At Spectrum by Equalis Health, getting the medication you need to protect yourself from HIV is straightforward, private, and completely judgment-free — all from your home in Alberta.
Accessing PrEP should never feel complicated. Yet for many Albertans, the barriers — clinic wait times, geographic distance, stigma at a walk-in — have historically stood between them and a medication that is more than 99% effective at preventing HIV. Spectrum exists to remove those barriers entirely.
Understanding Your Medication
Spectrum by Equalis Health focuses on sexual health — and at the heart of that is PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), a daily medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to prevent acquiring HIV. We also prescribe Doxy-PEP for eligible patients as an added layer of protection against bacterial STIs. Here is a breakdown of the three primary medications we work with.
emtricitabine / tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF/FTC)
emtricitabine / tenofovir alafenamide (TAF/FTC)
doxycycline 200 mg — taken after exposure
Important: PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections. Regular STI testing every three months is a required part of your ongoing PrEP care. Condom use remains recommended for comprehensive protection.
The Spectrum Process
We have designed the entire consultation-to-prescription journey to be fast, private, and fully virtual. No waiting rooms. No awkward walk-ins. Just a straightforward clinical process led by our nurse practitioner, Jelissa Prosper, NP.
1
Use our online booking tool at spectrum.equalishealth.ca to schedule your initial virtual consultation. Appointments are conducted by phone or video — you choose the format that works for you.
2
Your clinician will take a detailed sexual health history, review your eligibility for PrEP, and answer any questions you have. This is a non-judgmental, stigma-free conversation. Your honesty helps us give you the best care.
3
A lab requisition will be sent to you. Before starting PrEP, we require a baseline panel that includes HIV testing (4th generation), kidney function (creatinine/eGFR), Hepatitis A, B, and C serology, Syphilis RPR, urinalysis, and STI swabs. This ensures PrEP is safe and appropriate for you.
4
Once your labs confirm you are an eligible candidate, your prescription is sent directly to your preferred pharmacy. Your first prescription will typically be a 30-day supply, followed by 90-day refills with each renewal visit.
5
You will return for a check-in at 30 days, then every 90 days thereafter. Each renewal includes updated labs and a brief follow-up — keeping your health monitored and your prescription active. No gaps, no surprises.
Your privacy, protected. Spectrum by Equalis Health is a discreet, virtual clinic. Your mailing label reads "Equalis Health" only — nothing that identifies the nature of your care. All consultations are confidential under Alberta's Health Information Act (HIA).
The cost of PrEP should never be a barrier. Most Albertans have access to coverage through provincial or private insurance — and where gaps exist, we will work with you to find options.
Truvada / Generic (TDF/FTC)
Covered by most private insurance plans and Alberta Health for Eligible individuals with active Alberta Health Card. Generic equivalents are typically lower cost and widely available at dispensing pharmacies across Alberta.
Descovy (TAF/FTC)
Covered by approximately 85% of private plans. Gilead Sciences offers a patient assistance program that can cover up to 30% of co-pay costs — making Descovy free for many qualifying patients.
Your dispensing pharmacy will verify your coverage and apply for any applicable support programs before your prescription is filled. You will be informed of any out-of-pocket costs in advance.
Ongoing Care
PrEP is not a set-it-and-forget-it medication. Regular lab work and clinical check-ins are a required part of responsible PrEP care — and they are also how we catch and treat STIs early, before they cause complications.
Before Starting
30-Day Check-In
Every 90 Days
Your Safety
Most people tolerate PrEP very well. Common early side effects — mild nausea, headache, or stomach discomfort — typically resolve within the first two to three weeks of starting. Taking your tablet with a meal can help. The following, however, require immediate attention.
Stop PrEP and contact us immediately if you develop: fever, chills, night sweats, rash, swollen glands, sore throat, or extreme fatigue. These may be signs of acute HIV seroconversion — do not wait for your next scheduled appointment.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next scheduled dose is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate for a missed one.
Ready to Start?
Book your initial virtual PrEP consultation with Spectrum by Equalis Health today. Available to all Albertans — wherever you are in the province.
Or call us at 403-800-5400 · Fax: 403-800-5400
Teagan L, Calgary Downtown Resident
Calgary, AB
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