What is Doxy-PEP?
Doxy-PEP is short for Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. It’s where you take an antibiotic (doxycycline) after condomless sex (post-exposure) to prevent STIs (prophylaxis). Doxy-PEP can be taken after condomless sex to help prevent syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea.
How do I take Doxy-PEP?
Doxy-PEP is taken in a dose of 200mg. This is usually two pills or capsules. It needs to be taken within 72 hours after condomless oral sex, anal sex or insertive vaginal sex. Ideally it should be taken within 24 hours.
For Doxy-PEP to be the most effective, it needs to be taken every time you have condomless sex.
Who is Doxy-PEP for?
Doxy-PEP is for men who have sex with men, trans women and other gender-diverse people who were born with a penis. This is because the research supporting Doxy-PEP (more on that below) showed it was effective in people with these body types.
Unfortunately, research suggests Doxy-PEP is not as effective for people who were born with vaginas. This includes cis women, trans men and other gender-diverse people with this body type. At this time, Doxy-PEP is not recommended for these people – however, you can speak to your clinician to decide what might be best for you.
How effective is Doxy-PEP?
The evidence for Doxy-PEP comes from three studies that followed men who have sex with men and transgender women. These studies took place in France and the USA and included people with and without HIV.
In these trials, Doxy-PEP reduced the risk of chlamydia by 70-89%. It also reduced the risk of syphilis by 73-87%. In two of the studies, Doxy-PEP reduced the risk of gonorrhea by 51-57%. Doxy-PEP is less effective against gonorrhea because this bacteria is resistant to more types of antibiotics.
In one study, Doxy-PEP did not reduce the risk of gonorrhea. This is likely because the strain of gonorrhea that was common among the participants in France is resistant to doxycycline.
Is Doxy-PEP Safe?
Doxycycline is a widely-used antibiotic with a low risk of side effects and drug interactions. It’s often used to prevent malaria and treat acne, where it can be safely taken for days or weeks at a time. It’s also used to treat some common infections.
Doxycycline can make you more sensitive to sunlight, so it’s important to wear sunscreen for at least 24 hours after you’ve taken it. If you’re having a horny beach vacation, be careful! Don’t forget to take shade breaks and re-apply.
Doxycycline can also cause nausea, but taking it with food can help this. Make sure you don’t lie down for 30 minutes afterwards.
Avoid dairy or metal-containing supplements (calcium, magnesium, zinc, antacids) for two hours before and after your dose. This is because they can interfere with how the medication is absorbed, making it less effective.
How do I get Doxy-PEP?
You should be able to get Doxy-PEP from sexual health clinics that serve LGBTQ2S+ people. You can also get it from family doctors. However, access can vary depending on where you live – Doxy-PEP is new, and not all clinics are informed.
Freddie can connect new and existing patients with Doxy-PEP if they’re eligible. Ask your clinician for more information.
Not a patient yet? Get started with Freddie today! Please note that Doxy-PEP is only available alongside PrEP at this time. Freddie does not offer stand-alone Doxy-PEP.
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