Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Nilotinib
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine and Nilotinib: major 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
Nilotinib carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and sudden death, and buprenorphine may add to this effect. Nilotinib is also a CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase buprenorphine levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Nilotinib 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; Nilotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with CYP3A4 inhibition by nilotinib raising buprenorphine exposure.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise obtain ECGs at baseline and periodically, keep potassium and magnesium normal, and monitor for sedation.
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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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 Nilotinib
- Amiodarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Nilotinib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine and Nilotinib 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. Nilotinib carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and sudden death, and buprenorphine may add to this effect. Nilotinib is also a CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase buprenorphine levels.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible; otherwise obtain ECGs at baseline and periodically, keep potassium and magnesium normal, and monitor for sedation.
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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