Drug interactions
Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Oxycodone
Severity: Major
Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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
Buprenorphine from the implant occupies opioid receptors with high affinity, which may blunt oxycodone analgesia or precipitate withdrawal. Additive sedation and respiratory depression may also occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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
Competitive receptor binding by a high-affinity partial agonist plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Avoid unless directed by a specialist and monitor for withdrawal, poor pain control and respiratory depression. Use non-opioid analgesia where possible.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Buprenorphine subdermal implant and Oxycodone, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 subdermal implant with Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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. Buprenorphine from the implant occupies opioid receptors with high affinity, which may blunt oxycodone analgesia or precipitate withdrawal. Additive sedation and respiratory depression may also occur.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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 directed by a specialist and monitor for withdrawal, poor pain control and respiratory depression. Use non-opioid analgesia where possible.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
