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What is Doxy-PEP (or Doxy-PPE)?

Doxy-PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emerging prevention strategy that uses an antibiotic, doxycycline, after risky sex to reduce the chances of contracting certain bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

It is crucial to understand that Doxy-PEP does not protect against HIV or other viral STIs like herpes or HPV.

How does it work?

The principle is simple: it involves taking a single dose of 200 mg of doxycycline as soon as possible after condomless sex, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours.

You can think of it as the "morning-after pill" for bacterial STIs: the antibiotic is taken quickly to eliminate potential bacteria before they have time to establish themselves and cause an infection.

How effective is it?

Major scientific studies, conducted notably in France and the United States, have shown very encouraging effectiveness. Among the most studied populations (men who have sex with men and transgender women), Doxy-PEP reduces the risk of contracting:

• Syphilis: by about 70 to 90%
• Chlamydia: by about 70 to 90%
• Gonorrhea: a more modest reduction (about 0 to 50%, depending on the study), as more and more strains of gonorrhea are resistant to doxycycline.

Points to consider for an informed choice

• The use of antibiotics: public health authorities closely monitor antibiotic use to preserve their effectiveness for everyone in the long run. That's why Doxy-PEP is offered on a targeted basis, after a discussion about the clear benefits for you relative to this collective issue.

• An approach based on current data: for now, research has shown very clear benefits for certain populations, notably gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) as well as transgender women. Science continues to evolve for other groups. Our recommendation is therefore always based on the strongest available scientific data, to offer you the best possible protection strategy.

Who is Doxy-PEP for right now?

For all the reasons above, Doxy-PEP is not a recommendation for the general public.

It's an option discussed on a case-by-case basis by healthcare professionals, primarily for people already on PrEP for HIV (or living with HIV with an undetectable viral load) who are at high risk of contracting an STI. The goal is to offer an additional tool to help protect your sexual health and "break the cycle" of infections.

The decision to start Doxy-PEP is always made in discussion with your doctor or pharmacist, after weighing the benefits and risks for your personal situation.

To learn more about our Doxy-PEP service, including consultation and personalized follow-up, visit our dedicated Doxy-PEP page. Book an appointment with our pharmacists to discuss it.

(info updated June 2025)