Exparel (1297)

Key points below

What is EXPAREL®?

 EXPAREL (liposomal bupivacaine) is a medicine that provides pain relief after surgery.  It lasts for 2 to 4 days.

How is EXPAREL given?

The medicine is put in the skin with a needle while your child is in surgery. Your child will be asleep and will not be able to feel it.

What should we expect?

The area where the EXPAREL was given may feel weak, numb, or tingly. This can last for 2 to 4 days.  

Can my child take other pain medicines if they received EXPAREL?

The surgeon will decide if your child may take other pain medicines. Talk to your child’s nurse or doctor if you have questions about medicines after surgery. 

What special cares do I need to do at home?

• Read the After Visit Summary (AVS) for activity instructions from your child’s surgeon.
• Follow the directions from your child’s surgeon.  They will tell you what your child can and cannot do.  They will tell you how to take care of the surgery site.   
• Do not put any pressure on a numb or weak area until normal feeling returns to that area. 
• Keep your child from very hot or very cold temperatures and sharp items.  Your child may not be able to feel these things in the area they are weak, numb, or tingly and could get hurt.

• Your child should not get local anesthetic for 4 days after the time they had surgery.

• Your child will get a wristband during surgery showing they received EXPAREL. 
o The wristband will have the date and time EXPAREL was given and the date and time when the wristband will be removed. 
o They need to keep the wristband on for 4 days after receiving EXPAREL.

What symptoms should I watch for?

There may be some weakness, numbness, or tingling in the area where EXPAREL was given. Call your child’s doctor if symptoms are bothering your child or are getting in the way of activity. 

ALERT

If your child has a seizure, call 911. 
Call right away if your child has these other symptoms:

  • Metal taste in the mouth.
  • Irregular heartbeats.
  • Mouth or lips feel numb.
  • Ringing in the ears.
  • Restlessness, twitching, or tremors.
  • Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or drowsy.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Skin rash or hives.

• Surgicenter patients, call the Anesthesia staff phone number __________________
• Children’s Wisconsin Hospital in Milwaukee patients, call the hospital operator at 414-266-2000. Ask to speak to the on-call provider of your child’s surgeon.