Glossary

side effect – an unwanted effect from taking a medicine. Sometimes called an adverse event or drug toxicity.

gastrointestinal tract (or GI tract) is where we digest our food. It is a long tube that runs from the mouth to the anus. The gastrointestinal tract begins with the mouth and then becomes the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, duodenum, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum and, finally, the anus. It is also called the GI tract.

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

fixed dose combination (FDC) – several drugs combined in one tablet at a standard dose.

treatment-experienced – someone who has previously used anti-HIV treatments.