Doxy PEP
About Doxy PEP
Doxy PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) refers to taking a prescribed antibiotic (doxycycline) to help prevent certain bacterial STI’s. Ongoing research has shown that taking doxycycline as prescribed after sex is highly effective against several bacterial STI’s specifically chlamydia and syphilis. Doxy PEP works for people living with HIV as well as those who are HIV negative and at increased risk of STI transmission. Doxy PEP is a tool to increase STI prevention and does not replace treatment and routine testing.
Accessing Doxy PEP at HIM
We offer Doxy PEP ensuring confidentiality and sensitivity at every step. Our nurses are here to help you at all stages of this process – from assessment to prescribing Doxy PEP. Doxy PEP is right for people accessing HIV PrEP, ARV’s or HIV medication, if you have tested positive for bacterial STI’s such as syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea within the past year.
Eligible GBQ men and gender diverse people regardless of HIV status covered by MSP, Refugees, and First Nations Status people.
- Eligibility check;
- Clinical Assessment;
- If necessary, providing laboratory requisitions;
- Prescribing Doxy PEP; and
- If required follow-up
- HIM on Davie Health Centre
- HIM on the Drive Health Centre
- Eligibility check;
- Health care provider assessment;
- Either MSP coverage, refugee, or First Nations Status; and
- Identification is needed
You can either book an appointment or walk-in at our HIM on Davie or HIM on the Drive Health Centres during opening hours to speak with a nurse about accessing Doxy PEP. If you are accessing PrEP through HIM, you can speak to the health care provider about Doxy PEP during your next appointment.
FAQs
Speak with a nurse or other trusted health care provider about whether Doxy PEP is a safer sex tool that is best for you, especially if you have had a case of chlamydia, syphilis, or gonorrhea in the previous year.
Unfortunately no, HIM nurses can answer questions, but Doxy PEP needs to be prescribed by whoever provides your PrEP. Please make an appointment with them to access Doxy PEP.
Research shows that Doxy PEP remains highly effective regardless of someone’s HIV status. However, that same research also suggested a slightly lower efficacy for people living with HIV, compared to HIV-negative folks. People living with HIV should consult their doctor or other trusted healthcare professional to make sure it’s a good and safe option for them.
PrEP stands for ‘Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis’, a treatment taken before (‘Pre’) a possible exposure, and so Doxy PrEP refers to taking doxycycline before we have sex, as a daily pill. Research is ongoing and as more solid guidance emerges HIM will be here to share with our communities.
No. While they use the same acronyms of PEP and PrEP they are distinct treatments. HIV PEP and PrEP works to prevent HIV transmission, while Doxy PEP/PrEP work to prevent bacterial STI transmission. These treatments can be taken together to protect against both HIV and certain bacterial STIs, but one doesn’t offer the same kind of protection as the other!
Yes, Doxy PEP remains effective regardless of someone’s HIV status. To access Doxy PEP, you will have to get it through the same provider you access your HIV meds.
