DoxyPEP
Explained
Everything you need to know about doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis — and how to get it
DoxyPEP can help protect you against some bacterial STIs when taken after condomless sex.
DoxyPEP can reduce 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.
DoxyPEP is short for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a medication that reduces your risk of contracting some STIs when taken after a potential exposure, such as having unprotected (condomless) anal, oral or vaginal intercourse.
DoxyPEP can reduce STI risk among men who have sex with men, trans women and other gender-diverse people born with a penis.
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.
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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 some bacterial STIs, but it doesn't protect against every STI — including HIV.
However, there's a different medication that helps prevent HIV when taken as prescribed: PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
By taking both PrEP and DoxyPEP, you can greatly reduce your risk of contracting multiple STIs.
Find out of PrEP and DoxyPEP are right for you by talking to an expert Freddie clinician.
DoxyPEP is only available to patients who also get PrEP from Freddie.
Short questionnaire and call
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Answer a few questions and book your free appointment with an expert Freddie clinician.
Complete your lab work
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Get some basic tests done so we can determine if PrEP and DoxyPEP are safe for you.
Receive 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!
