What is DoxyPEP?

DoxyPEP (short for Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an antibiotic you take after sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) to help lower your risk of getting certain bacterial STIs like chlamydia, syphilis, and possibly gonorrhea.

It works a bit like a “morning-after pill,” but for STIs, not pregnancy.

Important Note: DoxyPEP does NOT protect against HIV, so it should not replace PrEP, which is used to prevent HIV.

Who is DoxyPEP for?

DoxyPEP has been shown to be effective for:

• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM)
• Transgender women,
  especially those who had a bacterial STI (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis) in the last 12 months.

Even if you haven’t had an STI recently, you can still talk to your doctor about it if you’re sexually active and may be at higher risk.

Note: There’s still a pending study on how well DoxyPEP works for people with vaginas. The effectiveness and safety for this group are still being researched.

How do I get and take DoxyPEP?

1. Talk to a doctor first – You’ll need a prescription.
2. If you’re eligible, your doctor can give you a supply to keep and self-administer when needed.
3. Take one 200 mg dose (usually 2 pills) of doxycycline within 72 hours after sex.
4. Don’t take more than one dose per day (24 hours).

How to take it safely:

To reduce side effects like nausea or stomach irritation:

• Take it with food and a full glass of water
• Don’t lie down for 1 hour after taking it
• Avoid dairy, antacids, and supplements with calcium, iron, or magnesium 2 hours before or after
• Use sunscreen or cover up, as doxycycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight

Other important info:

• DoxyPEP doesn’t interfere with gender-affirming hormone therapy
• Continue getting STI check-ups every 3 to 6 months—DoxyPEP helps reduce risk, but it’s not 100%
  Always use DoxyPEP as part of a comprehensive sexual health plan, with open conversations and regular care from your provider

References: 

• https://www.cdc.gov/sti/hcp/doxy-pep/index.html
• https://bodypositive.org.nz/Pages/DoxyPEP/