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Drug interactions

Fentanyl transdermal + Mifepristone

Severity: Major

Fentanyl transdermal and Mifepristone: 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

Transdermal fentanyl is cleared by CYP3A4, and inhibition can increase systemic exposure over a prolonged period because of the skin depot. This raises the risk of delayed and prolonged respiratory depression.

What this interaction means in plain words

Fentanyl transdermal and Mifepristone 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Mifepristone inhibits CYP3A4, decreasing fentanyl clearance.

What to do

Avoid if possible; otherwise monitor closely for respiratory depression and sedation and reduce the dose as needed. Continue monitoring after either drug is stopped because effects persist.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Fentanyl transdermal with Mifepristone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fentanyl transdermal and Mifepristone 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. Transdermal fentanyl is cleared by CYP3A4, and inhibition can increase systemic exposure over a prolonged period because of the skin depot. This raises the risk of delayed and prolonged respiratory depression.

How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl transdermal and Mifepristone?

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 monitor closely for respiratory depression and sedation and reduce the dose as needed. Continue monitoring after either drug is stopped because effects persist.

What other medicines interact with Mifepristone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Mifepristone with, for example, Apixaban, Argatroban, Cisapride. The full list is on the Mifepristone 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.

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