The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control warns that the use of doxycycline as post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for sexually transmitted infections is expanding across the EU, both through prescriptions and self‑medication, and may increase antimicrobial resistance. The alert urges clinicians and sexual‑health services to weigh benefits against resistance risks and monitor local STI resistance patterns. Those using or considering doxycycline PEP should consult sexual‑health professionals rather than self‑medicating.
ECDC warns doxycycline PEP could raise resistance risk
Monday, 19 January 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is an EU agency that monitors infectious diseases, assesses public‑health risks and issues guidance to member states. It has reported that the use of doxycycline as post‑exposure prophylaxis is expanding among men who have sex with men in the EU, via both prescriptions and self‑medication, a trend with implications for clinical guidance and antibiotic stewardship.
Doxycycline is a broad‑spectrum antibiotic from the tetracycline class used to treat various bacterial infections such as respiratory infections, skin infections and some sexually transmitted infections. The ECDC notes its increasing use as post‑exposure prophylaxis (doxycycline PEP) among some men who have sex with men in the EU, but this practice raises concerns about side effects and antibiotic resistance so anyone considering it should consult a clinician.
