Drug interactions
Buprenorphine long-acting + Oxymorphone
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine long-acting and Oxymorphone: 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 maintains sustained mu receptor occupancy that can blunt oxymorphone's effect. Withdrawal may be precipitated in dependent patients, and sedation can be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine long-acting and Oxymorphone 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
Partial agonist receptor competition with a full agonist plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Avoid unless necessary; monitor for withdrawal, poor analgesia and respiratory depression. Involve a pain or addiction specialist.
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 Oxymorphone
- Alvimopan + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Ethanol + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxymorphone Contraindicated
- Oxymorphone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxymorphone + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine long-acting with Oxymorphone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine long-acting and Oxymorphone 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 maintains sustained mu receptor occupancy that can blunt oxymorphone's effect. Withdrawal may be precipitated in dependent patients, and sedation can be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine long-acting and Oxymorphone?
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 necessary; monitor for withdrawal, poor analgesia and respiratory depression. Involve a pain or addiction specialist.
What other medicines interact with Oxymorphone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxymorphone with, for example, Alvimopan, Ethanol, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxymorphone page.
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