Based on recommendations and considerations of European and German professional medical associations, DoxyPEP can be useful for cisgender men who have condomless sex with men (MSM) and trans* women who have sex with MSM . Here, condomless sex includes oral, anal and vaginal sex.Additionally, one of the following criteria should be met:
The evidence base for DoxyPEP is constantly evolving as more studies - including clinical trials - are conducted.German STI Society , DoxyPEP reduces:Bolan et al, 2015 IPERGAY (Molina et al, 2018)Grennan et al, 2021 ; Tattersall et al, 2020 )DoxyPEP (Luetkemeyer et al, 2023)DoxyVAC (Molina et al, 2023)
DoxyPEP involves taking one 200mg pill of doxycycline as soon as possible but no later than three days after a sexual contact.
DoxyPEP is generally well-tolerated and has very few negative interactions with other prescription drugs (see → Interaction with other drugs ) . There is also good experience with the long-term use of doxycycline, for example for acne or, in other countries, as a malaria prophylaxis.
When using doxy, it is important to maintain your regular sexual and reproductive health routine. This includes: (if applicable) taking your usual HIV medication ; following the recommended daily or event-based dosing of HIV PrEP; using condoms ; using your regular contraceptives; and getting tested for STIs every three to six months.
