What is DoxyPEP?
Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxyPEP) is a way to prevent bacterial STIs (chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea). It is an antibiotic medication you can take up to 72 hours after being exposed to bacterial STIs. This medication has been used to treat various forms of bacterial infections for quite some time, and early research has shown it to be effective to prevent specific STIs, it is not yet formally approved in Canada. That being said, the research that has been done has been promising, and some doctors are starting to prescribe doxyPEP as an STI preventative.
How Does DoxyPEP Work?
Doxycycline is an antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Like many antibiotics, it works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria that can cause STIs. In Canada, it is most commonly used to treat chlamydia, but has also been used to treat syphilis, respiratory tract infections, skin infections, malaria, and Lyme disease. DoxyPep does not help prevent viral STIs such as HIV, herpes, and HPV. It is not recommended to treat gonorrhea, as there are now strains that are resistant to this medication.
To Prevent STIs, the recommended dose is 200mg (2 x 100mg pills) after condomless sex (including oral, anal, and vaginal sex, penetrative or not). The sooner you can start it, the better. Ideally, this medication should be taken within 24 hours after exposure, but can be taken up to 72 hours after. Think of it like a “morning after pill” for bacterial STIs.
Are there Side Effects to Using Doxycyline?
Doxycycline has been used for over 50 years, and is generally safe and well tolerated, though some people do experience some nausea and vomiting, as well as an increased susceptibility for sunburns.
Like any other antibiotic, there are concerns of antibiotic resistance and changes to the microbiome might happen when taking this medication.
The following minerals will make the medication not work properly, and should be avoided within 2-3 hours of taking the medication:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Aluminium
- Magnesium
- zinc
You can always check in with one of our nurses or doctors, or your pharmacist to manage side effects.
DoxyPEP vs DoxyPrEP
DoxyPrEP uses doxycycline as a pre-exposure prophylaxis for preventing STIs. This means taking the medication everyday to prevent STIs – think similarly to everyday birth control pills compared to “the morning after pill’, but for STIs.
This is much less common than DoxyPEP. There’s much less research on its effectiveness (though ongoing studies are showing that it does reduce infections), and there are concerns that widespread use like this could potentially lead to strains of these infections becoming resistant to these antibiotics.
How to Access DoxyPEP
Book an appointment with us! Our doctors can talk you through your options, and provide you a prescription for Doxycycline. You can then pick up the medication from your local pharmacy. DoxyPEP is still not very common, so may be available at the ER depending on the clinician that sees you.
Doxycycline is covered by Nova Scotia’s Pharmacare Program as well as by most private insurance plans. Check with your provider to ensure you are covered for this purpose and/or dosage.
BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT
Give us a call at 902.455.9656 ext. 0. You will be speaking with either a volunteer or a medical administrator. If you’re a returning patient, you can also book online. We cannot book appointments by email or Facebook.
You cannot book an appointment for someone else, even if they are your partner or child. We will need to speak with them directly. Are you a youth? You do not need parental consent for any of our appointments.To book, we will need your full name, birth date, phone number, and a very brief reason for your visit. That’s it! The person on the phone will outline anything you need to know to prepare for your appointment.
If you’re looking to have DoxyPEP covered through the Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare Program, make sure you are enrolled in the program before coming to your appointment.
We cannot book you in advance for your follow-ups. You will have to call or go online to book your follow up closer to the date. Our average wait time for an appointment is 4-6 weeks from the day you call.
Make sure you bring your valid provincial health card with you to your appointment. Clients without health cards are subject to doctors and lab fees.
Don’t have access to or lost your health card? You are entitled to your health card information! Call MSI toll-free at 1-800-563-8880 (in Nova Scotia) or at 902-496-7008 from Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. We require the number and the expiry date. Another tip: take a picture of your card! You will never lose it again!
Although not required, it is recommended you complete a follow-up test for chlamydia and gonorrhea 3-4 months after taking DoxyPEP to ensure it worked.