Drug interactions
Apalutamide + Buprenorphine subdermal implant
Severity: Moderate
Apalutamide and Buprenorphine subdermal implant: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Apalutamide is a strong CYP3A4 inducer and may lower buprenorphine concentrations delivered from the implant. This can lead to reduced opioid effect and withdrawal symptoms or loss of treatment control for opioid dependence.
What this interaction means in plain words
Apalutamide and Buprenorphine subdermal implant can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of buprenorphine increases its clearance.
What to do
Monitor for withdrawal symptoms, cravings and loss of effect during and after apalutamide therapy. Consider an alternative to apalutamide, or supplemental or alternative buprenorphine dosing if the effect is lost.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Apalutamide
- Apalutamide + Cabotegravir Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Cobicistat Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Ensitrelvir Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Fostemsavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Apalutamide with Buprenorphine subdermal implant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Apalutamide and Buprenorphine subdermal implant can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Apalutamide is a strong CYP3A4 inducer and may lower buprenorphine concentrations delivered from the implant. This can lead to reduced opioid effect and withdrawal symptoms or loss of treatment control for opioid dependence.
How serious is the interaction between Apalutamide and Buprenorphine subdermal implant?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for withdrawal symptoms, cravings and loss of effect during and after apalutamide therapy. Consider an alternative to apalutamide, or supplemental or alternative buprenorphine dosing if the effect is lost.
What other medicines interact with Apalutamide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Apalutamide with, for example, Cabotegravir, Cobicistat, Doravirine. The full list is on the Apalutamide page.
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