bupivacaine liposome

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Pronunciation: bue PIV a kane LYE poe some

Brand: Exparel

What is the most important information I should know about bupivacaine liposome?

Call your doctor if you have numbness, weakness, joint pain or stiffness, loss of movement, or if you still feel numb several hours after your surgery.

What is bupivacaine liposome?

Bupivacaine is an anesthetic (numbing medicine) that blocks nerve impulses in your body.

Bupivacaine liposome 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.

Bupivacaine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving bupivacaine liposome?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine.

To make sure bupivacaine liposome is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • heart disease;
  • a heart rhythm disorder; or
  • a history of seizures.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Bupivacaine liposome can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is bupivacaine liposome given?

Bupivacaine is given as an injection placed into an area near your surgical incision. You will receive this injection in a hospital or surgical setting.

Some numbing medications can have long-lasting or delayed effects. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk. 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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since bupivacaine liposome is used as a single dose, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving bupivacaine liposome?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of bupivacaine liposome?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, red rash, itching; sneezing, difficulty breathing; severe dizziness, vomiting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You will be watched closely after receiving bupivacaine liposome, to make sure you do not have a reaction to the medicine. Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these signs of a serious side effect:

  • ringing in your ears;
  • feeling restless or anxious;
  • feeling like you might pass out;
  • speech or vision problems, a metallic taste in your mouth;
  • numbness or tingling around your mouth;
  • tremors, twitching, mood changes;
  • fast heart rate, feeling short of breath, feeling unusually hot or cold;
  • numbness, weakness, or loss of movement where the injection was given; or
  • if you still feel numb several hours after your surgery.

Common side effects include:

  • nausea;
  • vomiting; or
  • constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect bupivacaine liposome?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will interact with a single injection of bupivacaine liposome for local anesthesia. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about bupivacaine liposome.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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