DoxyPEP, or Doxycycline as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a medication that reduces syphilis infections (and may also help to reduce chlamydia infections).
It is currently offered by invite-only to those who meet the criteria and attend other Sandyford services.
On this page you will find information on:
Who this service is for
This service is for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender women, or other individuals in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, who may benefit from additional protection against syphilis.
DoxyPEP will be offered to eligible gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender women, including those who:
- have had a bacterial STI in the previous 12 months
- have had multiple sexual partners in the previous 3 months
What DoxyPEP does
- DoxyPEP is an antibiotic that protects against bacterial STIs
- It is prescribed to protect against shypilis, but it also offers protection from chlamydia
- It should be taken within 72 hours after sex
- Studies have shown it is around 75-80% effective at reducing these infections
What DoxyPEP doesn’t do
- It’s important to note that DoxyPEP doesn’t protect you from HIV. For this, you may be interested in PrEP.
- DoxyPEP also does not offer suitable protection from gonorrhea, though the men-b vaccine may be available to you.
- Condoms are the only way to protect against all STIs. You can pick these up for free across Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
- Because DoxyPEP is not 100% effective, and does not protect against all infections, testing regularly for STIs is still encouraged.
How to make an appointment
This service is invite-only.
If you are eligible, you will receive a text with a link to book a telephone appointment. Or we may offer to discuss DoxyPEP with you at your next scheduled appointment (e.g. if you are already coming to us for STI treatment).
Text invites to book online are sent out on a weekly basis.
I’m eligible but haven’t received my invitation yet
We are staggering invitations based on greatest need first. This means not everyone will receive their invite at the same time.
We expect demand to be high. If you think you may be eligible for DoxyPEP you will be contacted when there is space available. This may take weeks to a few months.
Please be assured, if you are engaged with our services and are eligible, you will be contacted.
I received my online booking link but there are no appointments available
If you received an SMS to book online but no appointments are available, please try again the following week. Appointments are released on a weekly basis. The link you received will remain active.
What to expect
During your appointment
Your appointment space
DoxyPEP appointments are all done over the phone.
During the appointment
A doctor or nurse will call you to discuss DoxyPEP and help you decide whether this is the correct thing for you.
If wishing to commence DoxyPEP, a supply will be prepared for you to collect.
After your appointment
Once agreed during your appointment, you can collect your first supply of DoxyPEP from Sandyford Central.
You will be advised how you can access your next supply of DoxyPEP during your initial telephone appointment.
Further information on DoxyPEP
You may find the below resources helpful: