What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Butorphanol and fentanyl
Fentanyl's FDA label of March 6, 2026 names butorphanol in its drug interactions section; butorphanol'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 butorphanol FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 2, 2026, Hospira, Inc.); the fentanyl FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 6, 2026, Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.).
What does the butorphanol label say about fentanyl?
Butorphanol's label does not name fentanyl itself; it warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)):
Butorphanol label, warningsLife-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended.
Butorphanol label, boxed warningSERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF BUTORPHANOL TARTRATE INJECTION Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of Butorphanol Tartrate Injection exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see WARNINGS ].
Source: FDA drug label (Butorphanol Tartrate), Hospira, Inc., effective January 2, 2026 (SPL set 9822ca3f-aee2-46e5-8a96-495400e65d10), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the fentanyl label say about butorphanol?
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
| Butorphanol | Fentanyl | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain | Pain |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $15.46 per mL 10 mg/mL spray | $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