Fentanyl Transdermal Patch and Alefacept: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Fentanyl Transdermal Patch
Alefacept
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Decreased fentanyl plasma concentrations
Interaction Deep Dive
The concomitant use of fentanyl (a CYP3A substrate with a narrow therapeutic range)1 with alefacept may result in decreased fentanyl plasma concentrations. Alefacept inhibits cytokine release, which in turn could normalize the formation of CYP450 enzymes. If concomitant use is required, the dose of fentanyl may need to be increased. When alefacept is discontinued, monitor for fentanyl toxicity and adjust the dose as needed 2.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Normalized CYP3A-mediated fentanyl metabolism by alefacept
Common questions
Can I take Fentanyl Transdermal Patch and Alefacept together?
Decreased fentanyl plasma concentrations Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Fentanyl Transdermal Patch and Alefacept interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Fentanyl Transdermal Patch or Alefacept need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (2)
- Product Information: SUBSYS(TM) sublingual spray, fentanyl sublingual spray. Insys Therapeutics, Inc. (per FDA), Phoenix, AZ, 2012. DailyMed
- Product Information: AMEVIVE(R) intramuscular injection, alefacept intramuscular injection. Astellas Pharma US, Inc. (per FDA), Deerfield, IL, 2011.
Keep reading about Fentanyl Transdermal Patch
Keep reading about Alefacept
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Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
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