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).
How do I take it?
Take a 200mg dose of doxycycline within 72 hours of sex (2 x 100mg pills). Don’t take it more than once a day.
What does it protect against?
DoxyPEP reduces the chance of getting chlamydia & syphilis by around three-quarters and the risk of gonorrhoea by around half.
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Around three-quarters lower chance of chlamydia and syphilis.
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Around half the risk of gonorrhoea.
It gives no protection against any infections caused by viruses such as herpes, warts, HIV and hepatitis.
What about antibiotic resistance?
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 about DoxyPEP studies.
Are there any other side effects?
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.
Who can take it?
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.
If you are taking other medicines, check the interactions on the BNF website.
How can I get it?
DoxyPEP is not yet available through the NHS. Visit our page or speak to a member of the team for the latest information on how to access it.
