Doxy-PEP

Doxy-PEP is a new tool that is effective in preventing syphilis and chlamydia. It is less effective against gonorrhoea.

Studies so far, have only shown it to work for men, transgender women and non-binary people assigned male sex at birth who have sex with other men. It is not recommended for other people.

It involves taking two tablets of an antibiotic tablet called doxycycline within 72 hours of sexual activity and has been shown to reduce the chances of catching syphilis by 70-80% and chlamydia by 70-90%.

There are potential risks for people taking any new medication and wider concerns that because doxy-PEP is an antibiotic it could increase antibiotic resistance for other infections.

Given the increasing syphilis case numbers in Auckland and the seriousness of this infection, it is being offered at Auckland Sexual Health to eligible people at risk:

1. New diagnosis of syphilis at current visit or infectious syphilis within the past 12 months
2. Two diagnoses of a bacterial STI (syphilis, gonorrhoea or chlamydia) on separate occasions within the past 12 months

If you think that doxy-PEP might be of benefit to you, phone Auckland Sexual Health on 0800 739 432 to book an appointment to discuss this further.

Find out more at NZ Sexual Health Society.()