Oct. 28, 2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends providers follow its 2024 clinical guidelines on doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis to reduce the risk of syphilis and other bacterial sexually transmitted infections for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men or transgender women at increased risk for STIs with a history of at least one bacterial STI (syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea) in the last 12 months.
CDC guidelines: The CDC recommends providers discuss doxy PEP with patients and offer a prescription for self-administration of 200 mg of doxycycline within 72 hours after oral, vaginal or anal sex. The dosage should not exceed 200 mg within a 24-hour period.
Background: Syphilis cases, including congenital syphilis, are increasing, according to the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services. Syphilis can cause long-term complications or death if not adequately treated.
For more information, contact Kristi Aklestad with the MDPHHS.
The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material, is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their member guide or member contract for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.
The information in this article is courtesy of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.