Exparel
Generic name:bupivacaine liposome [ bue-PIV-a-kane-LYE-poe-some ]
Drug class:Local injectable anesthetics
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 27, 2022.
What is Exparel?
Exparel is an anesthetic (numbing medicine) that blocks nerve impulses in your body.
Exparel is used as a local (in only one area) anesthetic to numb an area of your body for a minor surgery such as bunion removal or hemorrhoid surgery.
Exparel is also used as a nerve block after surgery on your shoulder or upper arm, to provide pain relief to the area.
Warnings
You may still feel numb or be unable to move the numbed area for up to 5 days after you are treated with Exparel.
Before receiving Exparel, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, or a history of seizures.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine.
You will be watched closely after receiving Exparel, to make sure you do not have a reaction to the medication. Call your doctor if you have joint pain or stiffness, or weakness in any part of your body that occurs after your surgery, even months later.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with Exparel if you are allergic to bupivacaine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine;
kidney disease;
heart disease;
a heart rhythm disorder; or
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
How is Exparel given?
Exparel is given as an injection placed into an area near your surgical incision. You will receive this injection in a hospital or surgical setting.
Exparel can have long-lasting or delayed effects. For at least 4 days (96 hours) after your surgery, tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you recently received an Exparel injection.
Call your doctor if you have joint pain or stiffness, or weakness in any part of your body that occurs after your surgery, even months later.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Pain:
Local Analgesia via Infiltration:
-Dose will be dependent on size of surgical site, volume required to cover area, and individual patient factors that may impact the safety of an amide local anesthetic.
-Maximum infiltration dose: 266 mg (20 mL)
Regional Analgesia via Interscalene Branchial Plexus Nerve Block:
-Based upon study of patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty or rotator cuff repair: 133 mg (10 mg)
Maximum dose for inters
