DoxyPEP for STI prevention available online
DoxyPEP serves as a preventive measure after potential exposure to syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea in men who have sex with men and transgender women. It functions similarly to a morning-after pill but is designed for bacterial STIs. Take a single dose following a sexual encounter without a condom to significantly decrease the likelihood of acquiring bacterial STIs.*
Book an appointment
Minimize the amount of antibiotics used for STI treatment
Reduce risk of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia
Can be taken up to 72 hours after an encounter
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Always consult your doctor for personalized medical advice. Currently, DoxyPEP is only recommended for MSM (men who have sex with men) and transgender women.4 Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
What is DoxyPEP, and how does it work?
DoxyPEP refers to doxycycline taken as a post-exposure prophylaxis treatment, meaning it can be taken after an incidence of unprotected sex to prevent STIs.
Prompt action: DoxyPEP can be taken within 72 hours after a sexual encounter.
Proactive protection: It acts as a post-exposure defense against common STIs, reducing risks associated with unprotected encounters.
Clinically effective: DoxyPEP was shown to reduce the incidence of syphilis by 87%, chlamydia by 88%, and gonorrhea by 55% in patients taking HIV PrEP.6
DoxyPEP side effects
DoxyPEP (doxycycline) may cause side effects in some patients. Side effects can include:
Sun sensitivity: Doxycycline may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Yeast infections: Some women may be more susceptible to vaginal yeast infections while taking doxycycline.
Abdominal discomfort: This may include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Note that this is not a complete list. Contact your doctor if you experience any unusual or severe side effects.
How to take DoxyPEP
Your doctor will guide you through how to take DoxyPEP. General instructions may include:
Take with food: To reduce the risk of an upset stomach, take DoxyPEP with a meal
Avoid dairy: Calcium in dairy products can bind to DoxyPEP, reducing its effectiveness
Stay upright: After taking DoxyPEP, stay upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent irritation in your throat
Drug interactions: DoxyPEP can interact with certain medications like antacids, anticoagulants, and birth control pills. Discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor.
DoxyPEP FAQs
Will taking DoxyPEP increase my chances of antibiotic resistance?
Frequent or overuse of antibiotics, including doxycycline, can lead to antibiotic resistance. However, the likelihood of this happening after one dose of DoxyPEP is low. It may be beneficial to take DoxyPEP if you are having unprotected sex to lower your chances of getting antibiotic resistance. This is because the antibiotics used to treat STIs are broad-spectrum and more likely to cause antibiotic resistance. Always take your medication as prescribed and complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you feel better.
Can DoxyPEP be taken with emergency contraception?
While DoxyPEP and emergency contraceptives may be taken together, it's crucial to discuss questions related to your medication intake with your doctor, since doxycycline can reduce the effectiveness of some birth control pills.
Who can take DoxyPEP?
DoxyPEP offers post-exposure protection for potential STIs, exclusively for MSM and transgender women. However, consultation with a physician is essential before starting any treatment.
How much does DoxyPEP cost?
The cost of doxycycline can vary based on the dosage, brand vs. generic, where it's purchased, and whether the patient has health insurance.
The generic form of doxycycline is usually less expensive than the brand-name versions. For generic doxycycline hyclate, the cost can be as low as $4 for two tablets, depending on where it's purchased. Many insurance plans may also cover the cost of doxycycline if prescribed for an approved use. With insurance, the copay might be substantially lower.
How to get DoxyPEP online
Step 1
Book an appointment to discuss DoxyPEP.
Book your same-day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your physician about DoxyPEP.
Visit a board-certified doctor on your smartphone or computer. Often, lab work is required, and they’ll send an order to your preferred lab. At your appointment, your doctor will discuss treatment options.
Step 3
Pick up your DoxyPEP.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy. Medications are provided at the doctor’s discretion.
DoxyPEP pricing details
How it works
To get a new or refill on your DoxyPEP prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Frequent sexual health searches
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Doxycycline for STI Prevention Highly Effective with Minimal Drug Resistance. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2023/02/424861/doxycycline-sti-prevention-highly-effective-minimal-drug-resistance.
National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH-funded study finds doxycycline reduces sexually transmitted infections by two-thirds. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-funded-study-finds-doxycycline-reduces-sexually-transmitted-infections-two-thirds.
San Francisco Department of Public Health. Health Update: Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Reduces Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections. Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://www.sfcdcp.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Health-Update-Doxycycline-Post-Exposure-Prophylaxis-Reduces-Incidence-of-Sexually-Transmitted-Infections-SFDPH-FINAL-10.20.2022.pdf.
aidsmap. "US releases first DoxyPEP guidelines for preventing sexually transmitted infections." Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://www.aidsmap.com/news/oct-2023/us-releases-first-doxypep-guidelines-preventing-sexually-transmitted-infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Guidelines for Doxycycline Use for Sexually Transmitted Infections." Accessed on October 16, 2023 at https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/guidelines-for-doxycycline.htm.