Drug interactions
Aprepitant + Buprenorphine subdermal implant
Severity: Moderate
Aprepitant 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
Aprepitant inhibits CYP3A4, the main pathway for buprenorphine metabolism, which may raise buprenorphine levels. Because the implant dose cannot be adjusted, overmedication with sedation and respiratory depression is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aprepitant 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
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated buprenorphine metabolism by aprepitant.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and other signs of opioid excess, especially at the start of aprepitant. If symptoms occur and aprepitant cannot be stopped, consider implant removal and switching to an adjustable formulation.
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 Aprepitant
- Aprepitant + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Aprepitant + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Aprepitant + Avapritinib Major
- Aprepitant + Bosutinib Major
- Aprepitant + Carbamazepine Major
- Aprepitant + Cobicistat Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aprepitant with Buprenorphine subdermal implant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Aprepitant 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. Aprepitant inhibits CYP3A4, the main pathway for buprenorphine metabolism, which may raise buprenorphine levels. Because the implant dose cannot be adjusted, overmedication with sedation and respiratory depression is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Aprepitant 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 sedation, respiratory depression and other signs of opioid excess, especially at the start of aprepitant. If symptoms occur and aprepitant cannot be stopped, consider implant removal and switching to an adjustable formulation.
What other medicines interact with Aprepitant?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Aprepitant with, for example, Lomitapide, Pimozide, Avapritinib. The full list is on the Aprepitant page.
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