DoxyPEP

Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) means taking the antibiotic doxycycline after sex, to prevent getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is a morning-after pill for STIs. Studies have shown that taking DoxyPEP reduces your chance of getting syphilis and chlamydia by about two-thirds, especially if you are a transgender woman (TGW) or a man who has sex with men (MSM).

Doxycycline: Early data from California reveals that using Doxycycline after condomless sex (DoxyPEP) significantly reduces syphilis and chlamydia rates among gay, bisexual men, and transgender women, but has limited impact on gonorrhea. The CDC recommends DoxyPEP for men who have sex with men and transgender women with a history of bacterial STIs, following research showing up to a two-thirds reduction in syphilis and chlamydia infections. However, resistance to antibiotics and the lack of efficacy in cisgender women underscore the need for continued study.

The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) HIV/AIDS Bureau emphasizes the need for integrating STI prevention and treatment into the care of people living with HIV/AIDS. With rising STI rates in the U.S., particularly syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) plays a key role in addressing this issue. HRSA recommends that RWHAP recipients follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2024 guidelines on using Doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) to prevent bacterial STIs. These guidelines specifically target men who have sex with men and transgender women at risk for STIs. RWHAP funding can be used to purchase DoxyPEP for eligible clients, and HRSA encourages AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) to add DoxyPEP to their formularies. This approach aims to reduce STI transmission, improve health outcomes, and lower barriers to treatment for individuals with HIV.

To learm more about DoxyPEP and if it is right for you, take a few moments today to get in touch with one of our skilled, PrEP navigators and connected to a safe, healthy life. Call GRS today at: 916-427-4653.