It has come to the attention of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) that provincially funded medications for the treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are being purchased by clients from local pharmacies. This memorandum serves as a reminder that WECHU provides STI medications to health care providers at NO COST in accordance with the Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted/Blood-Borne Infections Prevention and Control Protocol 2019, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Ontario Public Health Standards 2018.
The following STI medications can be obtained free of charge from WECHU:
- Benzathine penicillin G (Bicillin-LA) for the treatment of syphilis; and
- Medications to treat other STIs, such as Azithromycin, Ceftriaxone, and Doxycycline.
The STI medications can be ordered directly from WECHU. We encourage you to collaborate with the prescribing health care providers and/or WECHU prior to dispensing STI medications in order to ensure that clients receive adequate and timely treatment. If you have questions or concerns, please call WECHU during regular office hours at 519-258-2146 ext. 1420 or visit our website https://www.wechu.org/health-care-providers/sexually-transmitted-infections. During after-hours and weekends, you can call 519-973-4510.
For more information, visit:
Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted/Blood-Borne Infections Prevention and Control Protocol; https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/oph_standards/docs/protocols_guidelines/Sexual_Health_STIBBI_Protocol_2019_en.pdf
Ontario Gonorrhea Testing and Treatment Guide, 2nd Edition;
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/summary-gonorrhea-…
Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections: Guides for health professionals;
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/sexual-health-sexually-transmitted-infections/canadian-guidelines/sexually-transmitted-infections.html#toc