DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is the use of antibiotic medication (doxycycline) when taken after sex to help prevent Syphilis and Chlamydia infections. It is usually referred to as doxyPEP or DPEP.
DoxyPEP is taken as one 200 mg dose after condomless sex. It is best to take it within 24 hours, but it still works up to 72 hours later. Only take one dose every 24 hours, no matter how many times you had sex during that time. If you have a lot of sex over a few days, you can just take one dose at the end of that 72-hour period.
DoxyPEP may be recommended for:
- Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women
- People who have increased risk of acquiring Syphilis eg having a diagnosis of a bacterial STI in the last 12 months
- People with recent history of multiple new sexual partners
- People in sexual networks or communities with high rates of STI’s ie groupsex, chemsex
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Sexual Health Services are able to offer doxyPEP to eligible people attending clinic depending on individual risks and benefits. Please discuss this with us when you call or attend for an appointment.