Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Crizotinib
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Crizotinib: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Crizotinib can prolong the QT interval and cause bradycardia, and buprenorphine may add to the repolarization effect. Crizotinib also inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise buprenorphine exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Crizotinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Crizotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with CYP3A4 inhibition by crizotinib possibly raising buprenorphine levels.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor the QTc and heart rate during co-therapy. Monitor for excess opioid effects and reduce the buprenorphine dose if needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Crizotinib
- Crizotinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Crizotinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Crizotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Crizotinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Crizotinib can prolong the QT interval and cause bradycardia, and buprenorphine may add to the repolarization effect. Crizotinib also inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise buprenorphine exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Crizotinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor the QTc and heart rate during co-therapy. Monitor for excess opioid effects and reduce the buprenorphine dose if needed.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine page.
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