Tick bite in Ontario? How to get Lyme prevention treatment fast
Found a tick? In Ontario a pharmacist can assess your bite online and, when appropriate, prescribe Lyme-prevention treatment. Timing matters, so act quickly.
Blacklegged ticks are active across much of Ontario from spring through fall, and some carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. If you have just pulled a tick off yourself or your child, the good news is you may not need a clinic visit at all: tick bites are one of the minor ailments Ontario pharmacists can assess and prescribe for, including preventive treatment when it is appropriate.
Why timing matters
When preventive antibiotic treatment is appropriate, it works best when started soon after the tick is removed - generally within 72 hours. That is exactly the situation where waiting days for a walk-in or family doctor appointment can cost you the window. An online assessment reviewed by a pharmacist, within 24 business hours (our average is about 2 hours), fits inside it.
What to do right away
Remove the tick as soon as possible with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping it close to the skin and pulling straight out. Note the date and where you think you picked it up, and take a photo of the tick if you can - this helps the pharmacist assess your risk. Then start your assessment.
Can a pharmacist really prescribe for this?
Yes. A licensed Ontario pharmacist can assess a tick bite and, when appropriate, prescribe medication to help prevent Lyme disease. A prescription is never guaranteed - the pharmacist looks at how long the tick was attached, where you were exposed, and your health history, and recommends the right next step either way.
Is it free?
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. Without one, it is a flat $30. If a medication is prescribed, you pay the usual price for it and your drug plan may cover it.
When to see a doctor instead
If you develop an expanding rash (often a bull's-eye shape), fever, chills, fatigue, or joint and muscle aches in the days or weeks after a bite, see a doctor promptly - those can be signs of an infection that needs full medical care. Our questionnaire screens for red flags and will point you to the right level of care. For any emergency, call 911.
How to start
Begin your free tick bite assessment, or see all conditions we treat. No appointment, referral, or family doctor required.
Feel better, faster.
Start your free assessment and a licensed Ontario pharmacist will be in touch within 24 business hours (our average is about 2 hours).
Start your free assessment**Free with a valid Ontario health card. Without one, the assessment is a flat $30.