PrEP + PEP
(+ DoxyPEP)
PrEP & PEP are everywhere!
In fact… you’ve probably seen a PrEP & PEP ad on the subway or a Citi Bike station.
Bottom Line: PrEP & PEP are for everyone and come in different forms. They protect you from getting HIV. Text us @ 646-245-4000 so we can help you figure out what method is best for you!!
Let’s think about this like a menu…
🍗 Appetizer:
PrEP
It “preps” your system for sex.
You take 1 pill a day to keep yourself safe from getting HIV.
🥪 Main Course:
Sex
Not always, but for this example…
🎂 Dessert:
PEP
You had anal or vaginal sex without taking PrEP beforehand, and you’re not sure if you came into contact with HIV.
PEP is a set of pills you take 0-72 hours after sex (the sooner the better) to keep your body safe from any HIV exposure.
🍟 Side:
DoxyPEP
While PrEP and PEP help protect against HIV, DoxyPEP swoops in to keep you safe from certain STIs after sex.
DoxyPEP, short for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, is a set of pills you take 0-72 hours after sex (sooner is better here too) to keep your body safe from STIs - specifically syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
DoxyPEP is not for everyone, so make sure you talk to our team to see if it’s a good fit for you!
Taking PrEP, PEP, + DoxyPEP
🂥
Taking PrEP, PEP, + DoxyPEP 🂥
Le Menu*
PrEP
Pills
Daily
1 pill
every day
PrEP "On-Demand"
4 pills total
= 2 pills before sex (2-24 hrs before)
+ 1 pill 24 hours later
+ 1 pill 48 hours later
Shots
Bi-Monthly
1 shot
every other month
Bi-Annual
1 shot
every 6 months
🕑
🗓️
DoxyPEP
Pills
0-72 Hours After Sex
2 pills
once
💊
PEP
Pills
0-72 Hours After Sex
daily pills
28 days
⏰
*Dietary Restrictions
PrEP
Daily Pills and All Shots: anyone and everyone can take them
PrEP “On Demand”: only approved for cis men who have sex with other men (MSM), cis men who have anal sex, and/or trans women who have sex with men
PEP
Anyone and everyone can take PEP
DoxyPEP
Only proven effective for cis men and trans women. More studies need to be done on how well it can prevent syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea in cis women and trans men
Take a look at the menu and let us know if you have any questions. ;)
Common Qs
-
While having HIV is very manageable nowadays, it’s still an immunodeficiency virus. This means that HIV cells attack the cells in our immune system that keep us healthy. Find out more here.
Your health is a big deal - including your sexual health!! Our providers can suggest protection methods based on your lifestyle and the kind of sex you have.
Some examples:
If you have sex infrequently, PrEP “On-Demand” might be more convenient in comparison to daily PrEP for you.
If taking a pill every day is not realistic for you, coming into the clinic every other month or every 6 months for the shot form might be easier to maintain.
Vice versa, if you hate needles, a daily pill is lookin’ really sexy right about now…
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One of the most common side effects caused by all 3 meds is an upset stomach. If you have any concerns about side effects or drug interactions with other meds you may already be taking, let us know when you visit our clinic!
-
We want you to feel empowered when deciding the best ways to protect yourself from getting HIV and STIs. Our team is here to walk through the options that match your lifestyle the best (i.e., taking a daily pill, monthly shot, or taking a few pills before sex). Text us to get talking with one of our providers today!
-
Sadly, not enough studies have proven that DoxyPEP is effective in stopping the spread of STIs (syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea) among cis women and trans women. We hope this changes soon!