Glossary

iPrEP (intermittent Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) – using HIV drugs to before a possible exposure to HIV, to reduce the chance of infection. iPrEP refers to taking a reducing dosing shecdule based on when you are likely to be exposed. PrEP usually refers to a daily treatment.

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

fungus (fungi) – parasitic organisms that include moulds, mildews, mushrooms and yeast.

IM (intra-muscular) – injecting into a muscle. See IV (intravenous) and SC (sub-cutaneous).

IRIS (immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome) – illnesses that occur when HIV treatment is started when the CD4 count is very low.

IRIS occurs because the immune system quickly becomes stronger and identifies infections that it was previously too weak to fight.

IRIS can occur in 1 in 4 (25%) people who start with a CD4 count under 50 cells/mm³.

Although the symtoms are serious, IRIS can usually be easily managed.

Common infections related to IRIS include TB and CMV.