Frequently Asked Questions

For any additional questions, please reach out to help@discreetcare.com and you will receive an answer within 24 hours.

About DiscreetCare

Who is DiscreetCare for?

DiscreetCare is for men and women who are looking to receive treatment discreetly and from the privacy of their home.

Do I need a prescription to use DiscreetCare?

No, as part of DiscreetCare’s services we will provide you with a free consultation with a U.S. licensed physician who will then prescribe the safest and most effective medication for you.   

Can I use any pharmacy?

Yes, as long as the pharmacy you choose is able to receive e-prescriptions and it’s part of the Surescripts Network. 

That being said, there are some major advantages of getting your medication through DiscreetCare:  

  • FDA-approved medication for over 50% less than your local pharmacy
  • Pharmaceutical fulfillment by Ridgeway Pharmacy.  Based in Montana, Ridgeway is a VIPPS and URAC accredited pharmacy licensed in all 50 states.
  • FREE 2-4 day shipping right to your door in discreet packaging
  • FREE doctor evaluation and treatment plan ($35 value)
  • FREE follow-up questions with your doctor about your treatment.

Who are the physicians on the DiscreetCare platform?

All of the physicians on the DiscreetCare platform are U.S. licensed healthcare professionals. 

Each physician undergoes an extensive background check and license verification process. 

Is my information safe?

We’ve designed the DiscreetCare platform with the strictest security protocols to protect your information.

Telehealth

Is it legal to prescribe medication online?

Yes. DiscreetCare’s telehealth platform allows physicians to take care of patients remotely. Every doctor you interact with on DiscreetCare is licensed to prescribe medicine and treat patients in your state and complies with all governing medical laws in the US.  

If you have feedback about the platform or a physician, please email help@discreetcare.com.

Is it safe?

Yes, as long as you answer the medical questions truthfully and completely.   Physicians on the DiscreetCare platform depend solely on the information you provide.  They have no way of verifying the information you provide through external means.

If you are prescribed medicine, it’s crucial to follow any instructions your doctor provides. 

How quickly will a doctor review my medical history and answers?

After your online visit a doctor will complete their review within 6 to 24 hours.

Does DiscreetCare replace my primary care physician?

No.  It is important to keep your primary care physician and any other physicians involved in your care, up to date with any treatments you are getting through DiscreetCare.

Am I able to talk with the doctor who prescribes my medication?

Yes, you can message your doctor through the MyCare messaging platform at any time while you are taking your medication. 

Who do I contact if I have a medical emergency?

Please call 911 immediately.

Why do you need a picture of my ID and separate picture?

Your physician will need to confirm your identity before treating you remotely. In order to confirm your identity, we need two photos:

1. A photo of your government-issued ID

Must include:

– First & Last name

– Photo

– Date of birth

– ID expiration date (cannot be expired)

2. A clear photo of your face

Cannot include:

– Sunglasses, hats, or other facial obstructions

– Family photos

– Filters

– Pictures of a picture

We’ll use these photos only to confirm that the pictures match each other. 

If you have any questions about how to upload your photos please email help@discreetcare.com

Orders / Medication

How much does a visit cost?

If you choose to purchase your medication through your own pharmacy your online visit costs $35. This doesn’t include the cost of your medication (if prescribed). If a physician does not provide you with a prescription, you’ll get a full refund for your online visit.

If you choose to purchase your medication through DiscreetCare, then your online visit cost is waived and your only cost is for the medication.

Is DiscreetCare covered by insurance?

Services on the DiscreetCare platform are not covered by insurance.

What is the difference between Automatic Refills and Manual Refills?

Automatic refills – There’s no need to worry about running out of your medication.  We’ll process your refills and send them to your door on schedule.  You can still pause or cancel anytime by just switching from Automatic to Manual refills. 

Manual refills – You’re in charge of ordering your refills.  Just go to your MyCare account and click “Order Now”

You can change between Automatic and Manual refills at any time. 

Can I return my shipment?

Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns of prescription products.  All sales are final. However, if you feel we have made an error in the filling of your prescription, please contact us at help@discreetcare.com.

How much does my medication cost?

The cost of your medication depends on the type, dosage and amount you receive.   DiscreetCare publishes our medication pricing on every page of DiscreetCare.com.  Just click on the “Pricing” link.  

Prices at your local pharmacy may vary and are often double the cost of DiscreetCare.

When am I charged for the medication?

You are only charged for the medication after a physician has sent your prescription to the DiscreetCare pharmacy partner (Ridgeway Pharmacy). 

Do I need to be home to sign for my order?

Signatures are not required upon delivery.

When will I receive my order?

Between 2 to 4 days.  Once your order is shipped you will receive an email link to track your shipment. 

Orders are only able to be shipped on weekdays; orders placed after 5 PM will ship next day.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

How do I get ED medication through DiscreetCare?

DiscreetCare uses telemedicine technology to provide a discreet, convenient, and affordable way for you to receive erectile dysfunction treatment from a U.S. licensed physician. 

Complete our secure online medical form, submit your proof of identification and our physicians will determine if you’re eligible for ED medication. 

Which ED medications are available through DiscreetCare?

The American Urological Association claims that oral PDE-5 inhibitors should be offered as the “first line of therapy for erectile dysfunction.”  

So based on that, our physicians prescribe the two most popular PDE-5 oral medications:

Sildenafil (generic Viagra)

Tadalafil (generic Cialis)

What is the difference between Sildenafil Citrate and Tadalafil?

Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra, generic Viagra, and sildenafil. Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis and generic Cialis. The main difference between the medications is how long they last. 

Sildenafil citrate usually takes about 30 minutes to one hour to start working and then lasts for about four hours.  Tadalafil usually takes 30 minutes to two hours to start working and then lasts for about 36 hours. 

Sildenafil citrate is less effective when taken with food and it can cause temporary blue vision (as if you’re looking through blue-tinted glasses) in some users. Tadalafil can be taken with food and is much less likely to cause temporary blue vision in users. Tadalafil can also be taken daily at lower doses.

Is ED medication effective?

Both Viagra and Cialis state that over 80% of their users reported an improvement in their erections. 

Although oral ED medication generally works on the majority of men, It’s important to note that everyone’s reaction to a medication is unique.  As a result, your DiscreetCare will work with you to determine the most effective treatment plan.

Will ED medication automatically give me an erection?

No, ED medication will not automatically give you an erection. You still need to be sexually aroused to achieve an erection but ED medication makes this process easier.

Will ED medication make me want to have sex?

Taking ED medication alone will not necessarily make you want to have sex. This is because ED medication doesn’t directly affect your sex drive, or libido. 

Can erectile dysfunction be diagnosed remotely?

Yes.  DiscreetCare’s online form is designed to determine a patient’s medical history and symptoms which, in most cases, allows the physician to diagnose whether they have ED.  

That’s why it’s extremely important you answer each question truthfully and as accurate as possible

Why do I need to know my blood pressure to get an ED prescription?

Your blood pressure is an important part of determining whether it’s safe for you to take ED medication. It can be dangerous to take ED medication if your blood pressure is above or below a certain value.

To complete a comprehensive medical history during your online visit, you need to enter your most recent blood pressure reading within the last 6 months. 

If you haven’t had your blood pressure taken within the last 6 months, you can get a free blood pressure reading at thousands of locations across the country.  Enter your location into higi or Pursuant Health to find the nearest location to get a free, clinically verified blood pressure reading.  Higi Stations are available free of charge at Rite Aids nationwide, and Pursuant Health stations are available free of charge at Walmart’s nationwide.

Where can I find medication ordering & pricing information?

Please see our Orders / Medication FAQs for information about orders, pricing, delivery, etc.

Hair Loss

How do I get hair loss medication through DiscreetCare?

DiscreetCare uses telemedicine technology to provide a discreet, convenient, and affordable way for you to receive hair loss treatment from a U.S. licensed physician. 

Complete our secure online medical form, submit your proof of identification and our physicians will determine if you’re eligible for hair loss medication. 

Which hair loss medications are available through DiscreetCare?

Depending on your condition, our physician may recommend one or both of the following safe and effective treatments:

Finasteride (generic Propecia) – a prescription pill that’s primarily used to stop further hair loss across the entirety of your head and possibly regrow some hair you have lost.

Minoxidil (generic Rogaine) – a topical treatment that’s most effective for regrowth along the top of your head and crown.

Is hair loss medication effective?

In one study, Finasteride was effective at stopping hair loss in 83% of men compared to 28% for the placebo group.

How does Finasteride work?

The majority of hair loss in men is due to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is formed when testosterone is exposed to an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. Finasteride works by blocking the ability of 5-alpha reductase to convert testosterone to DHT.

This reduces your body’s DHT level and stops the hormone from binding to your hair follicles and causing damage.

Finasteride can even cause mild regrowth in hair that is starting to thin.

Finasteride is not appropriate for all men and should never be used by women or handled by pregnant women.

How long does Finasteride take to work?

Finasteride typically takes three months to start seeing noticeable results and make take up to one year to see maximum results. 

You must continue to take Finasteride on a daily basis to maintain your results.  If you stop, your hair loss may return.

How to take Finasteride?

Finasteride is an oral tablet taken once a day.

How does Minoxidil work?

When applied to your scalp, Minoxidil widens the blood vessels, facilitating the flow of blood to hair follicles. This increased blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, possibly promoting hair growth.

Minoxidil actively promotes the growth of hair by causing hairs in a resting state to shed and replacing them with new hairs in the growing phase.  

A temporary effect may be initial rapid hair loss during the first month as your resting hairs shed.  This is normal and once they’re replaced with hairs in the growing phase, Minoxidil can produce a noticeably thicker head of hair.

How long does Minoxidil take to work?

It may take 3 to 4 months of daily use before you see any noticeable improvement. 

If you do not see any new hair growth after 4 months, stop using and contact your medical practitioner.

How to take Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is available as a spray, liquid, or topical foam and in a variety of concentrations.

What are the side effects of Finasteride and Minoxidil?

For Finasteride side effects click here.

For Minoxidil side effects click here. 

Do I need to take a photo of my hair?

Yes. During your online visit, we’ll ask you to take and upload a few photos. This helps your physician determine the appropriate treatment option.

Where can I find medication ordering & pricing information?

Please see our Orders / Medication FAQs for information about orders, pricing, delivery, etc.

Premature Ejaculation (PE)

What is Premature Ejaculation (PE)?

Premature ejaculation occurs when a man ejaculates sooner during sexual intercourse than he or his partner would like.

Although there is no “specific” time that defines premature ejaculation – some experts use under 4 minutes as a guideline.

How do you treat PE?

While there is no “one” treatment that works for everyone, many men can be treated successfully using prescription oral medication or topical cream:

  • Oral Medicine – Can be taken daily or on an as-needed basis. Good for men who don’t want their sexual partner to find out about their PE.  Sertraline is considered the most common and most effective oral medicine for PE.
  • Topical Creams – Good for men who don’t want to take prescription medicine daily or 4 to 8 hours before sexual activity.  EMLA cream is considered the most common topical cream for PE.

How does Sertraline work?

Presently, there aren’t any medications specifically approved by the FDA to treat PE.  

However, SSRIs like Sertraline have been shown in clinical practice to be effective in helping men delay orgasm and ejaculation. 

SSRIs are prescription medication, meaning you’ll need to speak with a physician about this PE treatment method.   Physicians are generally permitted to prescribe a drug for an “off label” or “unapproved” use when they determine it is medically appropriate for their patient.

What is off-label prescribing?

The FDA requires that drugs go through a clinical testing process to establish that they’re safe and effective to treat a particular condition. Healthcare providers generally may prescribe the drug for an unapproved use when they judge that it is medically appropriate for their patient. 

This type of prescribing is called “off-label” prescribing. Off-label prescribing practices are sometimes validated by clinical experience and research and may be a widely recognized clinical practice. 

How do I get PE medication through DiscreetCare?

DiscreetCare uses telemedicine technology to provide a discreet, convenient, and affordable way for you to receive hair loss treatment from a U.S. licensed physician. 

Complete our secure online medical form, submit your proof of identification and our physicians will determine if you’re eligible for PE medication. 

What are the side effects of Sertraline and EMLA cream?

For Sertraline side effects click here.

For EMLA cream side effects click here.

Where can I find medication ordering & pricing information?

Please see our Orders / Medication FAQs for information about orders, pricing, delivery, etc.

Cold sores (Oral Herpes)

What are Cold Sores?

Cold sores are a symptom of the highly contagious Herpes Simplex Virus (or HSV-1).

Cold sores are small sores or blisters that appear on the lips, chin, cheeks, inside the nostrils, and less frequently on the gums or the roof of the mouth.

How do I stop a Cold Sore outbreak?

The best way to control and eliminate cold sores is by using scientifically-proven, prescription antiviral medication.

Valacyclovir is one of the most commonly used medications to treat and control HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Research shows that people who use Valacyclovir early in the process of a cold sore forming have a much quicker recovery period, usually within 24 hours.

Valacyclovir also reduces the risk of other cold sores forming as the infection spreads into other parts of the lips and mouth.

How do I prevent future outbreaks from happening?

The best approach to treating cold sores is to attack them before they can even be seen. This involves having Valacyclovir on hand so it can be taken at the earliest sign of a sore.

If you have several outbreaks throughout the year, your doctor may prescribe you to take Valacyclovir every day to prevent outbreaks from happening.

How do I get Cold Sore medication through DiscreetCare?

DiscreetCare uses telemedicine technology to provide a discreet, convenient, and affordable way for you to receive hair loss treatment from a U.S. licensed physician. 

Complete our secure online medical form, submit your proof of identification and our physicians will determine if you’re eligible for Cold Sore medication. 

What type of Cold Sore medication do your doctors prescribe?

Our doctors prescribe Valacyclovir (generic Valtrex) to treat Cold Sores.

What are the side effects of Valacyclovir?

For Valacyclovir side effects click here.

Do I need to take a photo of my Cold Sore outbreak?

No

Why is the medication for Cold Sores and Genital Herpes the same?

Though they infect different parts of the body, cold sores 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.

Where can I find medication ordering & pricing information?

Please see our Orders / Medication FAQs for information about orders, pricing, delivery, etc.

Genital Herpes

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a contagious disease caused by a Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV (HSV-1 and HSV-2), but most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2.

Unlike cases of oral herpes where HSV-1 causes sores around the lips and mouth, genital herpes causes sores around the genital and/or rectal areas.

The CDC estimates that about 1 in 8 Americans, ages 14–49, are infected with genital herpes.

How does it spread?

Genital herpes is highly contagious and is primarily spread by genital contact during sexual activity.

How can you tell if you have Genital Herpes?

The only way to definitively know if you have genital herpes is to receive a proper medical diagnosis.

Symptoms can begin within 2-12 days after exposure to the virus, but they also may not occur at all.

In the case where no symptoms are present, the person is still a carrier of the virus and can spread genital herpes to others.

What are symptoms of Genital Herpes?

  • Genital pain or tenderness
  • Itching
  • Small white blisters or red bumps on the genitals or rectum
  • Ulcers (open sores that may bleed or ooze)
  • Pain during urination (possibly due to ulcers)
  • Scabs/crusty areas

What are treatments for Genital Herpes?

Although there is no cure for genital herpes, there are several antiviral medications available that have been used to reduce the frequency and duration of outbreaks.

These medications also lessen the severity of the symptoms as well as reduce the risk of transmission to others.

The most common antiviral medication is Valacyclovir (generic Valtrex).

How do I get Genital Herpes medication through DiscreetCare?

DiscreetCare uses telemedicine technology to provide a discreet, convenient, and affordable way for you to receive hair loss treatment from a U.S. licensed physician. 

Complete our secure online medical form, submit your proof of identification and our physicians will determine if you’re eligible for Genital Herpes medication. 

What type of Genital Herpes medication do your doctors prescribe?

Our doctors prescribe Valacyclovir (generic Valtrex) to treat Genital Herpes.  

What are the side effects of Valacyclovir?

For Valacyclovir side effects click here.

Why is the medication for Cold Sores and Genital Herpes the same?

Though they infect different parts of the body, cold sores 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.

Where can I find medication ordering & pricing information?

Please see our Orders / Medication FAQs for information about orders, pricing, delivery, etc.

Acne

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.

Acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of such problems.

What are symptoms of Acne?

Acne signs vary depending on the severity of your condition:

  • Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
  • Blackheads (open plugged pores)
  • Small red, tender bumps (papules)
  • Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
  • Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules)
  • Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin (cystic lesions)

Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders.

What are causes of Acne?

There are four main causes of acne:

  • Excess oil production
  • Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells
  • Bacteria
  • Inflammation

How do you treat Acne?

Fortunately, there are a variety of topical and oral medication options for acne.

Acne medications work by reducing oil production and swelling or by treating bacterial infection. You may not see results for four to eight weeks and it could take months for your acne to clear up completely.

Book an online visit with one of our physicians to determine the most effective treatment for you.

What is Doxycycline?

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that belongs to a group of antibiotics called tetracyclines.

Doxycycline is the most commonly prescribed oral antibiotic (pill or capsule) for acne.

Doxycycline is used to treat moderate to severe inflammatory acne, or mild inflammatory acne that isn’t getting better with other treatments.

Why is this medication prescribed for Acne?

Doxycycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works to treat infections by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. It works to treat acne by killing the bacteria that infects pores and decreasing a certain natural oily substance that causes acne. 

Antibiotics such as doxycycline will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

What are the side effects of Doxycycline?

For Doxycycline side effects click here.

What is Clindamycin-Benzoyl Peroxide topical?

Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide are in a class of medications called topical antibiotics.

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that stops the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide also stops the growth of bacteria as well as reduce oil production in the skin, helping keep your pores open.

It may take up to 6 weeks to see a decrease in acne and up to 12 weeks to see the full benefit of the medication.

What are the side effects of Clindamycin-Benzoyl Peroxide?

For Clindamycin-Benzoyl Peroxide side effects click here.

Where can I find medication ordering & pricing information?

Please see our Orders / Medication FAQs for information about orders, pricing, delivery, etc.

Bladder Control Issues / Urinary Incontinence

What are symptoms of UI?

  • leaking urine during everyday activities, such as lifting, bending, coughing, or exercising
  • feeling a sudden, strong urge to urinate right away
  • leaking urine without any warning or urge
  • being unable to reach a toilet in time
  • wetting your bed during sleep

How can I prevent UI problems?

  • Follow a healthy eating plan
  • Drink enough fluids
  • Keep a healthy weight
  • Go the bathroom when you need to go
  • Try to empty your whole bladder
  • Quit smoking
  • Avoid constipation
  • Do pelvic floor muscle exercises 
  • Consult a doctor

What is Oxybutynin?

Oxybutynin is used to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as incontinence (a condition in which the bladder muscles contract uncontrollably and cause frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and inability to control urination) in certain adults and children.

What are the side effects of Oxybutynin?

For Oxybutynin side effects click here.

Where can I find medication ordering & pricing information?

Please see our Orders / Medication FAQs for information about orders, pricing, delivery, etc.

How it works

Discreet online healthcare at your fingertips.
Man Using Mobile Phone

Free Online Visit

Report your symptoms and medical history. Your answers will be reviewed by a US-licensed physician within 6 hours. Or if you prefer, speak directly to a physician via secure video call.

Desk with Discreet Care package

Free & Discreet Delivery

Receive your medication in discreet packaging within 2 to 4 days.

Doctor on computer screen

Ongoing Support

Speak to our highly trained staff any time during your treatment with any questions or concerns.

Free
Online Visit

Free 2-4 Day
Shipping

Stethoscope & Heart

US-licensed
Physicians

Treatment Bottle & Pill

US-licensed
Pharmacy