STI Prevention Medication (Doxy-PEP)
Syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are STIs that can be prevented.
At the same time, these STIs can infect not only the genitals but also the throat and anus. In the throat and anus in particular, most people have no symptoms even when infected, so they pass the infection on to others through sexual activity, leading to ping-pong infection.
Doxy-PEP is a method of preventing syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia by taking 200mg of doxycycline (Vibramycin) orally within 72 hours after sexual activity.
For those living far away, we offer telephone consultations and a delivery service.
What is Doxy-PEP?
The infection-prevention effect of Doxy-PEP was reported as 87 percent for syphilis, 88 percent for chlamydia and 55 percent for gonorrhea (International AIDS Society, July 2022).
For these STIs, it is said that sexual activity with a positive partner results in transmission approximately 30% of the time for syphilis and approximately 50% of the time for chlamydia and gonorrhea, making this an extremely high prevention rate that is attracting worldwide attention.
We prescribe Doxy-PEP under the consultation of a specialist physician, after fully explaining the risks and benefits.
In line with the guidelines, we prescribe Doxy-PEP after testing for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia (3 sites: genitals, throat and anus), and the medication can be handed over on the same day.
Our clinic prescribes Doxy-PEP to patients at high risk of contracting STIs, with the cooperation of the AIDS Clinical Center (ACC) and our affiliated clinic, the Personal Health Clinic (Tokyo).
By accumulating this information, we are verifying the effectiveness of Doxy-PEP in Japan and working to build a new form of preventive healthcare that can be given back to society.
– Those who have previously had an STI such as syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia
– Those who engage in sexual activity including oral sex and want to prevent syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia
– Those who have multiple sexual partners
– Those working in the sex industry (a special menu is also available)
Doxy-PEP Prices
(Price) = (Consultation Fee) + (Testing Fee) + (Medication Fee)
– Consultation fee: First visit 2,500 yen, follow-up visit 1,000 yen (tax included)
– A doctor’s consultation is always required to prescribe Doxy-PEP.
Basic Costs
[Testing Fee]
Syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia (3 sites: genital, throat, anal): 5,000 yen (tax included) (normally 20,000 yen)
If you wish to test for syphilis only, or gonorrhea/chlamydia only, for example in combination with another testing menu, the special prices below will apply.
Syphilis (quantitative test): 3,000 yen (tax included) (normally 5,000 yen)
Gonorrhea/chlamydia (3 sites: genital, throat, anal): 3,000 yen (tax included) (normally 20,000 yen)
[Medication Fee]
| Quantity | Cost (tax included) |
|---|---|
| 2 tablets (1 dose) | 900 yen |
| 10 tablets (5 doses) | 4,000 yen |
Costs for Those Who Do Not Need Testing
Those who have undergone all testing — including syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia (for gonorrhea and chlamydia, at every site with potential exposure) — within the past week can be prescribed with only the consultation fee and medication fee.
Testing done at facilities other than our clinic is also eligible. For those using the regular 3-visit testing set, since the set includes syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia testing, prescription is possible on the day of testing.
If you wish to receive only the Doxy-PEP medication, please be sure to bring something showing your test results. (A separate consultation fee is required)
When starting or continuing Doxy-PEP, be sure to undergo appropriate testing. Prescriptions from facilities that do not perform the relevant tests, or personal imports without testing, carry a risk of drug resistance and are dangerous.
Options Exclusive to Doxy-PEP Purchasers
For those we prescribe Doxy-PEP to, our clinic offers the vaginal discharge test (vaginal candidiasis, trichomonas, bacterial vaginosis) at a special price.
Vaginal discharge test (vaginal candidiasis, trichomonas, bacterial vaginosis): 3,000 yen (normally 4,500 yen)
Contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera): 8,000 yen per dose* or 22,000 yen per 3 doses* (normally 9,000 yen per dose or 25,000 yen per 3 doses)
*Available at the special price for those purchasing PrEP, Doxy-PEP, or vaginal candida prevention medication at our clinic.
How to Take Doxy-PEP
Starting Doxy-PEP
When starting Doxy-PEP, the guidelines require testing for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia at the first visit (for gonorrhea and chlamydia, all sites where there was an opportunity for infection). (For details, please see this page)
For those starting Doxy-PEP, we perform a quantitative syphilis test and gonorrhea and chlamydia testing (PCR test, 3 sites: genital, throat, anal).
When starting or continuing Doxy-PEP, be sure to undergo appropriate testing. Prescriptions from facilities that do not perform the relevant tests, or personal imports without testing, carry a risk of drug resistance and are dangerous.
Doxy-PEP is not effective against infections for which you have already tested positive.
Please ask a doctor, including about treatment methods.
How to Take Doxy-PEP
Doxy-PEP is a method in which you take 200mg (2 tablets) of Vibramycin within 72 hours after sexual activity.
Because gonorrhea and chlamydia bacteria can be identified by PCR test within 24 hours after sexual activity, we recommend taking it within 24 hours.
If there is anything you do not understand about how to take it, please be sure to consult a doctor.
Options for Preventing Gonorrhea
It has been reported that using a gonorrhea vaccine, which can prevent gonorrhea, together with Doxy-PEP provides a higher preventive effect against gonorrhea, which has been difficult to prevent until now.
For example, it is recommended for those who have had gonorrhea before, those who are allergic to medications for treating gonorrhea and those who have frequent opportunities for infection, etc.
Side Effects and Drug Resistance
Side Effects of Doxy-PEP
The medication used for Doxy-PEP is a common antibiotic that is also used outside of STI treatment, such as for acne treatment.
As with other antibacterial agents, side effects such as diarrhea and nausea may occur.
Nausea, diarrhea, etc.
– Nausea can be avoided by taking it after a meal.
– Diarrhea may appear as you start taking it orally, but it eases as you continue taking it.
The following people cannot use Doxy-PEP, so please tell the doctor at your consultation.
– Those trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding
– Those with photosensitivity
– Those with an allergy to tetracyclines
Doxy-PEP and Drug Resistance
If you take Doxy-PEP even though you are already infected with syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia, the bacteria may become resistant (turning into bacteria against which the medication does not work), which leads to a disadvantage for the patient at the time of treatment.
Note that syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia can infect not only the genitals but also the throat and anus, and that many people have no symptoms even when infected.
In order not to cause such drug resistance, we have everyone who starts Doxy-PEP undergo testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis at a special price.
We can follow up with specialist consultations so that you can use it while confirming negative results for gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis carefully and regularly, not only at the first visit.
Prescription Process
A Doxy-PEP prescription takes about 30 minutes in total, from your arrival to payment.
Visit
Please make an appointment through our website or Official LINE. If you answer the web medical questionnaire in advance, your consultation can proceed smoothly after you arrive.
*You can also be seen without an appointment, but you may have to wait. Please tell the reception desk that you would like Doxy-PEP.
Testing
We perform the tests required for the prescription.
If you prefer, a doctor’s consultation can also be held before testing.
Doctor's Consultation
At the first visit, you will discuss with the doctor whether Doxy-PEP is suitable for you, the schedule for taking it, etc.
Explanation of Results
If there is a rapid test, we will explain the results. If there is no rapid test, we will send the results by email.
Doxy-PEP Prescription
We hand over the medication at the reception desk when you pay, so please start taking it.
If you continue taking it from the 2nd time onward, you can continue to be prescribed after visiting the clinic, undergoing the above tests and having a doctor’s consultation, provided there are no problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any harm to the body from taking the medication regularly?
Vibramycin is a common antibiotic, so its safety is well established. However, there are also reports that long-term use makes diarrhea and candidiasis slightly more likely, so it is important to take it while checking for these during consultations with a doctor.
Is bacterial resistance not a problem?
If prevention medication is taken without testing for syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, the problem of bacterial resistance is considered likely to arise. At our clinic, testing is always performed at the time of prescription, so it can be used safely with regard to this resistance as well.
Is testing required every time prevention medication is prescribed?
The resistance problem described above leads to a disadvantage for the patient, so we always have patients undergo testing. However, if you have syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia test results from within 1 week, testing is not required.
Is a doctor's consultation always required for a prescription?
Yes, a doctor's prescription is always required to prescribe the medication.
How should the medication be stored?
Please store the medication at room temperature. Take care not to place it in the refrigerator or in a car interior that becomes very hot.
We also provide testing, treatment and prevention for STIs.