As a pill for the prevention of sexual diseases
The US is launching a powerful new weapon in its long-running fight against sexually transmitted infections: an old antibiotic repurposed as a preventive pill.
TueAshington. (AFP) – The United States is ready to deploy a powerful new weapon in the long-term fight against sexually transmitted infections: an old antibiotic repurposed into a preventive pill.
DoxyREP or doxycycline used as post-exposure prophylaxis has been found to significantly reduce the risk of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis when used after sex without a condom.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is developing national guidance for physicians, will need to weigh the need to contain record levels of sexually transmitted infections that affect millions of Americans against the possibility of new antibiotic-resistant strains emerging.
“Innovation and creativity are important to public health, and more tools are badly needed,” Jonathan Mermin, a senior CDC official, told AFP.
But the recommendations due to be published this summer will remain limited.
They are likely to target only the highest-risk groups, consisting of gay and transgender women previously infected.
As rumors spread, some clinics are already prescribing DoxyPEP.
Malik, a 37-year-old man from Washington, said his doctor recently told him he could start using doxycycline as a “morning-day pill” for risky sex, which he had to do twice, even after your partner didn’t warned. you that the condom was removed.