Exparel Side Effects

Generic name: bupivacaine liposome

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 15, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Exparel Side Effects associated with bupivacaine liposome. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Exparel.

Applies to bupivacaine liposome: injection suspension.

Serious side effects of Exparel

Along with its needed effects, bupivacaine liposome (the active ingredient contained in Exparel) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking bupivacaine liposome:

More common side effects

• blurred vision
• chills
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• sweating

Less common side effects

• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• chest pain or discomfort
• collection of blood under the skin
• decrease in frequency of urination
• decrease in urine volume
• deep, dark purple bruise
• difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
• dry mouth
• headache
• increased thirst
• irregular heartbeat
• itching, pain, redness, or swelling
• loss of appetite
• mood changes
• muscle pain, cramp, spasm, or twitching
• nausea
• nervousness
• painful urination
• pale skin
• pounding in the ears
• rapid weight gain
• seizures
• slow or fast heartbeat
• tingling of the hands or feet
• trouble breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual weight gain or loss
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• loss of consciousness
• no blood pressure or pulse
• stopping of the heart
• weakness of the muscles in your face

Other side effects of Exparel

Some side effects of bupivacaine liposome may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• motor dysfunction
• trouble sleeping

Less common side effects

• anxiety
• belching
• change in taste
• constipation
• decreased appetite
• falls
• feeling hot
• heartburn
• hiccups
• indigestion
• itching in the genitals or other skin areas
• loss of taste
• scaling
• seeing double
• sensory loss
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• swelling at the surgical site

Rare side effects

• increased sweating

For healthcare professionals

Applies to bupivacaine liposome: injectable suspension.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions reported when administration was via infiltration were nausea, vomiting, and dizziness; when administration was via nerve block, common adverse reactions have included nausea, pyrexia, and constipation.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (up to 11.3%), motor dysfunction (14.9%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, somnolence, hypoesthesia, syncope, dysgeusia, sensory loss
• Frequency not reported: Tremor, dizziness postural, paresthesia, syncope, tinnitus, sedation, somnolence, convulsions^[Ref]

Convulsions have been reported following accidental intravascular injection of this drug and other amide-containing products.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 40.2%), vomiting (up to 27.8%), constipation (up to 22%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anal hemorrhage, painful defecation, rectal discharge, hypoesthesia oral
• Frequency not reported: Procedural nausea^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Pruritus (up to 15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus generalized, hyperhidrosis,
• Frequency not reported: Erythema, rash pruritic, cold sweat, urticaria, cellulitis, wound dehiscence, wound secretion, blister, drug eruption, erythema, rash, hematoma^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, confusional state
• Frequency not reported: Anxiety, depression, agitation, restlessness^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, tachycardia, sinus tachycardia, bradycardia, peripheral edema, hypertension
• Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, procedural hypertension, procedural hypotension, palpitations, sinus bradycardia, supraventricular extrasystoles, ventricular extrasystoles, ventricular tachycardia, blood pressure increased, blood pressure decreased, pallor, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block first degree, bundle branch block left, bundle branch block right, cardiac arrest, deep vein thrombosis, orthostatic hypotension, electrocardiogram QT prolonged, presyncope, syncope^[Ref]

Cardiac arrest has been reported following accidental intravascular injection of this drug and other amide-containing products.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Allergic-type reactions^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Pyrexia (up to 23.3%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Procedural pain, lethargy, body temperature increased, feeling hot, post-procedural swelling, fatigue, fall
• Frequency not reported: Chills, pain, edema, hearing impaired, asthenia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia, anemia postoperative, hemorrhagic anemia, postprocedural hematoma
• Frequency not reported: White blood cell count increased^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, increased hepatic enzyme

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Muscle spasms, back pain, muscle twitching
• Frequency not reported: Muscular weakness, neck pain, arthralgia, back pain, joint swelling, mobility decreased, muscle spasms, muscular weakness, musculoskeletal pain^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Fungal infection^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Appetite decreased
• Frequency not reported: Oxygen saturation decreased, hypokalemia^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Blood creatinine increased^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Hiccups, hypoxia
• Frequency not reported: Laryngospasm, apnea, respiratory depression, respiratory failure, lung infection, pneumonia, cough, dyspnea, lung infiltration, atelectasis^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary retention, urinary incontinence, dysuria^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Incision site edema^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Vision blurred, visual impairment^[Ref]

Further information

Exparel side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer