What is DoxyPEP?

Doxycycline is an antibiotic medication commonly used to treat infections that are caused by bacteria. Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, also known as, “DoxyPEP,” means taking doxycycline after oral, anal, or vaginal sex, to lower your chance of getting syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

DoxyPEP does not protect against other STIs, such as HIV, MPOX, herpes simplex virus, or human papilloma virus (HPV)

Who can take DoxyPEP?

DoxyPEP has been effective in reducing syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea when used by sexually active gay and bisexual men, other men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women who have sex with men who have had one or more of these infections in the past year.

If you take HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (HIV PrEP) talk to your medical provider about whether you should also consider DoxyPEP.

There is not very much information on DoxyPEP for other populations, like cisgender women, cisgender heterosexual men, and transgender men; but if you think you are at higher risk of an STI, talk with your healthcare provider about your situation and whether you might benefit from DoxyPEP.

People who are already pregnant should not take DoxyPEP.

Why should I consider DoxyPEP?

DoxyPEP can reduce the chance of getting syphilis and chlamydia by more than 70% and gonorrhea by about 50%.

When should I take DoxyPEP?

For DoxyPEP, you will need to take 200mg of doxycycline ideally within 24 hours but no later than 72 hours after condomless sex.

If you have sex again within 24 hours of taking doxycycline, take another dose 24 hours after your last dose. DoxyPEP can be taken as often as every day when you are having condomless sex, but do not take more than 200mg of doxycycline in a 24-hour period.

You need a prescription for DoxyPEP. If you think you need DoxyPEP, talk to your Care Pathway Center team.