What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine and buprenorphine
Acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine's FDA label of May 2, 2022 names buprenorphine in its drug interactions section; buprenorphine's label does not name acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine itself but warns about its class (Stimulants, Opioids (opioid agonists)). The acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine label: “Dihydrocodeine with Mixed Agonist/Antagonist Opioid Analgesics: Agonist/antagonist analgesics may reduce the analgesic effect of this combination product.”
Check it at the source: the acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 2, 2022, Proficient Rx LP); the buprenorphine FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 5, 2026).
What does the acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine label say about buprenorphine?
Acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine label, drug interactionsDihydrocodeine with Mixed Agonist/Antagonist Opioid Analgesics: Agonist/antagonist analgesics (i.e., pentazocine, nalbuphine, butorphanol and buprenorphine) may reduce the analgesic effect of this combination product.
Source: FDA drug label (Trezix), ANDA204785 (Key Therap), as published by Proficient Rx LP, effective May 2, 2022 (SPL set 45c3c2a1-6a89-471e-b6d4-5a4cd73b987a), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the buprenorphine label say about acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine?
Buprenorphine's label does not name acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine itself; it warns about its class (Stimulants, Opioids (opioid agonists)):
Buprenorphine label, warnings and precautionsLife-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended.
Buprenorphine label, boxed warningInstruct patients on proper administration of BUTRANS to reduce the risk. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) Accidental exposure to BUTRANS, especially in children, can result in fatal overdose of buprenorphine. ( 5.2 ) Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Source: FDA drug label (Buprenorphine HCl), SpecGx LLC, effective June 5, 2026 (SPL set b60d514d-a88a-4fa2-a5b0-30ac29e04973), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine | Buprenorphine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain | Opioid use disorder, Pain |
| Boxed warning | Yes | No |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | n/a | $0.277 per tablet 2 mg tablet sl |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once