Skip to main content

What the FDA labels say about taking them together

Buprenorphine and oxycodone

Oxycodone's FDA label of May 6, 2026 names buprenorphine in its drug interactions section; buprenorphine's label does not name oxycodone itself but warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)). The oxycodone label: “May reduce the analgesic effect of OXAYDO and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.”

Check it at the source: the buprenorphine FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 5, 2026); the oxycodone FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 6, 2026, Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC).

What does the buprenorphine label say about oxycodone?

Buprenorphine's label does not name oxycodone itself; it warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)):

Buprenorphine label, warnings and precautions

Life-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 warning

Instruct 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 oxycodone label say about buprenorphine?

Oxycodone label, drug interactions

Clinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of oxycodone hydrochloride tablets and/or may precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use Butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine Muscle Relaxants

Oxycodone label, warnings and precautions

Additionally, avoid the use of mixed agonist/antagonist (e.g., pentazocine, nalbuphine, and butorphanol) or partial agonist (e.g., buprenorphine) analgesics in patients who are receiving a full opioid agonist analgesic, including oxycodone hydrochloride tablets.

Source: FDA drug label (Roxicodone, NDA021011), SpecGx LLC, effective April 24, 2026 (SPL set 5a8157d3-ba20-4abf-b0d4-6ad141b31d63), via openFDA

Source: FDA drug label (Oxycodone Hydrochloride), Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC, effective May 6, 2026 (SPL set a5162476-1217-41c0-bc7e-0a0f123f069f), 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

27Buprenorphine generic labelers
32Oxycodone generic labelers
BuprenorphineOxycodone
Labeled forOpioid use disorder, PainPain
Boxed warningNoYes
Pharmacy cost (NADAC)$0.277 per tablet 2 mg tablet sl$0.0884 per tablet 5 mg tablet
Shortage nowNo current entryNo 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?