DoxyPEP for syphilis prevention – new UK guidelines launched

New guidelines issued today by the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) provides an evidence-based framework for the prescription of doxyPEP to prevent syphilis.

DoxyPEP – using the antibiotic doxycycline within 72 hours of bacterial STI exposure – has been demonstrated to prevent syphilis. Recent data from UKHSA shows that syphilis diagnoses are increasing.

The Love Tank has been at the forefront of community-based research, education and advocacy for doxyPEP. In 2019 The Love Tank undertook research to better understand community needs and use of doxyPEP, and has produced a comprehensive guide to the medicine. Staff members at The Love Tank have been members of the guideline’s writing group, in addition to supporting community engagement with the draft guidelines.

Dr Ben Weil, Head of Research and Community Knowledge Generation at The Love Tank says: 

“As the only community-based organisation on the guidelines writing group, The Love Tank has been able to develop these ground-breaking guidelines, alongside clinical and research partners. The guidelines provide a comprehensive, robust and evidence-based framework for the prescription of doxyPEP for syphilis prevention. We hope, too, that the publication of these guidelines will help catalyse new evidence to inform advice for other key groups, too - particularly people with vaginas or front holes, including cis women and trans men”.

Dr Will Nutland, Director at The Love Tank says: 

“The guidelines are the next important step towards the availability of doxyPEP through NHS sexual health services: indeed, some services are already starting to prescribe this important syphilis prevention medicine. DoxyPEP provides one further important method to reduce syphilis, and The Love Tank calls for the earliest implementation of the guidelines”.

The Love Tank’s comprehensive guide to doxyPEP is available at queerhealth.info/doxypep.