Doxypep
Open Door Health > Services > DoxyPEP
Prevention Just Got Smarter: DoxyPEP
Reduced bacterial STIs with DoxyPEP
DoxyPEP reduces bacterial STIs such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea by up to 88%.
Reduction in chlamydia with DoxyPEP
In a clinical trial, doxyPEP was shown to reduce the risk of chlamydia by 70% among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women who took the medication after exposure to a potential STI. (CDC)
Lower Syphilis Risk with DoxyPEP
A study showed that doxyPEP reduced the risk of acquiring syphilis by 73% among individuals at high risk when taken within 72 hours after potential exposure. (The Lancet)
At Open Door Health, we’re excited to offer DoxyPEP, a new way to prevent bacterial STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis after possible exposure.
What is DoxyPEP?
- DoxyPEP is a post-exposure medication (similar to PEP for HIV) using the antibiotic doxycycline to reduce the risk of STIs after sex.
- A single 200mg dose of doxycycline, taken within 72 hours of condomless sex (oral, anal, or vaginal), can significantly lower the risk of these bacterial infections.
Why It Matters
- STI rates are rising, including in Rhode Island, and untreated bacterial STIs can cause serious health complications.
- DoxyPEP has shown to reduce syphilis by up to 87%, chlamydia by 88%, and gonorrhea by 57% in recent studies.
Testing & Treatment
- Testing for these infections includes blood tests for syphilis and urine, throat, or rectal tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia. All of these can be treated with antibiotics.
If you’re at risk or want to learn more about DoxyPEP, we’re here to support you in staying healthy and informed!
At Open Door Health, we’re excited to offer DoxyPEP, a new way to prevent bacterial STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis after possible exposure.
What is DoxyPEP?
- DoxyPEP is a post-exposure medication (similar to PEP for HIV) using the antibiotic doxycycline to reduce the risk of STIs after sex.
- A single 200mg dose of doxycycline, taken within 72 hours of condomless sex (oral, anal, or vaginal), can significantly lower the risk of these bacterial infections.
Why It Matters:
- STI rates are rising, including in Rhode Island, and untreated bacterial STIs can cause serious health complications.
- DoxyPEP has shown to reduce syphilis by up to 87%, chlamydia by 88%, and gonorrhea by 57% in recent studies.
Testing & Treatment:
- Testing for these infections includes blood tests for syphilis and urine, throat, or rectal tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia. All of these can be treated with antibiotics.
If you’re at risk or want to learn more about DoxyPEP, we’re here to support you in staying healthy and informed!
- Do you identify as a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men or a transgender woman?
- Have you been diagnosed with syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia in the last 12 months?
If you said yes to the above questions and are interested in being prescribed doxycycline as PEP, please call Open Door Health at (401) 648-4700.
If you said yes to the above questions and are interested in being prescribed doxycycline as PEP, please call Open Door Health at (401) 648-4700.
If you said yes to the above questions and are interested in being prescribed doxycycline as PEP, please call Open Door Health at (401) 648-4700.
Doxycycline, DoxyPEP, is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic used to treat many different bacterial infections. Doxycycline is generally well tolerated. Adverse effects most commonly associated with doxycycline include photosensitivity and gastrointestinal symptoms including esophageal erosion and ulceration which are uncommon but can occur. Most adverse effects resolve when the medication is stopped. Long-term use of doxycycline has been prescribed safely for other medical indications (e.g., acne treatment and malaria prophylaxis).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released preliminary considerations for DoxyPEP as an STI preventative strategy. Other settings such as the San Francisco Department of Public Health have released their own guidance. In general, DoxyPEP to prevent bacterial STIs includes the following:
- Taking 200 mg of doxycycline taken within 72 hours (ideally within 24 hours or as soon as possible) after condomless oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Doxycycline can be taken daily depending on sexual activity, but no more than 200 mg every 24 hours.
- At this time, the studies for DoxyPEP for bacterial STI prevention have only demonstrated effectiveness in MSM and TGW. DoxyPEP in other groups can be considered in discussion with your medical provider. We hope to see research continue to evolve and include all identities.
- Men who have sex with men (SMS) and Transgender Women (TGW) who have had a prior bacterial STI (i.e., syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia) should strongly consider doxycycline as PEP and particularly if there have been an STI diagnosis in the past 12 months.
- MSM and TGW who are on HIV PrEP and/or who are living with HIV infection should strongly consider DoxyPEP.
- At the initial visit for DoxyPEP, a person should be screened for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. People taking DoxyPEP should follow-up every three (3) months for STI testing.
Where to Find Us
7 Central St, Providence, RI, 02907
Parking available in the parking lot in front of Kite Architects, or on Central Street.
Where To Find Us
7 Central St, Providence, RI, 02907
Parking available in the parking lot in front of Kite Architects, or on Central Street.
Open Door Health Clinic Hours
- Monday: 10am – 7pm
- Tuesday: 8am – 5pm
- Wednesday: 8am – 5pm
- Thursday: 8am – 5pm
- Friday: 8am – 5pm
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Express STI Screening / Walk-In Hours
- Mondays: 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Tuesdays: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesdays: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Thursdays: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Fridays: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Need Support?
Contact us today to learn more about our DoxyPEP services and how we can support you.
