Exparel | Non-Opioid Pain Medication Willmar

Managing Post-surgical Pain with Non-Opioid Options

At Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Minnesota we strive to provide patients with the most comfortable recovery experience after surgery. By offering EXPAREL to treat pain our practice hopes to lower the use of opioid pain medications that could have serious side effects. Minimizing exposure to opioids is also important due to the potential risk of long-term use.

EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension) is a numbing medication administered during the procedure, directly into the surgical site. The medication is slowly released over time to provide long-lasting pain control for the first few days after surgery, when patients need it most. Patients that use EXPAREL will be less likely in need of other pain medications after the procedure, including opioids. In fact, EXPAREL is proven to help patients use fewer opioids as they start their recovery.*

How your pain is treated after a procedure is your choice. Please speak with your oral surgeon to lean more about EXPAREL and if it is right for you. Click here for a Discussion Guide that can help you and your doctor set realistic expectations about what your recovery experience may be like.

*The clinical benefit of the decrease in opioid consumption was not demonstrated in the pivotal trials.

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Exparel FAQs

I heard about a drug called EXPAREL. Do you offer it at this facility?

Yes, we offer EXPAREL to provide long-lasting pain control without the use of opioids after a procedure. EXPAREL is a non-opioid, numbing medication that is applied to the direct site at the time of surgery.

What is EXPAREL?

EXPAREL is a long-acting, non-opioid, local anesthetic that is administered by your doctor during the surgical procedure. This medication only affects the direct site of surgery, unlike opioids, which affect the entire body.
EXPAREL contains specially formulated bupivacaine (a type of local anesthetic) that is designed to be slowly released over time, to control pain before it is even felt. This long-lasting effect leads to a decrease in needing other pain relief, such as opioids, after surgery.

What is a local anesthetic?

A local anesthetic is a medication used to prevent or numb the feeling of pain in a specific area. EXPAREL is used to numb the area around the surgical site.

What are the side effects of EXPAREL?

Side effects may occur with any medications. Some patients who received EXPAREL in clinical trials experienced nausea, vomiting, and/or constipation. Speak with your doctor right away if you experience any of these or if you have other questions regarding any side effects.

Will I need to take other pain medications besides EXPAREL?

EXPAREL can be the initial step in your postsurgical pain management plan. Your doctor may prescribe a combination of pain medications to try to limit the amount of each medication you need, and therefore limit the risk of side effects. Talk with your doctor before surgery to create a pain management plan that is right for you.

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Important Safety Information

  • EXPAREL should not be used in obstetrical paracervical block anesthesia.
  • In studies where EXPAREL was injected into the wound, the most common side effects were nausea, constipation, and vomiting.
  • In studies where EXPAREL was injected near a nerve, the most common side effects were nausea, fever, and constipation.
  • EXPAREL is not recommended to be used in patients younger than 18 years old or in pregnant women.
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver disease, since this may affect how the active ingredient (bupivacaine) in EXPAREL is eliminated from your body.
  • EXPAREL should not be injected into the spine, joints, or veins.

Exparel Fact Sheet | Full Prescribing Information | Ask the Opioid Question

For more information, please visit www.EXPAREL.com/patient or call 1-855-RX-EXPAREL.

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