Doxy-PEP stands for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis. It involves taking one 200mg pill of doxycycline, a kind of tetracycline, as soon as possible but no later than three days after having sex without a condom. The study observed its effects over the course of a year in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women and found it reduced bacterial STIs, specifically gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, by two-thirds each quarter.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health is now recommending Doxy PEP for certain individuals, including cisgender men and trans women with a history of bacterial STIs and condomless sex in the past year. PULSE CLINIC is also providing Doxy PEP to men who have sex with men, trans women, trans men, and other TGNCI+ folks who may be at risk for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis even if they have not been diagnosed in the past year. Doxy PEP is not currently recommended for cisgender women at this time, although it is being studied and we hope to have results soon.
Effectiveness
Recent research showed that Doxy PEP reduced bacterial STIs overall by 66% (among people on PrEP) and 62% (among people living with HIV). According to The New York Times, "evidence so far supports doxy-PEP’s use only in men who have sex with men and in transgender women. In those groups, the antibiotic cut rates of syphilis and chlamydia by about 90 percent and gonorrhea by about 55 percent".
How to use it
- •200 mg of doxycycline taken within 24 hours (no later than 72 hours) after condomless oral, anal, vaginal and/or front hole sex.
- •If you have sex again, take another dose 24 hours after your last dose. You can take Doxy PEP as often as every day, but don’t take more than 200 mg every 24 hours.
- •Take doxycycline with plenty of water. If you get an upset stomach, try taking it with food.
Reminders
- •Don’t share Doxy PEP with others. If your friends or partners want to use it, refer them to us or their provider.
- •Wear sunscreen if you’re taking Doxy PEP. It can cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun.
- •Avoid dairy, calcium, antacids, or multivitamins within 2 hours before or after Doxy PEP. These can reduce absorption in your stomach.
Cost
Doxy PEP is not expensive. If you have insurance, you may have a copay when you pick up the medication up from the pharmacy. If you are uninsured, and receive Doxy PEP from PULSE, we may be able to provide you with free medication.
How to get it
- •If you are client of PULSE CLINIC
- •You can get Doxycycline from PULSE Pharmacy Online
- •If you’re not an existing client at PULSE Clinic, you have a few options.
- •Ask your primary care provider or sexual health care provider about Doxy PEP and if they can provide a prescription. If they don’t know about Doxy PEP, ask them to visit: https://www.pulse-clinic.com/doxy-pep-doxycycline-for-prevention-of-stis-when-you-have-condomless-sex for more information.
- •Visit PULSE CLINIC anywhere in Thailand (Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai), Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia (Bukit Bintang, Bangsar, Penang), Philippines (Manila)
