If you have been bitten by a tick, the pharmacist can assess the need for treatment to help prevent Lyme disease. Pharmacists can determine whether a preventive antibiotic is appropriate. The assessment will include determing:
- whether the tick bite was from a blacklegged tick
- whether the tick was removed in the previous 72 hours
- whether the tick was attached for at least 36 hours
The treatment is only recommended if it can be administered within a 72-hour window after the tick is removed. If there are any symptoms of Lyme disease, such as a rash or bull's eye rash at the bite site, then patients will be referred to their primary care provider for other treatment options.
A notification of any medications prescribed or test results will be sent to your physician or NP. If you do not have one following your care, records are available to patients and available on the pharmacy file for 10 years.
Assessment does not include tick-removal. If possible, remove the tick at home before appointment and bring it with you (in a ziplock bag).