Drug interactions
Buprenorphine long-acting + Oxycodone
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine long-acting and Oxycodone: 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
Long-acting injectable buprenorphine produces prolonged receptor occupancy that can blunt oxycodone effect or provoke withdrawal, while sedation and respiratory depression may still be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine long-acting and Oxycodone 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.
Why it happens
Sustained high-affinity partial agonism competing with a full agonist, plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Avoid unless under specialist guidance and monitor for respiratory depression, withdrawal and inadequate analgesia. Because buprenorphine persists for weeks, plan pain management accordingly.
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 Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine long-acting with Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine long-acting and Oxycodone 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. Long-acting injectable buprenorphine produces prolonged receptor occupancy that can blunt oxycodone effect or provoke withdrawal, while sedation and respiratory depression may still be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine long-acting and Oxycodone?
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 unless under specialist guidance and monitor for respiratory depression, withdrawal and inadequate analgesia. Because buprenorphine persists for weeks, plan pain management accordingly.
What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.
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