Raltegravir is an antiretroviral drug that is used to treat HIV infection. It works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. Raltegravir acts as an HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitor which works by blocking HIV-1 integrase, which is an enzyme needed for replication of the HIV virus. Though raltegravir does not completely cure HIV, it help decrease the chance of developing AIDS and HIV-related illnesses such as severe infections or cancer. By taking these medications and at the same time practising safer sex and making other changes in your lifestyle, you may help lessen the symptoms of HIV.