Red Door Clinic now offers Doxy PEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis), a preventive treatment for bacterial STIs from anal and oral sex.
Doxy PEP can reduce the chance of getting gonorrhea by about 60%, and closer to 80% for chlamydia and syphilis. It does not prevent other STIs, including HIV, Mpox, and trichomonas.
Doxy PEP overview
Who should consider Doxy PEP?
Doxy PEP has been shown in studies to work well for persons who were assigned male at birth who have sex with other persons who were assigned male at birth.
This includes men who have sex with men and transgender women.
If you think you would benefit from Doxy PEP, talk to your provider.
When to take Doxy PEP?
- Take two 100mg pills soon after sex, ideally within 24 hours, and no later than 72 hours.
- It may be more effective the sooner you take it.
- If you have sex again within 24 hours of taking Doxy PEP, take Doxy PEP again 24 hours after your last dose.
- You can take Doxy PEP as often as once a day when you are having sex.
- Don’t take more than 200 mg (two 100 mg pills) every 24 hours.
How to take Doxy PEP?
- Take on an empty stomach, if tolerated.
- If your stomach is upset, take it with food.
- Take with a large glass of water.
- Stay upright for 30 minutes after taking Doxy PEP to prevent esophagus (throat) irritation.
- Avoid dairy products, calcium, antacids, or multivitamins 2 hours before and after taking Doxy PEP.
- Wear sunscreen, stay covered or in the shade to avoid skin rashes from the sun while taking Doxy PEP.
Potential Side Effects
- Upset stomach.
- Esophagus (throat) irritation.
- Rash or skin sensitivity to sun.
Doxy PEP and STIs
If your partner has tested positive for an STI:
- Gonorrhea and chlamydia: Doxy PEP will prevent most infections. Get tested 7 days after exposure to be sure.
- Syphilis: Call the clinic to make an appointment for testing and treatment.
What to do if you develop symptoms
If you develop STI symptoms, you should make an appointment for evaluation.
Do not use Doxy PEP to treat any self-diagnosed infections. It might not be the correct medication.
Examples of taking Doxy PEP
Occasional sex
Take Doxy PEP soon after sex – ideally within 24 hours, and no later than 72 hours.
For example:
- You have sex on a Monday afternoon.
- Take Doxy PEP by Thursday afternoon.
Sex on multiple days
Take Doxy PEP soon after sex the first time. If you have sex again, take Doxy PEP every 24 hours after each time.
For example:
- You have sex on Sunday at 9 p.m. Dose 1 of Doxy PEP at 11 p.m.
- You then have sex on Monday at 8 a.m. Dose 2 of Doxy PEP is due at 11pm or later.
- You have sex on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Dose 3 of Doxy PEP soon after sex – by Saturday at 7 p.m.
