DoxyPEP stands for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis. It involves taking an antibiotic called doxycycline after sex to reduce the likelihood of contracting bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Take a 200mg dose of doxycycline taken within 72 hours of sex (2x100mg pills). Don’t take it more than once a day.
DoxyPEP reduces the chance of getting chlamydia & syphilis by around three-quarters and the risk of gonorrhoea by around half.
It gives no protection against any infections caused by viruses such as herpes, warts, HIV and hepatitis.
Some people worry that taking doxycycline regularly might increase antibiotic resistance. Others argue that this is unlikely to be a problem because the drug is already given long-term for other health issues without it causing any problems. (e.g. Acne treatment).
Read more on the studies here
Doxycycline can make skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light, so be careful in the sun when taking it regularly. Take the pills standing up with plenty of water to reduce the chance of stomach irritation.
DoxyPEP can be taken by cisgender men who have sex with men and transgender women. Doxycycline should not be used in pregnancy. Don’t take it at the same time as indigestion remedies. It has very few other significant drug interactions.
Check the link on the website here if you are taking other medicines.
DoxyPEP is not yet available through the NHS. Visit our webpage or speak to a member of the team for the latest information on how to access it.
