Here’s what you should know about DoxyPEP
Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, or DoxyPEP, is a relatively new method of sexually transmitted infection prevention that can help New Yorkers stay safe after sexual encounters. Callen-Lorde is here to be a resource for existing patients and anyone looking for more information on the method.
How DoxyPEP works
DoxyPEP is like a morning after pill for STIs, best taken within 24 hours of having unprotected sex. According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the regimen can reduce your chance of getting certain infections including syphilis and chlamydia by about two-thirds and can possibly create a reduction in gonorrhea infections. Here’s how to take it.
Steps for taking DoxyPEP
- Take two 100-milligram pills of doxycycline within 24 hours or no later than 72 hours after condomless sex.
- You can use the medication every day while having condomless sex, but do not take more than 200 milligrams, or one dose, every 24 hours.
- Drink plenty of water with the medicine. Taking it with food might help prevent an upset stomach.
- Use sunscreen or cover exposed skin while outdoors, as some patients become more sensitive to the sun.
- Avoid taking antacids, multivitamins or supplements that contain calcium, magnesium or iron two hours before or after taking doxycycline, as they may interrupt your body’s ability to absorb the antibiotic.
What we’re still learning
According to the health department, DoxyPEP is a new way of fighting STIs and there are still questions about its use. Physicians are still unclear on whether taking the antibiotic for STI prevention would affect the “good” bacteria in patients’ intestines or on the skin, or if the bacteria that cause STIs will become resistant due to this method – and therefore make them harder to treat.
Going forward
The DOHMH recommends that sexually active New Yorkers continue to get tested for STIs every three months and whenever they have symptoms. DoxyPEP cannot prevent HIV, mpox, HPV or other viral infections and doses should not be shared with others.