Glossary

cirrhosis – severe scarring of the liver (see fibrosis) that makes it difficult for the liver to carry out its functions

buprenorphine – strong pain-killer useful for treating heroin addiction. See also methadone.

hepatotoxicity – the medical term for liver-related side effects

empirical treatment – treating an illness based on its symptoms to see if it gets better.

amino acids – amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. DNA codes for amino acids. Three nucleotides (segments of the genetic code) make one amino acid. Amino acids are critical to life, and have many functions in the way your body works.