DoxyPEP Care

Individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) may consider DoxyPEP for STI prevention. This option is beneficial for people who have had a bacterial STI, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis. It is also a good fit for people who have engaged in condomless oral or anal sex with another AMAB person in the past year.

Talking with a provider at Spectrum Medical can offer you personalized insights into the risks and benefits of DoxyPEP, helping you make informed decisions about incorporating it into your sexual health plan. 

To get prescribed DoxyPEP, a health provider will need to determine your eligibility for treatment. During an appointment, a provider will evaluate your sexual health history and risk factors. If you meet the criteria, you will be prescribed doxycycline, which you can pick up at a local pharmacy or through PrideCare Rx. 

Ideally, you should take two 100mg tablets of doxycycline within 24 hours, but no later than 72 hours, after condomless sex (including oral, anal, or vaginal). Take DoxyPEP with plenty of water or something else to drink so that it does not get stuck when you swallow. If your stomach is upset by DoxyPEP, taking it with food may help.

• Some people are more sensitive to the sun when they take DoxyPEP, so we advise you to wear sunscreen.
• Please do not share DoxyPEP with others.
• Avoid dairy products, calcium, antacids, or multivitamins 2 hours before and after taking DoxyPEP.

Before starting DoxyPEP, it’s important to understand how it can be combined with other preventive measures, such as PrEP for HIV. The concurrent use of PrEP and DoxyPEP is considered safe, allowing individuals to enhance their protection against multiple sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. While DoxyPEP has demonstrated the potential to reduce the risk of contracting these STIs by approximately 60%, it’s crucial to remember that no intervention provides complete protection. This underscores the need for continued vigilance in sexual health practices even while utilizing DoxyPEP.

If you have sex again within 24 hours of taking doxycycline, take another dose 24 hours after your last dose. You can take DoxyPEP as often as every day when you are having condomless sex. Do not take more than 200mg (two 100mg pills) within a 24-hour period.

After starting DoxyPEP, it’s important to have regular follow-up appointments with your primary care provider every three months, including routine STI testing and standard bloodwork. Stick to this schedule for preventive care and prescription refills, even if you’re symptom-free. If you experience STI symptoms or are exposed to an infection, promptly visit your provider. These follow-ups also help gather insights to enhance our service delivery surrounding DoxyPEP.

Reminders:

• Please continue to get tested for STIs every 3 months and whenever you have symptoms.
• DoxyPEP doesn’t protect against MPOX (monkeypox), HIV, or other viral infections.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention.
• If you are living with HIV, continue to take your medications and see your healthcare provider regularly.

Yes. Spectrum Medical is happy to support patients of all backgrounds from anywhere in Arizona, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, Peoria, Surprise, and surrounding communities. If you have trouble traveling during business hours, consider scheduling an appointment through our Testing After Dark program every other Tuesday.