Glossary

adverse event – an unexpected or unwanted effect during a research study. Sometimes this used to describe a side effect from a drug.

Although all side effects are adverse events, not all adverse events are side effects.

capsid inhibitor – this is a new type of HIV drug that works at several different stages of the HIV lifecycle.

Lenacapavir is currently to only approved capsid inhibitor. The long-acting HIV med only needs to be given by subcutaneous injection every six months.

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.

Pulmonary hypertension refers to high blood pressure in the arteries taking blood from the heart to the lungs.

People living with HIV-are more likely to develop pulmonary hypertension than HIV-negative people.

STARHS – this is a type of HIV test that can indicate whether you are likely to have been infected within the last six months. STARHS stands for Serological Testing Algorithm for Recent HIV Seroconversion. In the UK this test is now called RITA (Recent Infection Treatment Algorithm).