DOXYPEP. A short explainer guide.
Using the well-known antibiotic as post-exposure prophylaxis PEP for gay men and other LGBTQ+ to reduce the risk / prevent bacterial STIs.
What is it?
* Widely used oral antibiotic (doxycycline)
* Reduces the chance of bacterial STIs and widely used in US as DoxyPEP & DoxyPREP
* Prescription only (UK/EU) but available through online pharmacies
* Becoming popular amongst LGBTQ+
* Resistance is considered a non-issue as used for acne and other conditions
How do I use it?
* 200mg doxycycline up to 72hrs after sex. Usually two 100mg pills.
* Take with water and food
* Remain upright 30mins after taking
* Possible photosensitivity. Use SPF and avoid strong sun
* Only take one dose per 24hrs
* Stop using if you’re given STI treatment
How effective is it?
* Not a magic pill
* Can prevent incidence of...
* Chlamydia (70–90% reduction)
* Syphilis (70–85% reduction) and
* Gonorrhoea (30–50% reduction) though maybe less effective due to resistant strains
Where can I get it? Any more info?
* Check Doxy interactions with any meds
* Avoid taking with dairy, alcohol, calcium, magnesium and iron supplements
* Not usually available on health systems. Can be purchased online using reputable online pharmacies or from travel clinics (malaria treatment)
* Available from Dynamix https://www.purchase-prep.com/ or Green Cross https://www.greencrosspharmacy.online/ or Superdrug (travel clinic) https://healthclinics.superdrug.com/services/malaria-tablets/