MONDAY, Oct. 31 (HealthDay News) -- Exparel (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat post-surgical pain, maker Pacira Pharmaceuticals said Monday.

The product combines the long-acting anesthetic bupivacaine with Pacira's DepoFoam delivery technology. A single dose can provide relief for up to 72 hours and reduce the need for opioid painkillers, the drug maker said in a news release.

Exparel was evaluated in 21 clinical studies, including more than 1,300 participants. The most common side effects reported included nausea, constipation and vomiting, Pacira said.

The company is based in Parsippany, N.J.

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