Drug interactions
Buprenorphine transdermal + Efavirenz
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine transdermal and Efavirenz: moderate 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
Efavirenz can lower buprenorphine levels via CYP3A4 induction, which may result in reduced pain control or withdrawal. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, adding to arrhythmia risk in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine transdermal and Efavirenz can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Efavirenz induces CYP3A4 metabolism of buprenorphine and both drugs have additive QTc effects.
What to do
Monitor analgesic response and signs of withdrawal, and titrate the patch dose accordingly. Check an ECG and electrolytes if other QT-prolonging risk factors are present.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Buprenorphine transdermal and Efavirenz, 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.
Other interactions of Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine transdermal with Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine transdermal and Efavirenz can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Efavirenz can lower buprenorphine levels via CYP3A4 induction, which may result in reduced pain control or withdrawal. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, adding to arrhythmia risk in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine transdermal and Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor analgesic response and signs of withdrawal, and titrate the patch dose accordingly. Check an ECG and electrolytes if other QT-prolonging risk factors are present.
What other medicines interact with Efavirenz?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Efavirenz with, for example, Cobimetinib, Dienogest / estradiol valerate, Dihydroergotamine intranasal. The full list is on the Efavirenz 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.
