Glossary

platelet – a blood cell that helps with blood clotting.

latent – not active at present, resting. Latently infected CD4 cells are CD4 cells that are infected with HIV but which are resting. HIV drugs do not work on resting cells.

Cmax – highest concentration of a drug after a dose.

What happens when you take a drug?

antigen – a protein found on the surface of a virus or bacteria. It is recognised by the immune system which then generates antibodies.

Q12H (or q12H) – an abbreviated term for timing medication doses.

q8H means every 8 hours.This is not the same as three times a day (tid or TD).

q12H means every 12 hours. This is not the same as twice-daily (bid or BD).

q24H means every 24 hours. This is not the same as once-daily (qd or QD).