Glossary

microbicide – a gel that may protect against infection.In reference to HIV, this is usually referring to a gel that could be applied before sex. In 2010 a study called Caprisa 004 provided the first evidence that a microbicide (in this case a gel containing the HIV drug tenofovir) might protect against HIV infection.

nuke – a common term for NRTI

integrase inhibitor – a type of HIV drug that stops HIV genetic material from ‘integrating’ into the DNA in a cell.

This is a relatively new family of HIV drugs.

Raltegravir, elvitegravir and dolutegravir are all integrase inhibitors.

opiate – a drug that comes from the opium poppy. Opiates include heroin, codeine and morphine.

pharmacist – a medical professional who specialises in sourcing and dispensing drugs. A pharmacist should be an expert in drug interactions, and on exactly how drugs should be taken.