DoxyPEP in Sweden

What Is DoxyPEP

DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline taken within 72 hours after condomless sex. Clinical trials have shown it reduces chlamydia and syphilis risk by approximately 70–80%, and gonorrhoea risk by around 50%. It does not protect against HIV — PrEP does that.

Current Status in Sweden

As of early 2026, Sweden does not have a national DoxyPEP protocol. It is not automatically offered alongside PrEP through Venhälsan or other clinics. However:

Venhälsan staff are familiar with the clinical trial data (DOXYVAC, DoxyPEP trials) and have been discussing implementation
Some Venhälsan doctors will discuss DoxyPEP with patients who raise it and may prescribe it individually based on clinical assessment
Doxycycline is a widely available, inexpensive prescription antibiotic
RFSL has engaged with the evidence and staff can support you in raising the conversation with your prescriber

How to Access It

Raise it at your PrEP follow-up at Venhälsan

At your three-monthly monitoring appointment, tell your doctor you have read about DoxyPEP and want to discuss whether it is appropriate for you. Venhälsan doctors are used to informed patients and will engage with the evidence. Use the term doxycyklinprofylax or simply describe the protocol — take 200 mg doxycycline within 72 hours of condomless sex.

Prescription and cost

If prescribed, doxycycline is available at any Swedish apotek (pharmacy) and counts toward the Läkemedelsförmånen medicine benefit cap. The medication itself is inexpensive:

Item	Approximate Cost
Single 200 mg dose (2 × 100 mg tablets)	20–50 SEK
Pack of 10 × 100 mg tablets	80–150 SEK

The prescription consultation at Venhälsan is free under Smittskyddslagen.

What DoxyPEP Does and Does Not Do

DoxyPEP reduces bacterial STI risk:

Syphilis: ~80% reduction
Chlamydia: ~80% reduction
Gonorrhoea: ~50% reduction

It does not:

Protect against HIV (use PrEP for this)
Replace regular STI testing — three-site swabs every 3 months remain essential
Work if taken more than 72 hours after sex
Cover all gonorrhoea (some resistance developing in gonorrhoea strains)

Antibiotic Resistance

The primary clinical concern is contribution to antibiotic resistance, particularly in gonorrhoea. Venhälsan and Sweden's public health authorities (Folkhälsomyndigheten) are monitoring the resistance picture carefully. Regular testing remains essential so that any gonorrhoea infection is caught and treated appropriately.