Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Get Answers
About EXPAREL
General FAQs
EXPAREL is a one-time, non-opioid injection given by a doctor during surgery. It provides targeted relief right at the surgical site.
EXPAREL contains bupivacaine, a local anesthetic that is slowly released into your body for lasting pain relief. Because EXPAREL works over time, you may need fewer doses of other medications, including opioids.
EXPAREL numbs the nerve in the area of your body right at the surgical site. EXPAREL slowly releases a local anesthetic called bupivacaine, giving you long-lasting pain relief after surgery with just one dose.
In clinical trials, patients who received EXPAREL experienced relief for up to 4 days following surgery.
EXPAREL is given by a doctor during surgery. The only time you will receive EXPAREL is during your procedure, so there are no follow-up doses. Talk about your pain management plan during your consultation so your doctor can plan ahead.
EXPAREL is not an opioid medication and is not addictive.
Ask for EXPAREL when planning for surgery. EXPAREL is given during surgery, so it is important to discuss your pain management plan with your doctor well before your procedure. Customize your Discussion Guide so you can bring specific talking points to your appointment.
If you are interested in EXPAREL for your postsurgical recovery, use the Find a Doctor feature before your procedure to find a doctor who uses EXPAREL.
EXPAREL is often used as part of a greater pain management plan, so your doctor may prescribe additional pain medications after your surgery along with EXPAREL. While your doctor may prescribe opioids, they aren’t the only tool to combat postsurgical pain. In clinical trials, EXPAREL has been shown to reduce the use of opioids.*
Talk to your doctor about your pain management plan before surgery so you know what to expect.
*The clinical benefit of the decrease in opioid consumption was not demonstrated in the pivotal trials
The cost of EXPAREL varies. The facility where the procedure takes place, dosage, and surgery type will impact the price, in addition to your insurance coverage. Discuss pricing with your healthcare team to help determine if EXPAREL is right for you.
Adult FAQs
EXPAREL can provide relief in many kinds of surgeries, including but not limited to…
General surgery: Colon, Stomach, Hernia, Kidney, Weight loss
Orthopedic surgery: Knee, Hip, Spine, Foot, Ankle, Hand, Shoulder
Oral surgery: Wisdom teeth, Jaw
OB-GYN / Breast surgery: Hysterectomy, Fibroid, Breast, C-section (Caesarean section)
Talk to your doctor to see if EXPAREL is right for you. Use the Find a Doctor feature to locate a doctor nearby who uses EXPAREL.
Some patients in clinical trials who received EXPAREL or other pain relievers experienced nausea, vomiting, fever, and/or constipation. Speak with your doctor right away if you experience any of these side effects or if you have questions about possible side effects.
Pediatric FAQs
EXPAREL can provide pain relief in many kinds of pediatric surgeries, including but not limited to:
ACL repair, Appendectomy, Cardiothoracic surgery, Chest deformity, Cleft palate repair, Hernia repair, Scoliosis surgery, Tonsillectomy, Torn meniscus, and Wisdom teeth removal.
Talk to your child’s doctor to see if EXPAREL is right for them. Customize your Pediatric Discussion Guide so you can bring specific talking points to your child’s appointment.
Some children in a safety trial who received EXPAREL experienced nausea, vomiting, constipation, low blood pressure, low number of red blood cells, muscle twitching, temporary blurred vision,* itching, and rapid heartbeat. Speak with your child’s doctor right away if they experience any of these side effects, or if you have questions about possible side effects.
*Temporary blurred vision can be caused when a child is lying on their stomach for several hours undergoing surgery on their back or spine.
EXPAREL was specifically studied and proven safe to provide long-lasting pain relief after surgery in children ages 6 and above for certain types of procedures.
EXPAREL is indicated for certain types of procedures for patients 6 years or older. Consult your doctor to see if EXPAREL is right for your child.
