What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Butorphanol and oxycodone
Oxycodone's FDA label of May 6, 2026 names butorphanol in its drug interactions section; butorphanol'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 butorphanol FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 2, 2026, Hospira, Inc.); the oxycodone FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 6, 2026, Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC).
What does the butorphanol label say about oxycodone?
Butorphanol's label does not name oxycodone 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 oxycodone label say about butorphanol?
Oxycodone label, drug interactionsClinical 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 precautionsAdditionally, 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
| Butorphanol | Oxycodone | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain | Pain |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $15.46 per mL 10 mg/mL spray | $0.0884 per tablet 5 mg tablet |
| 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