DoxyPEP
Explained
Everything you need to know about doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis — and how to get it
DoxyPEP reduces the risk of contracting syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea when taken after condomless sex.
Studies have proven DoxyPEP is effective in reducing STI risk among men who have sex with men, trans women and other gender-diverse people born with a penis.
DoxyPEP is taken ideally within 24 hours, but no later than 72 hours, after having condomless oral, anal or vaginal intercourse.
Freddie patients who are eligible to take DoxyPEP can get it prescribed alongside PrEP (which prevents HIV).
DoxyPEP is short for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a medication that reduces your risk of contracting syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea when taken after a potential exposure, such as having unprotected (condomless) anal, oral or vaginal intercourse.
DoxyPEP is for men who have sex with men, trans women and other gender-diverse people who were born with a penis. Studies show that in people with this body type, DoxyPEP reduced the risk of chlamydia by 70-89%, syphilis by 73-87%, and gonorrhea by 51-57%.
Research suggests DoxyPEP is not as effective when taken by cis women, trans men, and other gender-diverse people born with vaginas, so it isn’t currently recommended for people with this body type. However, you can still speak with your clinician to determine what’s right for you.
DoxyPEP may also be right for you if you:
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have had a bacterial STI in the past year and have had condomless anal or oral sexual contact with ≥ 1 cis male or trans female partner in the past year
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have a history of syphilis infection
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have had multiple cis male or trans female sex partners in the prior year, even if you have not previously been diagnosed with an STI
DoxyPEP may NOT be right for you if you:
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have a known allergy to doxycycline or tetracycline medication
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have a known diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis
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use certain medications such as barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine, isotretinoin, or others
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are pregnant or able to get pregnant
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are breast or chest feeding
DoxyPEP reduces the risk of contracting syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea when taken after condomless sex.
Studies have proven DoxyPEP is effective in reducing STI risk among men who have sex with men, trans women and other gender-diverse people born with a penis.
DoxyPEP is taken ideally within 24 hours, but no later than 72 hours, after having condomless oral, anal or vaginal intercourse.
Freddie patients who are eligible to take DoxyPEP can get it prescribed alongside PrEP.
DoxyPEP is a pill taken orally as a single 200mg dose, typically consisting of two 100mg tablets.
Typical dose of 2x 100mg tablets
Daily PrEP is the most common type of PrEP prescription and is 99% effective. Simply take 1 PrEP pill every 24 hours for maximum protection. It’s recommended to take daily PrEP at the same time every day.
Most providers in Canada will choose to prescribe daily PrEP as evidence suggests it is most effective in preventing HIV.
The vast majority of Freddie patients pay $0 to get their PrEP prescribed online and discreetly delivered.
PrEP on-demand is less commonly prescribed because it requires careful planning and tracking of sexual activity - and we know sex isn’t always planned. Studies show that it is effective at preventing HIV, but there is a higher chance of missed doses or low drug levels that might make it not quite as effective as daily PrEP. But if you and your prescriber think it’s right for you, it is a great way to prevent HIV.
PrEP on-demand does not require daily intake. This is ideal for someone who can’t access a sufficient supply of PrEP due to cost or if they have predictable and fluctuating sexual behaviour.
To take PrEP on-demand, you must take a total of 4 pills in the following order:
Pills 1-2
Take two PrEP pills 2-24 hours before sexual contact
Pill 3
Wait 24 hours and take PrEP pill 3
Pill 4
Wait 24 hours and take PrEP pill 4
The vast majority of Freddie patients pay $0 to get their PreP prescribed online and discreetly delivered.
GET PrEP NOW•
DoxyPEP must be taken within 72 hours after having condomless sex to be effective at preventing STIs.
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Ideally, DoxyPEP should be taken within 24 hours after having condomless sex. DoxyPEP may be more effective the sooner you take it after an exposure.
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For DoxyPEP to be the most effective, it needs to be taken every time you have condomless sex.
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Avoid dairy or metal-containing supplements (calcium, magnesium, zinc, antacids), which can reduce DoxyPEP's efficacy, for two hours before and after your dose.
Doxycycline (DoxyPEP) is a widely-used antibiotic with a low risk of side effects and drug interactions.
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.
Doxycycline can cause nausea, but taking it with food can help this. Don't lie down for 30 minutes after taking it.
DoxyPEP can reduce the risk of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea — but it doesn’t protect against other STIs, including HIV.
However, HIV can be prevented with PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a pill that can reduce your risk of HIV by up to 99%.
By taking both PrEP and DoxyPEP, you can greatly reduce your risk of contracting multiple STIs. And Freddie makes it easy to get PrEP & DoxyPEP together.
Get prescribed PrEP & DoxyPEP online and have it delivered to your door in just a few steps. (DoxyPEP is only available to patients who also get PrEP from Freddie.)
Short questionnaire and call
1
Answer a few questions and book your free appointment with an expert Freddie clinician.
Complete your lab work
2
Get some basic tests done so we can determine if PrEP and DoxyPEP are safe for you.
Get your prescription
3
Your results are reviewed by your Freddie clinician. If PrEP and DoxyPEP are safe for you, your prescription will be delivered discreetly to your door!
