Exparel

Managing Postsurgical Pain With Non-Opioid Option

In an effort to provide the most comfortable recovery experience for patients and curb the use of narcotic pain medications—also known as opioids—after surgery, Daniel H. De Tolla, DDS, MD, PA recently adopted a novel approach to managing postsurgical pain. Known as multimodal pain management, this change in approach demonstrates the proactive stance Daniel H. De Tolla, DDS, MD, PA is taking against the overprescribing of opioids. The new operating room regimen uses a combination of non-narcotic pain medications before, during, and after surgery, to effectively control postsurgical pain while helping patients remain alert, stay comfortable during recovery, and get back on their feet.

An important part of the multimodal pain management regimen is EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension). EXPAREL is indicated for administration into the surgical site to produce postsurgical analgesia. EXPAREL is a long-acting, non-narcotic numbing medication that is administered into the tissues around the surgical site to control pain and reduce the need for narcotic medications.*

“Traditionally, narcotic pain medications have been the first line of defense against surgery pain, despite causing side effects that can detract from a patient’s recovery experience,” said Drs. Daniel H. De Tolla or Gregory S. Biron at Seacoast Dental Implant and Oral Surgery. “EXPAREL is administered before patients even wake up from surgery, and a single dose can help control patients’ pain and may decrease their need for narcotic medications.”

 “We are proud to be one of the first oral surgery practices in the region to adopt EXPAREL as part of a low-narcotic treatment strategy” stated Dr. De Tolla  

Exparel FAQs

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

Yes, we offer EXPAREL to reduce pain and decrease the use of prescription narcotics after surgery. It is a non-narcotic option for pain control that the doctor applies before you wake up from surgery.

What is EXPAREL?

EXPAREL is a long-acting local analgesic administered as a single dose during surgery. EXPAREL controls pain even before you feel it and may decrease your need for narcotics* to manage your pain. EXPAREL is not a narcotic. 

What is a local analgesic?

A local analgesic 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 can occur with any medications; it is important not to ignore anything you may be experiencing. Some patients in clinical trials who received EXPAREL 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 medicine you need, and therefore limit the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor before surgery to create a pain management plan that is tailored to your needs.

*The clinical benefit of the decrease in use of narcotics such as morphine was not demonstrated in the pivotal trials. EXPAREL is indicated for administration into the surgical site to produce postsurgical analgesia.

Important Safety Information

• EXPAREL should not be used in obstetrical paracervical block anesthesia.
• In studies with EXPAREL, the most common side effects were nausea, constipation, and vomiting.
• Tell your healthcare professional if you have liver disease as 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.
• Other local anesthetics should not be injected immediately after injecting EXPAREL; this may lead to an immediate release of the active ingredient in EXPAREL.
• The active ingredient in EXPAREL can affect your nervous and cardiovascular system, may cause an allergic reaction, and/or if injected into your joints may cause damage to the joints.

For more information about EXPAREL, please visit www.EXPAREL.com/patient or call 1-855-RX-EXPAREL (793-9727).