges from $30 to $40, depending on the condition, and prescription costs begin around $25 per month without insurance. Nurx accepts insurance for medications but not usually for consultation.

2. Mental Health

   Nurx offers an evidence-based, online mental health service focused on managing mild to moderate mental health conditions, particularly generalized anxiety disorder, depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and related conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Their support model is centered around pharmacotherapy, relying on scientifically validated medications that act on key neurotransmitter systems in the brain. The process begins with an in-depth digital assessment, where you answer clinically relevant questions about their symptoms, history, and mental health. This information is reviewed by a licensed medical provider who may prescribe medication if deemed appropriate. Commonly prescribed medicines, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as sertraline, fluoxetine, and escitalopram, which work by boosting serotonin levels in your brain, helping regulate mood, anxiety, and sleep. They may also prescribe serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, which affect both serotonin and norepinephrine, often used when people have not responded to SSRIs. Other options by Nurx’s Mental Health range include bupropion, which may inhibit the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine and is known for having a lower risk of sexual adverse effects and potential benefits for patients with low energy or co-occurring ADHD.

   Buspirone, an anxiolytic that acts as a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist, may be used specifically for anxiety without the sedating effects of benzodiazepines.

   Nurx offers ongoing provider support through unlimited messaging and periodic check-ins to monitor side effects and plan efficacy, which aligns with best practices in psychiatric medication management.

   However, it is important to note that Nurx does not prescribe controlled substances (such as benzodiazepines or stimulants) and does not manage severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, or active suicidal ideation, conditions that require more intensive, in-person psychiatric care.

3. Sexual Health

   Nurx provides emergency contraception options designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The primary products offered are Plan B One-Step and Ella. Plan B contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic progestin hormone. Levonorgestrel acts mainly by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, thus preventing fertilization. It thickens cervical mucus to hinder sperm movement and may alter the uterine lining to reduce the chance of implantation, though this is secondary.

   Plan B is available over the counter and is most effective within 72-73 hours of unprotected sex, but could be taken up to 120 hours with diminishing effectiveness.

   On the other hand, Ella contains ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator that blocks progesterone receptors, delaying ovulation even after the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge begins. Ella is prescription-only and is recommended for people weighing over 165 pounds due to its superior efficacy in this group. Both medications act primarily to prevent pregnancy through hormonal regulation, are intended as emergency measures rather than regular contraceptives, and do not terminate an existing pregnancy.

   For the management of cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), Nurx prescribes valacyclovir, an antiviral medication. Valacyclovir is a prodrug that converts into acyclovir in the body, which specifically inhibits viral DNA polymerase, the enzyme critical for viral DNA replication.

   It helps prevent the herpes virus from multiplying within host cells by halting DNA synthesis, thereby reducing the severity, duration, and frequency of cold sore outbreaks. The medication can be taken episodically at the first symptom of an outbreak or as daily suppressive therapy to reduce recurrences and viral shedding, which in turn lowers the risk of transmission to others. Though valacyclovir does not eradicate HSV-1, it may effectively help manage symptoms and control viral activity.

   Nurx also offers support for genital herpes, predominantly induced by herpes simplex virus type 2, using the same antiviral, valacyclovir. The biological mechanism mirrors that used in oral herpes, as valacyclovir converts to acyclovir, which inhibits viral DNA polymerase, blocking viral replication. This reduces the intensity and length of herpes outbreaks and, when used daily as suppressive therapy, decreases the frequency of outbreaks and reduces viral shedding, thereby lowering transmission risk. Since HSV remains latent in nerve ganglia and can reactivate periodically, valacyclovir serves as a management tool rather than a cure.

   If you are looking for HIV prevention, Nurx also provides Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) using Truvada, which includes two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), such as emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. These medications block the action of reverse transcriptase, an enzyme HIV uses to convert its RNA genome into DNA within human cells, a critical step for viral replication and infection establishment.

   Truvada prevents the virus from multiplying and integrating into host DNA by inhibiting this enzyme. Taken daily, PrEP maintains therapeutic drug levels that protect against acquiring HIV through sexual contact.

4. Hair Loss & Scalp

   As per the official website, Nurx offers a specialized, online hair loss and scalp care service personalized for women experiencing hair thinning, pattern baldness, or scalp-related issues such as dandruff. The process begins with an online assessment, where you fill out a medical questionnaire and upload detailed photos of your scalp and hair.

   A licensed healthcare provider then reviews the information to create a personalized plan. This plan includes FDA-approved and clinically supported prescription options targeting both hair regrowth and scalp health, with continuous support via unlimited messaging and follow-ups throughout the year.

   For hair loss, Nurx provides several targeted options, such as Minoxidil 5%, available in two forms, including a topical foam and an oral tablet. Both forms are FDA-approved and work by promoting blood flow to your hair follicles, boosting new hair growth, and slowing down further loss. The brand also features RegrowRx Spray, a compounded prescription formula that combines minoxidil, caffeine, melatonin, and tretinoin. Caffeine in this spray could help reduce DHT at the follicle level, melatonin offers antioxidant benefits that may support the hair growth cycle, and tretinoin might help enhance the absorption of minoxidil while promoting skin cell turnover.

   To address underlying scalp conditions that can worsen hair loss, Nurx includes options specifically formulated for scalp health. This includes Ketoconazole 2% Cream, a potent antifungal medication used to manage conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and other fungal infections that cause inflammation, itching, and flaking. These conditions can damage hair follicles if left untreated.

   Nurx also offers Selenium Sulfide Shampoo, a medicated cleanser that reduces dandruff, scalp irritation, and excess oil production. This shampoo helps maintain a clean and balanced scalp environment, which is critical for optimal hair regrowth.

5. General Health

   Nurx provides online access to healthcare for common yet often uncomfortable conditions affecting women, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), vaginitis, and menopause-related symptoms.

   For UTI support, Nurx charges a $65 consultation fee, excluding the cost of medication. The process involves completing an online health assessment, after which a provider reviews the symptoms and prescribes medication if clinically appropriate.

   Available prescription options include Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin), Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim), Keflex (Cephalexin), and Pyridium (Phenazopyridine), the latter used to relieve urinary pain and discomfort.

   In addition to the prescription, the service includes one week of unlimited messaging with a healthcare provider and a free consultation code that can be used for birth control or STI testing.

   For people dealing with bacterial vaginosis (BV), Nurx provides a similar structure of care. The $65 consultation fee covers an online medical review and prescription service. After submitting a health assessment, a provider determines if the procedure is warranted. If so, Nurx prescribes either Metronidazole (Flagyl®) or Clindamycin, available in both oral and topical formulations, depending on the case. This service also includes a week of follow-up messaging and a complimentary code for a birth control consultation.

   Nurx also helps manage yeast infections, and you can be prescribed Fluconazole (Diflucan®), a single-dose oral antifungal medication that manages uncomplicated yeast infections. The package includes one week of access to provider messaging and a birth control consultation voucher at no additional cost.

   Although vaginitis is a broader term that may encompass both BV and yeast infections, Nurx effectively addresses its most common causes, such as bacterial and fungal infections, through the BV and yeast infection services described above.

   In terms of menopause care, Nurx at present allows you to seek support for menopause-related symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, and hair loss. While not yet providing hormone replacement therapy or targeted menopausal options, Nurx plans to expand its services soon to include care for hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. Patients can join a waitlist to be notified as soon as full menopause support becomes available.

6. At-Home Test Kits

   Nurx provides confidential, at-home testing for HPV and a range of STIs with detailed, user-friendly options for different needs. Their HPV screening kit tests for 14 high-risk strains of HPV, including the most dangerous types, HPV16 and HPV18, which are primary causes for the majority of cervical cancer cases. This test is primarily recommended for women aged 30 to 65, optional for those aged 25 to 29, and not advised for women under 25 since HPV often clears naturally in younger women. After completing an online health questionnaire and paying a $30 consultation fee, you can collect a cervical sample at home following clear instructions and mail it back using prepaid shipping. The cost is $75 for the test kit plus the consultation fee without insurance, while insurance may cover the test, but usually not the consultation fee. A medical provider reviews the results and contacts you with guidance on the next steps.

   For STI testing, Nurx offers several kits made to meet different testing needs. The Full Control Kit screens for chlamydia and gonorrhea across genital, throat, and rectal sites, as well as syphilis and hepatitis C, could be suitable for people seeking comprehensive testing, especially those engaging in oral or anal sex. The brand also features a Basics Covered Kit that tests for genital chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, providing a standard screening option. The Healthy V Kit by Nurx focuses on vaginal and throat infections, testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis, personalized for people with vaginas concerned about infections affecting fertility or transmitted through oral sex.

   To use these kits, you need to complete an online assessment and pay the $30 consultation fee, collect samples at home including urine, swabs (throat, rectal, or vaginal), and a finger-prick blood sample depending on the kit, and send them back via prepaid mail. Results are typically delivered within seven business days, with medical providers available to discuss results and prescribe oral antibiotics for certain infections, such as chlamydia and trichomoniasis.

Nurx Advantages

1. Comprehensive Telehealth Services

   Nurx provides a broad range of prescription-based telehealth services that go beyond contraception. You can access support for sexual and reproductive health (including PrEP, HPV screening, and STI treatment), mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, dermatologic care for acne, rosacea, and melasma, as well as options for weight management and female-pattern hair loss. This range allows you to address multiple ongoing or sensitive concerns through a single digital platform. Prescription fulfillment, automatic refills, and provider messaging are built into the care model, reducing the need for in-person visits or fragmented care.

2. Broad Insurance Acceptance for Most Services

   Nurx works with a wide range of private insurance plans, which could help reduce or possibly eliminate out-of-pocket costs for many prescription-based services. Plans accepted include Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, OptumRx, and UnitedHealthcare. This insurance compatibility applies to core offerings such as birth control, PrEP, STI treatments, and select mental health medications. However, cosmetic or non-essential prescriptions, such as anti-aging creams, eyelash growth serums, melasma treatments, and women’s hair loss products, are not covered by insurance and must be paid for out of pocket. Additionally, Nurx does not accept Medicaid, Medicare, or any government insurance, and its $30 medical consultation fee is always charged directly to the user.

   Meanwhile, myLAB Box operates solely on a cash-pay model and does not accept insurance for any test or service. Everlywell offers limited insurance acceptance through its Everlywell+ membership, though most of its products, including general wellness panels and hormone tests, are sold at fixed prices without insurer reimbursement. Compared to both, Nurx may provide more cost flexibility if you are seeking insurance-supported access to services through a telehealth platform.

Nurx Limitations

1. Not A Substitute for Regular Care

   While Nurx offers convenient telemedicine services for birth control, STI testing, and mental health medication management, it is not a replacement for comprehensive, in-person medical care. The platform has a limited scope, primarily offering prescriptions and medication management for specific conditions, without the ability to conduct physical exams, diagnostic procedures, or provide hands-on care that may be needed for more complex or acute medical issues. Nurx is best suited for straightforward needs, such as birth control or common antidepressants, and is not equipped to manage more serious health concerns requiring specialist input or multidisciplinary plans. Nurx does not offer therapy or counseling services, which are essential components of comprehensive mental health care. All consultations are remote, which limits the ability to address symptoms requiring in-person assessments, lab work, or urgent evaluation. There could also be gaps in care coordination, as Nurx does not automatically update a person’s primary care provider, potentially leading to incomplete medical records or safety risks like drug interactions.

2. Lack of In-Person Consultations

   Nurx operates exclusively online, which means all consultations and prescriptions are handled remotely. While convenient for many, this model may not suit people who prefer or require face-to-face medical assessments. Physical exams or in-person discussions can be important for diagnosing complex conditions or building a trusted patient-provider relationship, which Nurx’s virtual-only approach cannot fully provide.

Brand Alternatives Of Nurx

1. Everlywell

   Nurx and Everlywell serve distinct but occasionally overlapping roles in the digital healthcare space. Everlywell specializes in at-home health testing kits, where you can collect samples like blood, saliva, or urine and send them to CLIA-certified labs for analysis. The brand’s offerings cover general wellness, sexual health, nutrition, and specialty tests. While it doesn’t offer prescription services, it provides physician-reviewed results and follow-up consultations if needed.

   In contrast, Nurx is a comprehensive telehealth platform that provides online medical consultations, prescriptions, and home delivery of medications, focusing on areas such as reproductive health, mental health, dermatology, weight management, and general wellness. It operates primarily through questionnaire-based assessments reviewed by licensed providers, meaning no lab sample collection is required.

   Nurx stands out for its prescription medication delivery, including services like birth control, STI prevention (e.g., PrEP), and acne options, often with consultation fees starting around $18. Everlywell, on the other hand, sells individual test kits, with prices varying depending on the test, and includes a free physician consult if a result is abnormal. Nurx may accept insurance for many services, while Everlywell typically requires out-of-pocket payment. In terms of access, Nurx is available in 37 U.S. states, whereas Everlywell operates in most U.S. states, though test availability can vary due to local regulations.

2. myLAB Box

   myLAB Box focuses purely on at-home testing, with over 50 test kits covering sexual health, fertility, nutrition, toxicology, and more. It could be suitable for people who prioritize privacy, affordability, and speed without the need for ongoing procedures or prescriptions. The brand claims to provide test results in 1–5 days and includes a free telemedicine consult if results come back positive. While it doesn’t offer broader medical services like Nurx, myLAB Box is available in all 50 U.S. states and accepts FSA/HSA payments. However, it does not bill insurance directly.

   On the other hand, Nurx is a telehealth platform that combines online consultations, prescription services, and at-home testing. It’s designed for people seeking a more comprehensive healthcare experience from home, offering services like STI testing, birth control, PrEP, mental health medication, and dermatology support. The brand works by asking you to complete an online health questionnaire, and then licensed medical providers review the information to prescribe medications or recommend testing. However, Nurx is only available in 37 states and has no in-person option, which may be a limitation for some users.

How Did We Evaluate Nurx?

1. Brand Credibility

   To evaluate Nurx, we looked at several key factors, including its brand age, history, customer feedback on Trustpilot, and complaint record with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

   Nurx was founded in 2015 with a mission to make healthcare, particularly birth control, STI testing, and other women’s health services, more accessible through telehealth. It gained early traction by offering discreet and convenient care, especially for people who face barriers to traditional medical access.

   On Trustpilot, Nurx holds a 2.7 out of 5 rating from over 1,200+ reviews. While some users highlight the platform’s convenience, many have reported issues with delayed prescriptions, poor communication, and billing problems. These recurring themes suggest the customer experience can vary widely.

   We also considered the company’s BBB profile, where it holds an A-rating. This indicates a general responsiveness to customer concerns, but the 621 complaints filed point to persistent service-related issues that haven’t gone unnoticed.

   Taking all of this into account, our evaluation finds that Nurx offers an innovative and accessible service model, but it struggles with consistency in delivery.

2. User Feedback and Responses

   We analyzed a broad range of customer reviews to analyze Nurx’s overall service quality and reliability. The feedback is overwhelmingly negative, with many users describing Nurx as disorganized, unresponsive, and misleading, particularly around billing and communication.

   A recurring complaint involves unexpected charges, where customers reported being billed without clear consent or explanation. Refund requests were frequently ignored or denied, and some users were charged for medications or services they never received.

   Some reviews commonly mentioned slow response times, vague or scripted answers, and inconsistent communication involving multiple representatives who seemed disconnected from one another. This led to frustrating delays in processing orders or answering simple questions, processes that should be much faster in a telehealth setting.

   Words like scam and shady appeared in several reviews, often related to hidden fees or multi-month commitments disguised by low initial pricing. Concerns about the quality standard of medical care and whether decisions prioritized patient health were also frequently raised. These reviews suggest that Nurx struggles to meet basic healthcare delivery standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of healthcare services does Nurx provide?
   Nurx provides a variety of healthcare services, including over 100 birth control options, emergency contraception, PrEP for HIV prevention, home STI testing kits, dermatologist-approved acne and rosacea options, migraine medications, and discreet antiviral support for herpes.
2. How does Nurx ensure the privacy and security of my health information?
   Nurx claims to prioritize your confidentiality by strictly adhering to HIPAA regulations to protect personal health information. They use encrypted communication through secure messaging platforms for all consultations, ensuring your conversations remain private.
3. What is the process for obtaining a prescription through Nurx?
   With Nurx, you complete an online health questionnaire, which a licensed provider reviews to decide if a prescription is suitable. If approved, the prescription is sent to a pharmacy, and the medication is shipped to you in discreet packaging for privacy and convenience.

Final Words

Nurx claims to provide access to services that are often stigmatized or difficult to obtain, such as birth control, STI testing, migraine care, and mental health support. The brand emphasizes privacy, inclusivity, and personalized care, offering asynchronous consultations with licensed providers and discreet home delivery. These features address key barriers identified in healthcare research, including geographic limitations, provider shortages, and social stigma.

The brand may appeal to people looking for flexible, affordable, and judgment-free care. Nurx helps you take control of your health without navigating traditional clinical hurdles by focusing on specific conditions that can be managed remotely.

However, Nurx is not a complete replacement for in-person care. The platform does not conduct physical exams, offer therapy or behavioral counseling, or provide diagnostic testing beyond at-home kits. Research consistently shows that virtual-only models can be less effective for complex or acute conditions that require physical assessments, collaborative care plans, or long-term monitoring. Some people may also experience delays in communication and prescription delivery, which may be disruptive for time-sensitive needs.

If you’re managing straightforward conditions and value autonomy and discretion, Nurx can be a practical option. Still, use it with caution, keep your primary care provider informed, monitor your symptoms closely, and seek in-person care when symptoms are unclear, worsening, or require a comprehensive evaluation. Telehealth is a powerful tool, but like any medical service, it works best when used as part of a well-rounded approach to your health.