What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Buprenorphine and fentanyl
Fentanyl's FDA label of March 6, 2026 names buprenorphine in its drug interactions section; buprenorphine's label does not name fentanyl itself but warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)). The fentanyl label: “May reduce the analgesic effect of Fentanyl Citrate Injection and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.”
Check it at the source: the buprenorphine FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 5, 2026); the fentanyl FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 6, 2026, Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.).
What does the buprenorphine label say about fentanyl?
Buprenorphine's label does not name fentanyl itself; it warns about its class (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
What does the fentanyl label say about buprenorphine?
Fentanyl label, drug interactionsClinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of Fentanyl Citrate Injection and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use. Butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine.
Source: FDA drug label (Fentanyl Citrate), Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., effective March 6, 2026 (SPL set ce5db1c2-feb1-4ad2-847a-d02e865bd47e), 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
| Buprenorphine | Fentanyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Opioid use disorder, Pain | Pain |
| Boxed warning | No | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.277 per tablet 2 mg tablet sl | $1.79 per mL 100 mcg/2 mL vial |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
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