Drug interactions
Fentanyl transdermal + Nevirapine
Severity: Major
Fentanyl transdermal and Nevirapine: 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
Nevirapine may lower fentanyl concentrations from the patch, causing reduced pain control or withdrawal. After nevirapine is stopped, fentanyl levels may rise and cause respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fentanyl transdermal and Nevirapine 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
Nevirapine induces CYP3A4, accelerating fentanyl metabolism.
What to do
Monitor analgesia and adjust the patch dose as needed. After stopping nevirapine, monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression and reduce dose.
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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Other interactions of Nevirapine
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Nevirapine Contraindicated
- Nevirapine + Ranolazine Contraindicated
- Nevirapine + St john's wort Contraindicated
- Abemaciclib + Nevirapine Major
- Acalabrutinib + Nevirapine Major
- Amobarbital + Nevirapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fentanyl transdermal with Nevirapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fentanyl transdermal and Nevirapine 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. Nevirapine may lower fentanyl concentrations from the patch, causing reduced pain control or withdrawal. After nevirapine is stopped, fentanyl levels may rise and cause respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Fentanyl transdermal and Nevirapine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor analgesia and adjust the patch dose as needed. After stopping nevirapine, monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression and reduce dose.
What other medicines interact with Nevirapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nevirapine with, for example, Elbasvir / grazoprevir, Ranolazine, St john's wort. The full list is on the Nevirapine page.
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