Glossary

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) –  type of viral load test.

Tmax – the time taken for a drug to reach the highest (maximum) concentration.

What happens when you take a drug?

peer support – support provided by people who share the same experience or problem. HIV peer support is provided by other HIV-positive people.

trimester – a 12 week period of a pregnancy. Different periods during pregnancy are commonly referred to as the first, second and third trimester.

formulation – the physical form that makes an active drug into a medicine.

Different formulations include

• Pills (capsules or tablets).
• Syrups or other oral solutions.
• Injections.
• Powders.
• Creams or lotions.

A co-formulation is when two active drugs are combined. For example: when two active drugs are in the same pill.