EXPAREL is a non-opioid pain medication developed by Heron Therapeutics for patients recovering from surgery. It uses bupivacaine and a proprietary DepoFoam system to slowly release the active ingredient over time to control pain without opioids. Given the opioid crisis and issues with opioid use after surgery like nausea, vomiting, constipation and addiction, there has been significant work on developing alternatives like EXPAREL to address postoperative pain without opioids and improve recovery outcomes.

1. Frequently Asked Questions -
What is EXPAREL?
By: Erol Onel

2. Frequently Asked Questions - What is
EXPAREL?
A leader in pharmaceutical development, Dr. Erol Onel serves as vice president of Heron
Therapeutics in California. His work has contributed to the development of multiple new
treatments, including the drug EXPAREL(R) (a bupivacaine-based, non-opioid pain
medication designed for patients who are recovering from surgery). This medication uses
the proprietary DepoFoam(R) system to slowly release its active ingredient over time.
Given the opioid crisis in the United States, there has been a lot of recent work on the
development of non-opioid alternatives.

3. Frequently Asked Questions - What is
EXPAREL?
Opioids are known to have a substantial impact on post-operative recovery, with opioid
related adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation delaying a patient's
progress. The problems of opioid addiction and opioid diversion (pills ending up in the
hands of somebody other than the person for whom they were prescribed) are also well
documented. There have been substantial movements towards non-opioid alternatives
for patients.