Glecaprevir / Pibrentasvir

Fentanyl

Combination to avoid or use with caution.

Available pharmaceutical opinion

Document made available to the pharmacist to communicate a drug interaction to the doctor.

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Mechanism

Glecaprevir / Pibrentasvir can inhibit the metabolism (CYP 3A4) and increase the plasma concentration of Fentanyl.

Glecaprevir / Pibrentasvir

Pharmacodynamic effects

Recommendations

Alternative solution(s)

Fentanyl

Pharmacodynamic effects

Possible increased risk of opioids toxicity.

Recommendations

Avoid association, if possible.

If deemed necessary, a decrease in the dose and/or close monitoring is recommended.

The product monograph recommends avoiding the combination with drugs that are CYP3A4 inhibitors.

See comments for further details.

Alternative solution(s)

Morphine and hydromorphone.

Monitor

Signs and symptoms of opioid toxicity miosis, euphoria, dysphoria, drowsiness, confusion, excessive sedation, decreased alertness, hallucinations, dizziness, bradycardia, myoclonus, hypotension, prolonged or recurrent respiratory depression.

Tests

Pharmacokinetic parameters

Comment

Ref #3373 : Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is a weak inhibitor of CYP 3A4. Administration with midazolam did not show a clinically significant increase.

Administration with fentanyl has not been studied, but since fentanyl has a narrow therapeutic index, concomitant use especially with illicit fentanyl use could have serious consequences for the patient. Indeed, high concentrations of fentanyl following drug interactions are associated with a risk of respiratory distress and death.

Comment
Reference
  • 3103
    Fentanyl (Fentora), Teva Canada Ltée, Québec, Canada, 28 mai 2020.
  • 3526
    Fentanyl (Duragesic), Product information, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., NJ USA, october 2019.
  • 3525
    Fentanyl (Effentora), European public assessment report (EPAR) Product Information, London, United Kingdom, 3 septembre 2020.
  • 3373
    Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir (Maviret), Abbvie, Québec, Canada, 18 décembre 2025.