Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Elvitegravir
Severity: Minor
Buprenorphine and Elvitegravir: minor 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
Elvitegravir is given with cobicistat, a strong CYP3A inhibitor, which can raise buprenorphine exposure. Labeling advises that no dose change is needed but that patients be watched for sedation and cognitive effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Elvitegravir have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Cobicistat-boosted regimens inhibit CYP3A4-mediated buprenorphine metabolism; elvitegravir itself has little role.
What to do
No empiric dose change is needed; monitor for sedation, cognitive impairment and respiratory depression. Reduce the buprenorphine dose if these occur.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Elvitegravir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Buprenorphine and Elvitegravir have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Elvitegravir is given with cobicistat, a strong CYP3A inhibitor, which can raise buprenorphine exposure. Labeling advises that no dose change is needed but that patients be watched for sedation and cognitive effects.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Elvitegravir?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No empiric dose change is needed; monitor for sedation, cognitive impairment and respiratory depression. Reduce the buprenorphine dose if these occur.
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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