Latinos Salud’s healthcare providers answer some of the community’s most pressing concerns. This month, Guillermo Navarro, ARNP, shares what you need to know about DoxyPEP, PrEP injectables, and the downsides of sharing medications.
DoxyPEP, Safety, and Resistance
OutClique: One of the most frequently requested treatments we’re hearing about lately is DoxyPEP. Can you start by explaining what that is?
Navarro: DoxyPEP is a medication you take to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially syphilis or chlamydia, and to some extent it protects against gonorrhea. It’s not meant to be taken daily, like PrEP for HIV, but rather as a single dose after a potential exposure. The name confuses some people, because it sounds like “PrEP,” which is for HIV prevention, pre-exposure. DoxyPEP stands for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis. You take a single dose of doxycycline—typically two tablets totaling 200 mg—within 72 hours after sex.
OutClique: That sounds promising. Is it effective?
Navarro: The data we have so far are very encouraging. Clinical trials, like the DoxyPEP study led by the University of California, San Francisco, showed a significant reduction in STIs among men who have sex with men and among transgender women who were already at high risk. In some groups, STIs decreased by more than 60%. That’s a huge deal in public health.
OutClique: With so many people asking for it, are there any safety concerns?
Navarro: Great question. In general, doxycycline is a well-tolerated antibiotic. The most common side effects are things like upset stomach, sun sensitivity and, occasionally, yeast infections. That said, DoxyPEP isn’t for everyone. It hasn’t been extensively studied in cisgender women or heterosexual populations yet. Plus, people with certain medical conditions or allergies to tetracyclines shouldn’t take it.
OutClique: Let’s talk about antibiotic resistance. It’s a hot topic. How concerned should we be about overusing DoxyPEP?
Navarro: We should be concerned, but it’s also about balance. Antibiotic resistance is a real and growing threat. Every time we use antibiotics, we put pressure on bacteria to evolve ways to survive. That includes not just the STIs we’re trying to prevent, but also other bacteria in the body. If DoxyPEP is used too frequently or by people it wasn’t intended for, we could see a rise in resistant strains across the community—not just of gonorrhea or chlamydia, but potentially resistance to treatments for other common infections like UTIs or respiratory illnesses. That’s why appropriate use, guided by medical professionals, should be part of a broader sexual health strategy alongside regular STI testing, condom use, and open conversations with partners and providers.
OutClique: Final thoughts for someone considering asking their doctor about DoxyPEP?
Navarro: Be honest about your sexual activity and your goals. If you’re at higher risk for bacterial STIs and meet the criteria, DoxyPEP could be a game-changer. But don’t self-medicate, don’t use leftover antibiotics, and don’t treat it like a shortcut. We all have a role to play in preserving antibiotic effectiveness—for ourselves and for future generations.
PrEP Injectable vs. pills for HIV prevention
OutClique: For gay men considering HIV prevention, what’s the difference between taking a daily PrEP pill and getting the long-acting PrEP injectable?
Navarro: Great question. Both are highly effective ways to prevent HIV. The daily pill—like Truvada or Descovy—has been around longer and works very well if you take it consistently. The newer option, Apretude (long acting cabotegravir), is an injection you get every two months.
OutClique: Is one better than the other?
Navarro: It depends on your lifestyle. Some people find it hard to remember a daily pill or don’t want to carry medication while traveling or dating. In those cases, the injection offers more privacy and convenience. But if you’re someone who’s okay with daily pills or doesn’t like needles, pill-based PrEP provides up to 99% protection from HIV.
OutClique: Any downsides to the shot?
Navarro: The shot requires a bit of commitment; you need to come into the clinic every two months, and it stays in your system for a while. If you want to stop using injectable PrEP, you’ll need to cover that “tail period” with PrEP pills (to protect against lowering levels of the medication as its potency in the body declines). Also, some people experience mild injection site reactions.
OutClique: So, it’s about what fits best?
Navarro: Exactly. There’s no one-size-fits-all for PrEP. The best HIV prevention method is the one you’ll stick with. Talk with your provider about your routine, preferences, and goals. That’s how you’ll find the right fit.
Sharing Medications with Friends
OutClique: Some people say they’ve given a few PrEP pills to a friend or partner who needed protection. Is that okay?
Navarro: I totally get the intention that people want to protect those they care about. But sharing PrEP isn’t safe or recommended. It’s a prescription medication that needs to be taken consistently and monitored by a healthcare provider. Giving someone a few pills here and there can give them a false sense of security which could actually increase their risk because they might not have enough medication built up at the time of an exposure to really protect against HIV.
OutClique: So, it’s not enough to just “borrow a few”?
Navarro: PrEP doesn’t work like a one-time emergency pill. For it to be effective, it needs to be taken the right way—either daily, or through an on-demand regimen that’s been discussed with a provider. Plus, everyone’s health is different. What’s safe for you may not be safe for someone else.
OutClique: But what if someone doesn’t have access to PrEP?
Navarro: That’s where we should step in—not by handing them pills, but by helping them get connected to care. There are so many programs now that make PrEP affordable or even free. It’s easy to make an appointment at Latinos Salud, and you don’t have to be Latino to get your PrEP from us. Just go to our website www.LatinosSalud.org and click the Appointments tab.
If a friend or partner needs PrEP, the best thing you can do is offer to help them get screened for eligibility, enrolled, and get a prescription filled. Whether it’s helping them make an appointment, finding a clinic, or navigating insurance—it makes a real difference.
OutClique: So, the message is: don’t share pills—share support?
Navarro: Correct, you’re not just being helpful you’re making sure they’re protected the right way. And if you ever need help finding PrEP or getting started, talk to your provider. We’re here to make it happen.
Guillermo Navarro, ARNP, is Latinos Salud’s newest healthcare provider, at their Wilton Manors location. Guillermo is originally from Chile but has spent most of his life right here in South Florida.
Guillermo’s healthcare career spans over 25 years. Guillermo notes, “My career began at the bedside working in various roles, including intensive care. While that work was incredibly meaningful, I eventually felt called to do something more personal and over the years my passion for healthcare evolved into a deeper commitment to community well-being, I decided to take my clinical skills and experience beyond hospitals walls and into the heart of the community, where I can focus on helping individuals navigate their health challenges in a place that feels safe, welcoming and familiar.”
Outside of work, Guillermo enjoys traveling, good food, and finding those perfect moments to unwind. He enjoys spending time learning about new health trends and trying new cooking recipes. Friends and family provide balance given his busy workload, and he makes special efforts to stay in touch with those who are far away. He also enjoys jogging or dancing—anything that keeps him moving.
Guillermo is passionate about building real connections with people, both in his personal life and through the care he provides, especially in communities where language and trust can be barriers to care. He says that he loves helping and being able to bridge that gap.
Content Courtesy of OutClique Staff
