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Wisp is the first sexual wellness telehealth company to bring a brand new solution for preventing STIs to the market—DoxyPEP. The offering was created to fill a gap in treatments for syphilis—STI cases are on the rise in the US, with syphilis cases at the highest levels in 70 years—and can also combat chlamydia and gonorrhea, if administered immediately after exposure. While it shouldn’t be looked at as a long-term solution, DoxyPEP is a step in the right direction for sexual healthcare resources.
You likely have many burning questions about how exactly DoxyPEP works, who could best benefit from use, and if there are any major side effects, all of which we’ve gathered the answers to down below.
What is DoxyPEP?
The DoxyPEP acronym stands for Doxycycline Post Exposure Prophylaxis. As Andrea Sleeth, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Wisp, shared, it is a commonly prescribed antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of conditions, including acne.
“Researchers have conducted studies on the use of taking Doxycycline 200 mg within 72 hours of oral, anal, or vaginal sex in specific populations, such as men who have sex with men and transgender women living with HIV or taking HIV prophylaxis,” Sleeth said. “The data from these studies revealed a reduction rate of 62-66% in STI acquisition per quarter of follow-up.”
Who can take DoxyPEP?
Per Wisp’s website, DoxyPEP doesn’t protect against Monkeypox, HIV, herpes, or other viral infections. As it stands right now, there is not enough evidence to recommend doxy-PEP for STD prevention for individuals who report receptive vaginal sex. “The CDC has released off-label treatment considerations for DoxyPEP as an STD prevention strategy, and is continuing to evaluate available data in order to make a clinical recommendation in the future. Current efficacy data on DoxyPEP applies to gay and bisexual cisgender men and transgender women. Research on DoxyPEP conducted with cisgender women is ongoing, per the CDC,” the website reads.
Based on current data, pregnant individuals are not candidates for DoxyPEP. Those who are currently on additional medicines, such as Tetracyclines (Minocycline, Tetracycline), should also avoid use.
How does DoxyPEP work?
The treatment is a prescription antibiotic that can be taken after an unprotected sexual encounter to minimize the risk of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. It was designed to proactively protect against STDs when taken as soon as possible after sex, similarly to emergency contraception.
Take two tablets within 72 hours of sexual activity (it is highly recommended within 24 hours, if feasible) to prevent certain STI bacteria from taking place in your system. Wisp allots for immediate pick-up at your local pharmacy, so you can order and have the antibiotic in your hands same-day before the designated window closes.
Does DoxyPEP have side effects?
Wisp assures users that the potential side effects of DoxyPEP are “typically mild,” and advises taking the antibiotic with food if your stomach is sensitive. Since Doxycycline can cause esophagitis, drink plenty of water and avoid lying down for at least half an hour afterwards.
Is DoxyPEP FDA-approved?
Per Wisp’s website, the FDA and CDC have not officially approved this treatment, as they are evaluating the available data. 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.”
DoxyPEP
DoxyPEP is available via Wisp for $22. Some local pharmacies charge an additional co-pay at the time of pick up, so total amount is subject to change.
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