What is Doxy-PEP?
Doxy-PEP is the chemoprophylaxis by using the antibiotics “Doxycycline” to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) after having unprotected sex, whether through penetrative intercourse or oral sex. Currently, Doxy-PEP is used in several countries worldwide, including Thailand.
Which STIs can Doxy-PEP prevent?
Studies conducted in France, the United States, and Kenya have shown that Doxy-PEP can significantly reduce the incidence of chlamydia and syphilis infections compared to those who received a placebo. The effectiveness of Doxy-PEP in reducing chlamydia and syphilis infections is approximately 70-90%, and it reduces gonorrhea infections by about 30-60%.
Who Can Use Doxy-PEP?
Doxy-PEP is recommended for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women because studies in these populations have shown that it is highly effective in reducing chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea infections (*in countries where gonorrhea has low tetracycline resistance). However, there has been no research on the efficacy of Doxy-PEP in women who have sex with men, so it is not suggested for this population. It is recommended exclusively for persons who are at high risk of developing STIs through sexual interaction.
How to Use Doxy-PEP
Doxy-PEP should be used “within 72 hours” after having unprotected sex. The recommended dosage of Doxycycline is 200 mg for a single dose, given as two tablets per dose, up to three times per week, but no more than six tablets per week.
Are there any side effects from Doxy-PEP, and are they dangerous?
Doxy-PEP’s common adverse effects include esophageal irritation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and skin redness or blistering following sun exposure. If you want to use Doxy-PEP, you should visit a healthcare clinic for proper and safe dosage instructions.
How is Doxy-PEP different from PEP?
The difference between Doxy-PEP and PEP is that Doxy-PEP involves the use of Doxycycline to prevent chlamydia and syphilis infections from unprotected sex. In contrast, PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) involves the use of antiretroviral drugs in oral form to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure through sexual contact, blood, or bodily fluids from someone with HIV.
Therefore, Doxy-PEP cannot prevent HIV infection after exposure. In contrast, PEP cannot prevent chlamydia and syphilis infections from unprotected sex.
References.
- คำแนะนำการใช้ยาด็อกซีไซคลินเพื่อป้องกันโรคติดต่อทางเพศสัมพันธ์หลังการสัมผัส ฉบับที่ 1 เดือนมิถุนายน 2567, กองโรคเอดส์และโรคติดต่อทางเพศสัมพันธ์, กรมควบคุมโรค, กระทรวงสาธารณสุขแห่งประเทศไทย
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
- https:// www.aidsmap.com/news/jul-2022/taking-antibiotic-after-sex-cuts-stis-two-thirds-doxypep-study-finds
- https://www.thebodypro.com/article/doxypep-stis-prophylactic-doxycycline-msm-hiv-prep
- https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2022/05/422911/doxycycline-after-unprotected-sex-significantly-reduced-stis
