Question 1

How Does DoxyPEP Work?

Accepted Answer

DoxyPEP stands for Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. Let’s break that down: Doxycycline is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat multiple types of bacterial infections (including STDs and STIs). “Post-exposure” refers to the period of time after the possibility of exposure to an STD (such as after a sexual encounter where condoms weren’t used). “Prophylaxis” is an action taken to prevent disease. If you’ve engaged in sexual activity and are concerned about your STI risk, you can take DoxyPEP the following day to prevent certain STI bacteria from taking hold in your system.

Question 2

How effective is DoxyPEP?

Accepted Answer

In clinical trials with patients assigned male at birth, taking DoxyPEP reduces your chance of acquiring syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia by about two-thirds when taken within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours.
Current efficacy data on Doxy-PEP applies to gay and bisexual cisgender men and transgender women. Research on Doxy-PEP conducted with cisgender women is ongoing, per the CDC.

Question 3

Can women take DoxyPEP?

Accepted Answer

Wisp doctors have made the decision to offer this treatment to all our patients, including cisgender women. The DoxyPEP regimen consists of doxycycline, a commonly prescribed antibiotic that’s used to treat a variety of conditions, and is considered low-risk. While the FDA and CDC have not yet officially approved the DoxyPEP regimen for its use in reducing the risk of STDs, the Department of Public Health in California has recommended the use of this regimen for high-risk individuals, and many Infectious Disease Clinics have begun to prescribe this off-label treatment as research continues. Considering the potential impact of this treatment and the low risk associated with a single dose of doxycycline, Wisp believes it’s important for all our patients, especially those with limited access to care, to have access to this preventative treatment. We are committed to continued advocacy for women’s health and will continue to monitor the data from ongoing studies to guide our future protocol changes.

Question 4

When should I take DoxyPEP?

Accepted Answer

Your DoxyPEP tablet should be taken ideally within 24 hours but no later than 72 hours after condomless sex. Condomless sex means oral, anal, or vaginal sex where a condom isn’t used for the entire time and skin-to-skin genital contact and/or fluid exchange has occurred.

Question 5

What's the difference between DoxyPEP and PrEP?

Accepted Answer

DoxyPEP and PrEP both help reduce risks to your sexual health when you experience an unprotected sexual encounter, but they work very differently! PEP stands for "Post-Exposure Prophylaxis," meaning it is taken after the exposure event, and "PrEP" stands for "Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis," meaning it is taken before the exposure event. DoxyPEP is an antibiotic regimen, meaning it does not protect against viral infections like HIV, but it can be taken one time within 72 hours after exposure to help reduce the risk of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea (bacterial infections). On the other hand, PrEP is an antiviral that will not protect against bacterial infections, but it can be taken daily to protect against acquiring an HIV infection.

Question 6

When can I have sex after taking DoxyPEP?

Accepted Answer

There is no specific time frame you need to abstain from sex unless you begin to experience symptoms of STDs, such as vulvar or penile irritation, discharge, or pain during urination. We recommend getting an STD test from all exposed sites and abstaining from intercourse for 7 days after you finish treatment if indicated and until all symptoms have resolved.

Question 7

Do I need to take an STD test?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to take an STD test to receive treatment but we do provide a lab slip for STD screening at a lab near you. Please wait 90 days after your dose of DoxyPEP to complete your STD testing to be sure of your results unless you become symptomatic, then you may need earlier testing at all exposed sites and additional treatment. Regular STD testing is encouraged every 3 months.

Question 8

What STDs does DoxyPEP prevent?

Accepted Answer

DoxyPEP can help prevent syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Remember: condoms, and other barrier methods like dental dams, are the most effective way to prevent STIs and STDs, including HIV.

Question 9

Does DoxyPEP have side effects?

Accepted Answer

Side effects of DoxyPEP are typically mild. If your stomach is upset by antibiotics, taking it with food may help. Doxycycline can cause esophagitis, so be sure to drink plenty of water when taking it and avoid lying down for 30 minutes afterwards. Some people are more sensitive to the sun when they take doxycycline, so apply sunscreen.

Question 10

Is DoxyPEP FDA approved?

Accepted Answer

Currently, the FDA and CDC have not officially approved this treatment, as they are evaluating the available data and considering its implications. However, the Department of Public Health in California (DPH) has recommended the use of this regimen for high-risk individuals, and many Infectious Disease Clinics have already started prescribing it.

Question 11

Can DoxyPEP be taken with emergency contraception?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you are concerned about your risk of pregnancy following a condomless sexual encounter, you can add on emergency contraception to your DoxyPEP order to be picked up at your local pharmacy at the same time.

Question 12

Will taking DoxyPEP increase antibiotic resistance?

Accepted Answer

Resistance is always a potential risk with antibiotics, however it's important to weigh the risks against the benefits as you would with any potential treatment. There is evidence to show that DoxyPEP works to prevent STIs that we are already seeing antibiotic resistance in (like gonorrhea). Drug resistance with DoxyPEP is currently being studied in individuals that use this treatment for STI prevention, but given the increase in STI incidence in the US over the past few years, this treatment is highly valuable in preventing their spread.

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When To Use DoxyPEP

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DoxyPEP FAQ

How does DoxyPEP work?

How effective is DoxyPEP?

Can women take DoxyPEP?

When should I take DoxyPEP?

What's the difference between DoxyPEP and PrEP?

When can I have sex after taking DoxyPEP?

Do I need to take an STD test?

What STDs does DoxyPEP prevent?

Does DoxyPEP have side effects?

Is DoxyPEP safe and effective?

Can DoxyPEP be taken with emergency contraception?

Will taking DoxyPEP increase antibiotic resistance?

What information do I need to provide after placing my order?

Will I still be charged if I am not approved for treatment?

Wisp Care Team

As seen in

Wisp Company Reviews

Keep Reading

Everything You Need to Know About DoxyPEP for STD Prevention

Antibiotics for the Most Common STDs

What Is Antibiotic Resistance and How Can You Help Prevent It?

Vaginal Health

Herpes

Reproductive Health

Prevention

Weight Care

Wellness Essentials

STD Treatment & Prevention

Fertility

Complete Care