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Pacira BioSciences, Inc. – ‘10-K’ for 12/31/12 – ‘EX-101.DEF’

On:  Thursday, 3/7/13, at 2:56pm ET   ·   For:  12/31/12   ·   Accession #:  1047469-13-2336   ·   File #:  1-35060

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  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size             Issuer                      Filing Agent

 3/07/13  Pacira BioSciences, Inc.          10-K       12/31/12   87:9M                                     Toppan Merrill-FA

Annual Report   —   Form 10-K   —   Sect. 13 / 15(d) – SEA’34
Filing Table of Contents

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: 10-K        Annual Report                                       HTML    979K 
 2: EX-10.47    Material Contract                                   HTML    318K 
 3: EX-10.48    Material Contract                                   HTML    163K 
 4: EX-21.1     Subsidiaries List                                   HTML     20K 
 5: EX-23.1     Consent of Experts or Counsel                       HTML     25K 
 6: EX-31.1     Certification -- §302 - SOA'02                      HTML     28K 
 7: EX-31.2     Certification -- §302 - SOA'02                      HTML     28K 
 8: EX-32.1     Certification -- §906 - SOA'02                      HTML     24K 
 9: EX-32.2     Certification -- §906 - SOA'02                      HTML     24K 
59: R1          Document and Entity Information                     HTML     51K 
45: R2          Consolidated Balance Sheets                         HTML    144K 
57: R3          Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)         HTML     49K 
61: R4          Consolidated Statements of Operations               HTML     90K 
80: R5          Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss       HTML     48K 
48: R6          Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity     HTML    135K 
                (Deficit)                                                        
56: R7          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows               HTML    180K 
41: R8          Business                                            HTML     33K 
31: R9          Summary of Significant Accounting Policies          HTML     67K 
81: R10         Recent Accounting Pronouncements                    HTML     26K 
63: R11         Financial Instruments                               HTML     54K 
62: R12         Inventories                                         HTML     32K 
68: R13         Fixed Assets                                        HTML     38K 
69: R14         Goodwill and Intangible Assets                      HTML     55K 
66: R15         Accrued Expenses                                    HTML     31K 
70: R16         Debt                                                HTML     51K 
58: R17         Stockholders' Equity                                HTML     48K 
60: R18         Stock Plans                                         HTML     73K 
65: R19         Earnings Per Share                                  HTML     43K 
87: R20         Cost of Revenues                                    HTML     31K 
76: R21         Income Taxes                                        HTML     59K 
52: R22         Other Employee Benefits                             HTML     25K 
64: R23         Commercial Partners and Other Agreements            HTML     35K 
54: R24         Related Party Transactions                          HTML     35K 
23: R25         Commitments and Contingencies                       HTML     42K 
77: R26         Subsequent Events                                   HTML     26K 
84: R27         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies          HTML    145K 
                (Policies)                                                       
36: R28         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies          HTML     40K 
                (Tables)                                                         
35: R29         Financial Instruments (Tables)                      HTML     53K 
39: R30         Inventories (Tables)                                HTML     29K 
40: R31         Fixed Assets (Tables)                               HTML     33K 
42: R32         Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)             HTML     52K 
21: R33         Accrued Expenses (Tables)                           HTML     30K 
74: R34         Debt (Tables)                                       HTML     35K 
50: R35         Stockholders' Equity (Tables)                       HTML     37K 
53: R36         Stock Plans (Tables)                                HTML     77K 
26: R37         Earnings Per Share (Tables)                         HTML     43K 
86: R38         Cost of Revenues (Tables)                           HTML     30K 
16: R39         Income Taxes (Tables)                               HTML     54K 
43: R40         Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)              HTML     29K 
79: R41         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies          HTML     29K 
                (Details)                                                        
25: R42         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies          HTML     43K 
                (Details 2)                                                      
34: R43         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies          HTML     31K 
                (Details 3)                                                      
38: R44         Financial Instruments (Details)                     HTML     26K 
46: R45         Financial Instruments (Details 2)                   HTML     47K 
20: R46         Financial Instruments (Details 3)                   HTML     31K 
30: R47         Inventories (Details)                               HTML     42K 
18: R48         Fixed Assets (Details)                              HTML     52K 
78: R49         Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details)            HTML     44K 
24: R50         Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2)          HTML     59K 
75: R51         Accrued Expenses (Details)                          HTML     36K 
27: R52         Debt (Details)                                      HTML    169K 
44: R53         Stockholders' Equity (Details)                      HTML     61K 
17: R54         Stockholders' Equity (Details 2)                    HTML     53K 
19: R55         Stock Plans (Details)                               HTML     37K 
37: R56         Stock Plans (Details 2)                             HTML     30K 
22: R57         Stock Plans (Details 3)                             HTML    117K 
82: R58         Earnings Per Share (Details)                        HTML     42K 
49: R59         Earnings Per Share (Details 2)                      HTML     33K 
67: R60         Cost of Revenues (Details)                          HTML     30K 
29: R61         Income Taxes (Details)                              HTML     79K 
32: R62         Income Taxes (Details 2)                            HTML     45K 
73: R63         Other Employee Benefits (Details)                   HTML     25K 
71: R64         Commercial Partners and Other Agreements (Details)  HTML     29K 
51: R65         Related Party Transactions (Details)                HTML     60K 
72: R66         Commitments and Contingencies (Details)             HTML     63K 
28: R67         Commitments and Contingencies (Details 2)           HTML     33K 
55: R68         Commitments and Contingencies (Details 3)           HTML     32K 
83: R69         Subsequent Events (Details)                         HTML     42K 
85: XML         IDEA XML File -- Filing Summary                      XML    125K 
33: EXCEL       IDEA Workbook of Financial Reports (.xls)            XLS    909K 
10: EX-101.INS  XBRL Instance -- pcrx-20121231                       XML   1.48M 
12: EX-101.CAL  XBRL Calculations -- pcrx-20121231_cal               XML    258K 
15: EX-101.DEF  XBRL Definitions -- pcrx-20121231_def                XML    769K 
13: EX-101.LAB  XBRL Labels -- pcrx-20121231_lab                     XML   3.14M 
14: EX-101.PRE  XBRL Presentations -- pcrx-20121231_pre              XML   1.39M 
11: EX-101.SCH  XBRL Schema -- pcrx-20121231                         XSD    250K 
47: ZIP         XBRL Zipped Folder -- 0001047469-13-002336-xbrl      Zip    232K 


‘EX-101.DEF’   —   XBRL Definitions — pcrx-20121231_def


This Exhibit is an XBRL XML File.


                                                                                                                                                                                
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<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_TwoThousandTenSecuredNotesMember" xlink:label="TwoThousandTenSecuredNotesMember" xlink:title="TwoThousandTenSecuredNotesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="TwoThousandTenSecuredNotesMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to TwoThousandTenSecuredNotesMember" use="optional" order="8003.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_HbmSecuredNotesMember" xlink:label="HbmSecuredNotesMember" xlink:title="HbmSecuredNotesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="HbmSecuredNotesMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to HbmSecuredNotesMember" use="optional" order="8004.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_GeneralElectricCapitalCorporationCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="GeneralElectricCapitalCorporationCreditFacilityMember" xlink:title="GeneralElectricCapitalCorporationCreditFacilityMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="GeneralElectricCapitalCorporationCreditFacilityMember" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentNameDomain to GeneralElectricCapitalCorporationCreditFacilityMember" use="optional" order="8005.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="8000.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember_2" xlink:title="RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember_2" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="8001.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="8000.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="8001.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="LegalEntityAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentTable to LegalEntityAxis" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain" xlink:title="EntityDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2012/dei-2012-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="EntityDomain_2" xlink:title="EntityDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="EntityDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: LegalEntityAxis to EntityDomain" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_AffiliateOfPaulCapitalAdvisorsLLCMember" xlink:label="AffiliateOfPaulCapitalAdvisorsLLCMember" xlink:title="AffiliateOfPaulCapitalAdvisorsLLCMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EntityDomain" xlink:to="AffiliateOfPaulCapitalAdvisorsLLCMember" xlink:title="definition: EntityDomain to AffiliateOfPaulCapitalAdvisorsLLCMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:title="ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentTable to ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis to ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_WarrantsInConnectionWithLoanAgreementWithOxfordFinanceLLCToLenderMember" xlink:label="WarrantsInConnectionWithLoanAgreementWithOxfordFinanceLLCToLenderMember" xlink:title="WarrantsInConnectionWithLoanAgreementWithOxfordFinanceLLCToLenderMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="WarrantsInConnectionWithLoanAgreementWithOxfordFinanceLLCToLenderMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain to WarrantsInConnectionWithLoanAgreementWithOxfordFinanceLLCToLenderMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_WarrantsInConnectionWithDecember2010ConvertibleNotesMember" xlink:label="WarrantsInConnectionWithDecember2010ConvertibleNotesMember" xlink:title="WarrantsInConnectionWithDecember2010ConvertibleNotesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="WarrantsInConnectionWithDecember2010ConvertibleNotesMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain to WarrantsInConnectionWithDecember2010ConvertibleNotesMember" use="optional" order="8000.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_WarrantsInConnectionWithHerculesCreditFacilityToLendersMember" xlink:label="WarrantsInConnectionWithHerculesCreditFacilityToLendersMember" xlink:title="WarrantsInConnectionWithHerculesCreditFacilityToLendersMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="WarrantsInConnectionWithHerculesCreditFacilityToLendersMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain to WarrantsInConnectionWithHerculesCreditFacilityToLendersMember" use="optional" order="8001.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_WarrantsInConnectionWith2009ConvertibleNotesMember" xlink:label="WarrantsInConnectionWith2009ConvertibleNotesMember" xlink:title="WarrantsInConnectionWith2009ConvertibleNotesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:to="WarrantsInConnectionWith2009ConvertibleNotesMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain to WarrantsInConnectionWith2009ConvertibleNotesMember" use="optional" order="8002.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="StatementClassOfStockAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="5.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="CommonStockMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="CommonStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to CommonStockMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:title="LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:title="LongTermDebtCurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:title="definition: LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract to LongTermDebtCurrent" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_LongTermDebtNoncurrentGross" xlink:label="LongTermDebtNoncurrentGross" xlink:title="LongTermDebtNoncurrentGross"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtNoncurrentGross" xlink:title="definition: LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract to LongTermDebtNoncurrentGross" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:title="definition: LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract to DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="LongTermDebt" xlink:title="LongTermDebt"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebt" xlink:title="definition: LongtermDebtCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract to LongTermDebt" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RoyaltyInterestObligationAbstract" xlink:label="RoyaltyInterestObligationAbstract" xlink:title="RoyaltyInterestObligationAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="RoyaltyInterestObligationAbstract" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to RoyaltyInterestObligationAbstract" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RoyaltyInterestObligationCurrent" xlink:label="RoyaltyInterestObligationCurrent" xlink:title="RoyaltyInterestObligationCurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RoyaltyInterestObligationAbstract" xlink:to="RoyaltyInterestObligationCurrent" xlink:title="definition: RoyaltyInterestObligationAbstract to RoyaltyInterestObligationCurrent" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RoyaltyInterestObligationNoncurrent" xlink:label="RoyaltyInterestObligationNoncurrent" xlink:title="RoyaltyInterestObligationNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RoyaltyInterestObligationAbstract" xlink:to="RoyaltyInterestObligationNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: RoyaltyInterestObligationAbstract to RoyaltyInterestObligationNoncurrent" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RoyaltyInterestObligation" xlink:label="RoyaltyInterestObligation" xlink:title="RoyaltyInterestObligation"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RoyaltyInterestObligationAbstract" xlink:to="RoyaltyInterestObligation" xlink:title="definition: RoyaltyInterestObligationAbstract to RoyaltyInterestObligation" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_LongTermDebtIncludingRoyaltyInterestObligation" xlink:label="LongTermDebtIncludingRoyaltyInterestObligation" xlink:title="LongTermDebtIncludingRoyaltyInterestObligation"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermDebtIncludingRoyaltyInterestObligation" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongTermDebtIncludingRoyaltyInterestObligation" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentsAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentsAbstract" use="optional" order="5.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:title="LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentsAbstract to LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings" xlink:label="LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings" xlink:title="LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentsAbstract" xlink:to="LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentsAbstract to LineOfCreditFacilityIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings" use="optional" order="6.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" use="optional" order="7.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_NumberOfEqualMonthlyPayments" xlink:label="NumberOfEqualMonthlyPayments" xlink:title="NumberOfEqualMonthlyPayments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfEqualMonthlyPayments" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to NumberOfEqualMonthlyPayments" use="optional" order="8.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_AdditionalLoanPaymentAsAPercentageOfLoanFacilityOnMaturityDate" xlink:label="AdditionalLoanPaymentAsAPercentageOfLoanFacilityOnMaturityDate" xlink:title="AdditionalLoanPaymentAsAPercentageOfLoanFacilityOnMaturityDate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="AdditionalLoanPaymentAsAPercentageOfLoanFacilityOnMaturityDate" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to AdditionalLoanPaymentAsAPercentageOfLoanFacilityOnMaturityDate" use="optional" order="9.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDecreaseRepayments" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentDecreaseRepayments" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentDecreaseRepayments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentDecreaseRepayments" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentDecreaseRepayments" use="optional" order="10.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_DebtInstrumentProceedsUsedToRepayEarlyPrepaymentPenalty" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentProceedsUsedToRepayEarlyPrepaymentPenalty" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentProceedsUsedToRepayEarlyPrepaymentPenalty"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentProceedsUsedToRepayEarlyPrepaymentPenalty" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentProceedsUsedToRepayEarlyPrepaymentPenalty" use="optional" order="11.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_DebtInstrumentProceedsUsedToRepayEndOfTermFee" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentProceedsUsedToRepayEndOfTermFee" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentProceedsUsedToRepayEndOfTermFee"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentProceedsUsedToRepayEndOfTermFee" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentProceedsUsedToRepayEndOfTermFee" use="optional" order="12.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:title="GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" use="optional" order="13.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursWithinFirstAnniversaryOfFundingDate" xlink:label="PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursWithinFirstAnniversaryOfFundingDate" xlink:title="PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursWithinFirstAnniversaryOfFundingDate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursWithinFirstAnniversaryOfFundingDate" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursWithinFirstAnniversaryOfFundingDate" use="optional" order="14.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursBetweenFirstAndSecondAnniversaryOfFundingDate" xlink:label="PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursBetweenFirstAndSecondAnniversaryOfFundingDate" xlink:title="PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursBetweenFirstAndSecondAnniversaryOfFundingDate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursBetweenFirstAndSecondAnniversaryOfFundingDate" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursBetweenFirstAndSecondAnniversaryOfFundingDate" use="optional" order="15.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursAfterSecondAnniversaryOfFundingDate" xlink:label="PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursAfterSecondAnniversaryOfFundingDate" xlink:title="PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursAfterSecondAnniversaryOfFundingDate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursAfterSecondAnniversaryOfFundingDate" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to PercentageOfPrepaymentFeeIfPrepaymentOccursAfterSecondAnniversaryOfFundingDate" use="optional" order="16.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:title="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" use="optional" order="17.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate" xlink:label="FairValueInputsDiscountRate" xlink:title="FairValueInputsDiscountRate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="FairValueInputsDiscountRate" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract to FairValueInputsDiscountRate" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:title="FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract to FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:title="FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract to FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" xlink:label="FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" xlink:title="FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract to FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:title="LongTermDebtFairValue"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:title="definition: FairValueAssumptionsAndMethodologyForAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract to LongTermDebtFairValue" use="optional" order="5.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:label="LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:title="LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" use="optional" order="18.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:title="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:title="definition: LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract to LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:title="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:title="definition: LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract to LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:title="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:title="definition: LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract to LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:title="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:title="definition: LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract to LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:title="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:title="definition: LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract to LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" use="optional" order="5.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_DebtDefaultIncreaseInInterestRate" xlink:label="DebtDefaultIncreaseInInterestRate" xlink:title="DebtDefaultIncreaseInInterestRate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtDefaultIncreaseInInterestRate" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtDefaultIncreaseInInterestRate" use="optional" order="19.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" use="optional" order="20.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:title="ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" use="optional" order="21.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights" xlink:title="ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights" use="optional" order="22.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_DebtInstrumentNumberOfTranches" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentNumberOfTranches" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentNumberOfTranches"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentNumberOfTranches" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentNumberOfTranches" use="optional" order="23.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_DebtInstrumentVariableRateBaseRate" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentVariableRateBaseRate" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentVariableRateBaseRate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentVariableRateBaseRate" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentVariableRateBaseRate" use="optional" order="24.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_DebtInstrumentSpecifiedPercentageOfReferenceRateExcessOfWhichIsAddedToFloatingRate" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentSpecifiedPercentageOfReferenceRateExcessOfWhichIsAddedToFloatingRate" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentSpecifiedPercentageOfReferenceRateExcessOfWhichIsAddedToFloatingRate"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentSpecifiedPercentageOfReferenceRateExcessOfWhichIsAddedToFloatingRate" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentSpecifiedPercentageOfReferenceRateExcessOfWhichIsAddedToFloatingRate" use="optional" order="25.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" use="optional" order="26.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_AmountToBeRaisedOnSaleOfRoyaltyInterest" xlink:label="AmountToBeRaisedOnSaleOfRoyaltyInterest" xlink:title="AmountToBeRaisedOnSaleOfRoyaltyInterest"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="AmountToBeRaisedOnSaleOfRoyaltyInterest" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to AmountToBeRaisedOnSaleOfRoyaltyInterest" use="optional" order="27.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_NumberOfProductSalesOnWhichThereIsRightToReceiveRoyaltyInterest" xlink:label="NumberOfProductSalesOnWhichThereIsRightToReceiveRoyaltyInterest" xlink:title="NumberOfProductSalesOnWhichThereIsRightToReceiveRoyaltyInterest"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfProductSalesOnWhichThereIsRightToReceiveRoyaltyInterest" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to NumberOfProductSalesOnWhichThereIsRightToReceiveRoyaltyInterest" use="optional" order="28.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_NetPresentValueOfRoyaltiesExpectedToBeRepaid" xlink:label="NetPresentValueOfRoyaltiesExpectedToBeRepaid" xlink:title="NetPresentValueOfRoyaltiesExpectedToBeRepaid"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="NetPresentValueOfRoyaltiesExpectedToBeRepaid" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to NetPresentValueOfRoyaltiesExpectedToBeRepaid" use="optional" order="29.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_PurchaseOptionEventPeriodWithinWhichRightIsExercisableWhichRequiresEntityToRepurchaseRoyaltyInterestAssignment" xlink:label="PurchaseOptionEventPeriodWithinWhichRightIsExercisableWhichRequiresEntityToRepurchaseRoyaltyInterestAssignment" xlink:title="PurchaseOptionEventPeriodWithinWhichRightIsExercisableWhichRequiresEntityToRepurchaseRoyaltyInterestAssignment"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="PurchaseOptionEventPeriodWithinWhichRightIsExercisableWhichRequiresEntityToRepurchaseRoyaltyInterestAssignment" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to PurchaseOptionEventPeriodWithinWhichRightIsExercisableWhichRequiresEntityToRepurchaseRoyaltyInterestAssignment" use="optional" order="30.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_PurchaseOptionEventRepurchasePriceOfRoyaltyInterestAssignmentAsPercentageOfCumulativePaymentsMade" xlink:label="PurchaseOptionEventRepurchasePriceOfRoyaltyInterestAssignmentAsPercentageOfCumulativePaymentsMade" xlink:title="PurchaseOptionEventRepurchasePriceOfRoyaltyInterestAssignmentAsPercentageOfCumulativePaymentsMade"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="PurchaseOptionEventRepurchasePriceOfRoyaltyInterestAssignmentAsPercentageOfCumulativePaymentsMade" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to PurchaseOptionEventRepurchasePriceOfRoyaltyInterestAssignmentAsPercentageOfCumulativePaymentsMade" use="optional" order="31.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_PurchaseOptionEventPeriodDuringWhichPaymentsWereMadeWhoseCumulativeAmountIsUsedForCalculatingRepurchasePriceOfRoyaltyInterestAssignment" xlink:label="PurchaseOptionEventPeriodDuringWhichPaymentsWereMadeWhoseCumulativeAmountIsUsedForCalculatingRepurchasePriceOfRoyaltyInterestAssignment" xlink:title="PurchaseOptionEventPeriodDuringWhichPaymentsWereMadeWhoseCumulativeAmountIsUsedForCalculatingRepurchasePriceOfRoyaltyInterestAssignment"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="PurchaseOptionEventPeriodDuringWhichPaymentsWereMadeWhoseCumulativeAmountIsUsedForCalculatingRepurchasePriceOfRoyaltyInterestAssignment" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to PurchaseOptionEventPeriodDuringWhichPaymentsWereMadeWhoseCumulativeAmountIsUsedForCalculatingRepurchasePriceOfRoyaltyInterestAssignment" use="optional" order="32.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_PurchaseOptionEventPeriodForCalculationOfRepurchasePrice" xlink:label="PurchaseOptionEventPeriodForCalculationOfRepurchasePrice" xlink:title="PurchaseOptionEventPeriodForCalculationOfRepurchasePrice"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="PurchaseOptionEventPeriodForCalculationOfRepurchasePrice" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to PurchaseOptionEventPeriodForCalculationOfRepurchasePrice" use="optional" order="33.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_TerminationPeriodOfWarrants" xlink:label="TerminationPeriodOfWarrants" xlink:title="TerminationPeriodOfWarrants"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="TerminationPeriodOfWarrants" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to TerminationPeriodOfWarrants" use="optional" order="8000.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" use="optional" order="8001.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmountNetOfDiscount" xlink:label="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmountNetOfDiscount" xlink:title="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmountNetOfDiscount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DebtInstrumentCarryingAmountNetOfDiscount" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DebtInstrumentCarryingAmountNetOfDiscount" use="optional" order="8002.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_PercentageOfPrepaymentCharge" xlink:label="PercentageOfPrepaymentCharge" xlink:title="PercentageOfPrepaymentCharge"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfPrepaymentCharge" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to PercentageOfPrepaymentCharge" use="optional" order="8003.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsGross" xlink:label="DeferredFinanceCostsGross" xlink:title="DeferredFinanceCostsGross"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="DeferredFinanceCostsGross" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to DeferredFinanceCostsGross" use="optional" order="8004.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:title="AmortizationOfFinancingCosts"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" use="optional" order="8005.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_PercentageOfSharesOfSurvivingEntityWhichHoldersOfCapitalStockCeasesToRetainResultingInEventOfDefault" xlink:label="PercentageOfSharesOfSurvivingEntityWhichHoldersOfCapitalStockCeasesToRetainResultingInEventOfDefault" xlink:title="PercentageOfSharesOfSurvivingEntityWhichHoldersOfCapitalStockCeasesToRetainResultingInEventOfDefault"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="PercentageOfSharesOfSurvivingEntityWhichHoldersOfCapitalStockCeasesToRetainResultingInEventOfDefault" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to PercentageOfSharesOfSurvivingEntityWhichHoldersOfCapitalStockCeasesToRetainResultingInEventOfDefault" use="optional" order="8006.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_FirstMinimumRevenueReceivedInLockboxRestrictedAndWillBeUsedForQuarterlyPayments" xlink:label="FirstMinimumRevenueReceivedInLockboxRestrictedAndWillBeUsedForQuarterlyPayments" xlink:title="FirstMinimumRevenueReceivedInLockboxRestrictedAndWillBeUsedForQuarterlyPayments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="FirstMinimumRevenueReceivedInLockboxRestrictedAndWillBeUsedForQuarterlyPayments" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to FirstMinimumRevenueReceivedInLockboxRestrictedAndWillBeUsedForQuarterlyPayments" use="optional" order="8007.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_PeriodForWhichFirstMinimumRevenueReceivedInLockboxWillBeRestrictedAndUsedForQuarterlyPayments" xlink:label="PeriodForWhichFirstMinimumRevenueReceivedInLockboxWillBeRestrictedAndUsedForQuarterlyPayments" xlink:title="PeriodForWhichFirstMinimumRevenueReceivedInLockboxWillBeRestrictedAndUsedForQuarterlyPayments"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="PeriodForWhichFirstMinimumRevenueReceivedInLockboxWillBeRestrictedAndUsedForQuarterlyPayments" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to PeriodForWhichFirstMinimumRevenueReceivedInLockboxWillBeRestrictedAndUsedForQuarterlyPayments" use="optional" order="8008.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsHeldInLockBox" xlink:label="RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsHeldInLockBox" xlink:title="RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsHeldInLockBox"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsHeldInLockBox" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsHeldInLockBox" use="optional" order="8009.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_LineOfCreditFacilityPeriodOverWhichEqualPrincipalPaymentsWillBeMade" xlink:label="LineOfCreditFacilityPeriodOverWhichEqualPrincipalPaymentsWillBeMade" xlink:title="LineOfCreditFacilityPeriodOverWhichEqualPrincipalPaymentsWillBeMade"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LineOfCreditFacilityPeriodOverWhichEqualPrincipalPaymentsWillBeMade" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LineOfCreditFacilityPeriodOverWhichEqualPrincipalPaymentsWillBeMade" use="optional" order="8010.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_LineOfCreditFacilityPeriodFromTheFundingDatesUptoWhichEqualPrincipalPaymentsWillBeMade" xlink:label="LineOfCreditFacilityPeriodFromTheFundingDatesUptoWhichEqualPrincipalPaymentsWillBeMade" xlink:title="LineOfCreditFacilityPeriodFromTheFundingDatesUptoWhichEqualPrincipalPaymentsWillBeMade"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LineOfCreditFacilityPeriodFromTheFundingDatesUptoWhichEqualPrincipalPaymentsWillBeMade" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LineOfCreditFacilityPeriodFromTheFundingDatesUptoWhichEqualPrincipalPaymentsWillBeMade" use="optional" order="8011.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_LineOfCreditFacilityAggregateGuaranteeAmount" xlink:label="LineOfCreditFacilityAggregateGuaranteeAmount" xlink:title="LineOfCreditFacilityAggregateGuaranteeAmount"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="LineOfCreditFacilityAggregateGuaranteeAmount" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to LineOfCreditFacilityAggregateGuaranteeAmount" use="optional" order="8012.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_CashlessExerciseOfWarrantsIssuedNumber" xlink:label="CashlessExerciseOfWarrantsIssuedNumber" xlink:title="CashlessExerciseOfWarrantsIssuedNumber"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="CashlessExerciseOfWarrantsIssuedNumber" xlink:title="definition: DebtInstrumentLineItems to CashlessExerciseOfWarrantsIssuedNumber" use="optional" order="8013.0"/>
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<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pacira.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable to RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="RelatedPartyDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis to RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="RelatedPartyDomain_2" xlink:title="RelatedPartyDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="RelatedPartyDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis to RelatedPartyDomain" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectorMember" xlink:label="DirectorMember" xlink:title="DirectorMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="DirectorMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to DirectorMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_MPMAssetManagementMember" xlink:label="MPMAssetManagementMember" xlink:title="MPMAssetManagementMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="MPMAssetManagementMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to MPMAssetManagementMember" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_StackPharmaceuticalsIncMember" xlink:label="StackPharmaceuticalsIncMember" xlink:title="StackPharmaceuticalsIncMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="StackPharmaceuticalsIncMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to StackPharmaceuticalsIncMember" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RhythmPharmaceuticalsIncMember" xlink:label="RhythmPharmaceuticalsIncMember" xlink:title="RhythmPharmaceuticalsIncMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="RhythmPharmaceuticalsIncMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to RhythmPharmaceuticalsIncMember" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestorMember" xlink:label="InvestorMember" xlink:title="InvestorMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="InvestorMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to InvestorMember" use="optional" order="6.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_InvestorsIntoDebtAgreementMember" xlink:label="InvestorsIntoDebtAgreementMember" xlink:title="InvestorsIntoDebtAgreementMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="InvestorsIntoDebtAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyDomain to InvestorsIntoDebtAgreementMember" use="optional" order="8000.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InstrumentAxis" xlink:label="InstrumentAxis" xlink:title="InstrumentAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="InstrumentAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable to InstrumentAxis" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InstrumentTypeMember" xlink:label="InstrumentTypeMember" xlink:title="InstrumentTypeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="InstrumentAxis" xlink:to="InstrumentTypeMember" xlink:title="definition: InstrumentAxis to InstrumentTypeMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InstrumentTypeMember" xlink:label="InstrumentTypeMember_2" xlink:title="InstrumentTypeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="InstrumentAxis" xlink:to="InstrumentTypeMember_2" xlink:title="definition: InstrumentAxis to InstrumentTypeMember" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_ConsultingAgreementMember" xlink:label="ConsultingAgreementMember" xlink:title="ConsultingAgreementMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InstrumentTypeMember" xlink:to="ConsultingAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: InstrumentTypeMember to ConsultingAgreementMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_AmendedAndRestatedConsultingAgreementMember" xlink:label="AmendedAndRestatedConsultingAgreementMember" xlink:title="AmendedAndRestatedConsultingAgreementMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="InstrumentTypeMember" xlink:to="AmendedAndRestatedConsultingAgreementMember" xlink:title="definition: InstrumentTypeMember to AmendedAndRestatedConsultingAgreementMember" use="optional" order="8000.0"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RelatedPartyTransactionFeePayablePerMonth" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionFeePayablePerMonth" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionFeePayablePerMonth"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionFeePayablePerMonth" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionFeePayablePerMonth" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RelatedPartyTransactionPercentageOfConsultantBusinessTimeExchangedForFeePayablePerMonth" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionPercentageOfConsultantBusinessTimeExchangedForFeePayablePerMonth" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionPercentageOfConsultantBusinessTimeExchangedForFeePayablePerMonth"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionPercentageOfConsultantBusinessTimeExchangedForFeePayablePerMonth" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionPercentageOfConsultantBusinessTimeExchangedForFeePayablePerMonth" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RelatedPartyTransactionFeePayablePerYear" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionFeePayablePerYear" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionFeePayablePerYear"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionFeePayablePerYear" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionFeePayablePerYear" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RelatedPartyTransactionOptionToPurchaseSharesOfCommonStockNumberOfShares" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionOptionToPurchaseSharesOfCommonStockNumberOfShares" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionOptionToPurchaseSharesOfCommonStockNumberOfShares"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionOptionToPurchaseSharesOfCommonStockNumberOfShares" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionOptionToPurchaseSharesOfCommonStockNumberOfShares" use="optional" order="5.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RelatedPartyTransactionOptionToPurchaseSharesOfCommonStockExercisePrice" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionOptionToPurchaseSharesOfCommonStockExercisePrice" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionOptionToPurchaseSharesOfCommonStockExercisePrice"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionOptionToPurchaseSharesOfCommonStockExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionOptionToPurchaseSharesOfCommonStockExercisePrice" use="optional" order="6.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction" use="optional" order="8.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RelatedPartyTransactionNumberOfAmendmentsOfOriginalServicesAgreement" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionNumberOfAmendmentsOfOriginalServicesAgreement" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionNumberOfAmendmentsOfOriginalServicesAgreement"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionNumberOfAmendmentsOfOriginalServicesAgreement" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionNumberOfAmendmentsOfOriginalServicesAgreement" use="optional" order="8004.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionPurchasesFromRelatedParty" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionPurchasesFromRelatedParty" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionPurchasesFromRelatedParty"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionPurchasesFromRelatedParty" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionPurchasesFromRelatedParty" use="optional" order="10.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:title="DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to DueToRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" use="optional" order="11.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:label="RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:title="RevenueFromRelatedParties"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RevenueFromRelatedParties" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RevenueFromRelatedParties" use="optional" order="12.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RelatedPartyTransactionEligibleBonusUponMeetingTargets" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionEligibleBonusUponMeetingTargets" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionEligibleBonusUponMeetingTargets"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionEligibleBonusUponMeetingTargets" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionEligibleBonusUponMeetingTargets" use="optional" order="13.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="NotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:title="NotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="NotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to NotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" use="optional" order="8000.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_RelatedPartyTransactionInterestAccruedOnDebt" xlink:label="RelatedPartyTransactionInterestAccruedOnDebt" xlink:title="RelatedPartyTransactionInterestAccruedOnDebt"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="RelatedPartyTransactionInterestAccruedOnDebt" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to RelatedPartyTransactionInterestAccruedOnDebt" use="optional" order="8001.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1" xlink:label="DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1" xlink:title="DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1" use="optional" order="8002.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1" xlink:label="DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1" xlink:title="DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1" xlink:title="definition: RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems to DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentSharesIssued1" use="optional" order="8003.0"/>
</link:definitionLink>
<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pacira.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails3">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="MinimumMember" xlink:title="MinimumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MinimumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MinimumMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
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<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
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<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MachineryAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="MachineryAndEquipmentMember" xlink:title="MachineryAndEquipmentMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="MachineryAndEquipmentMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to MachineryAndEquipmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember" xlink:label="ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember" xlink:title="ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:title="FurnitureAndFixturesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to FurnitureAndFixturesMember" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
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<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="ClassOfStockDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:to="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:title="definition: StatementClassOfStockAxis to ClassOfStockDomain" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="SeriesAPreferredStockMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to SeriesAPreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_ConvertibleNotes2009Member" xlink:label="ConvertibleNotes2009Member" xlink:title="ConvertibleNotes2009Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="ConvertibleNotes2009Member" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to ConvertibleNotes2009Member" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_SecuredNotes2009Member" xlink:label="SecuredNotes2009Member" xlink:title="SecuredNotes2009Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="SecuredNotes2009Member" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to SecuredNotes2009Member" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_SecuredNotes2010Member" xlink:label="SecuredNotes2010Member" xlink:title="SecuredNotes2010Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="SecuredNotes2010Member" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to SecuredNotes2010Member" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_HbmSecuredNotesMember" xlink:label="HbmSecuredNotesMember" xlink:title="HbmSecuredNotesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="HbmSecuredNotesMember" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to HbmSecuredNotesMember" use="optional" order="5.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_ConvertibleNotes2010Member" xlink:label="ConvertibleNotes2010Member" xlink:title="ConvertibleNotes2010Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:to="ConvertibleNotes2010Member" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockDomain to ConvertibleNotes2010Member" use="optional" order="6.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:title="ClassOfStockLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable"/>
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<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:to="StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfStockByClassTable to StatementClassOfStockAxis" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" xlink:title="definition: ClassOfStockLineItems to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesConversionOfConvertibleSecurities" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
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<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pacira.com/role/DisclosureCommercialPartnersAndOtherAgreementsDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="RangeAxis" xlink:title="RangeAxis"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="RangeMember" xlink:title="RangeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="RangeAxis" xlink:to="RangeMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeAxis to RangeMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="MaximumMember" xlink:title="MaximumMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="RangeMember" xlink:to="MaximumMember" xlink:title="definition: RangeMember to MaximumMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:label="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:title="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:title="definition: CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems to ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsAxis" xlink:label="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsAxis" xlink:title="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable to CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsAxis" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsAxis" xlink:to="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:title="definition: CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsAxis to CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:label="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember_2" xlink:title="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsAxis" xlink:to="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember_2" xlink:title="definition: CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsAxis to CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_AratanaTherapeuticsIncMember" xlink:label="AratanaTherapeuticsIncMember" xlink:title="AratanaTherapeuticsIncMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="AratanaTherapeuticsIncMember" xlink:title="definition: CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember to AratanaTherapeuticsIncMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_EKRTherapeuticsMember" xlink:label="EKRTherapeuticsMember" xlink:title="EKRTherapeuticsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="EKRTherapeuticsMember" xlink:title="definition: CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember to EKRTherapeuticsMember" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_NovoNordiskASMember" xlink:label="NovoNordiskASMember" xlink:title="NovoNordiskASMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="NovoNordiskASMember" xlink:title="definition: CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember to NovoNordiskASMember" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_AmylinPharmaceuticalsIncMember" xlink:label="AmylinPharmaceuticalsIncMember" xlink:title="AmylinPharmaceuticalsIncMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="AmylinPharmaceuticalsIncMember" xlink:title="definition: CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsMember to AmylinPharmaceuticalsIncMember" use="optional" order="8000.0"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="RangeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable to RangeAxis" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_AchievementOfMilestoneAxis" xlink:label="AchievementOfMilestoneAxis" xlink:title="AchievementOfMilestoneAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable" xlink:to="AchievementOfMilestoneAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfCollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsTable to AchievementOfMilestoneAxis" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_AchievementOfMilestoneDomain" xlink:label="AchievementOfMilestoneDomain" xlink:title="AchievementOfMilestoneDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AchievementOfMilestoneAxis" xlink:to="AchievementOfMilestoneDomain" xlink:title="definition: AchievementOfMilestoneAxis to AchievementOfMilestoneDomain" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_AchievementOfMilestoneDomain" xlink:label="AchievementOfMilestoneDomain_2" xlink:title="AchievementOfMilestoneDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AchievementOfMilestoneAxis" xlink:to="AchievementOfMilestoneDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: AchievementOfMilestoneAxis to AchievementOfMilestoneDomain" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_AchievementOfDevelopmentAndCommercialMilestonesMember" xlink:label="AchievementOfDevelopmentAndCommercialMilestonesMember" xlink:title="AchievementOfDevelopmentAndCommercialMilestonesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AchievementOfMilestoneDomain" xlink:to="AchievementOfDevelopmentAndCommercialMilestonesMember" xlink:title="definition: AchievementOfMilestoneDomain to AchievementOfDevelopmentAndCommercialMilestonesMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_AchievementOfSpecifiedDevelopmentEventMember" xlink:label="AchievementOfSpecifiedDevelopmentEventMember" xlink:title="AchievementOfSpecifiedDevelopmentEventMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AchievementOfMilestoneDomain" xlink:to="AchievementOfSpecifiedDevelopmentEventMember" xlink:title="definition: AchievementOfMilestoneDomain to AchievementOfSpecifiedDevelopmentEventMember" use="optional" order="8000.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_SalesOfProductExceedingSpecifiedAmountsMember" xlink:label="SalesOfProductExceedingSpecifiedAmountsMember" xlink:title="SalesOfProductExceedingSpecifiedAmountsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="AchievementOfMilestoneDomain" xlink:to="SalesOfProductExceedingSpecifiedAmountsMember" xlink:title="definition: AchievementOfMilestoneDomain to SalesOfProductExceedingSpecifiedAmountsMember" use="optional" order="8001.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_CollaborativeArrangementUpfrontPaymentReceived" xlink:label="CollaborativeArrangementUpfrontPaymentReceived" xlink:title="CollaborativeArrangementUpfrontPaymentReceived"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="CollaborativeArrangementUpfrontPaymentReceived" xlink:title="definition: CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems to CollaborativeArrangementUpfrontPaymentReceived" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsReceived" xlink:label="CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsReceived" xlink:title="CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsReceived"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsReceived" xlink:title="definition: CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems to CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsReceived" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsToBeReceived" xlink:label="CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsToBeReceived" xlink:title="CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsToBeReceived"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsToBeReceived" xlink:title="definition: CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems to CollaborativeArrangementMilestonePaymentsToBeReceived" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLicenseFeesReceived" xlink:label="ProceedsFromLicenseFeesReceived" xlink:title="ProceedsFromLicenseFeesReceived"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems" xlink:to="ProceedsFromLicenseFeesReceived" xlink:title="definition: CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems to ProceedsFromLicenseFeesReceived" use="optional" order="8000.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_CollaborativeArrangementTerminationNoticePeriod" xlink:label="CollaborativeArrangementTerminationNoticePeriod" xlink:title="CollaborativeArrangementTerminationNoticePeriod"/>
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<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="PlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: PlanNameAxis to PlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="PlanNameDomain_2" xlink:title="PlanNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="PlanNameAxis" xlink:to="PlanNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: PlanNameAxis to PlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_StockIncentivePlan2011Member" xlink:label="StockIncentivePlan2011Member" xlink:title="StockIncentivePlan2011Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="StockIncentivePlan2011Member" xlink:title="definition: PlanNameDomain to StockIncentivePlan2011Member" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_Plan2007Member" xlink:label="Plan2007Member" xlink:title="Plan2007Member"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PlanNameDomain" xlink:to="Plan2007Member" xlink:title="definition: PlanNameDomain to Plan2007Member" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedPriorToAmendment" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedPriorToAmendment" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedPriorToAmendment"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedPriorToAmendment" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorizedPriorToAmendment" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardSharesIssuedInPeriod" use="optional" order="5.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" use="optional" order="6.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesToBeAuthorizedUponAdoptionOfAmendedPlan" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesToBeAuthorizedUponAdoptionOfAmendedPlan" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesToBeAuthorizedUponAdoptionOfAmendedPlan"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesToBeAuthorizedUponAdoptionOfAmendedPlan" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesToBeAuthorizedUponAdoptionOfAmendedPlan" use="optional" order="8000.0"/>
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<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pacira.com/role/DisclosureStockPlansDetails3">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="AwardTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable to AwardTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:title="definition: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: AwardTypeAxis to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockOptionsMember" xlink:label="StockOptionsMember" xlink:title="StockOptionsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="StockOptionsMember" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain to StockOptionsMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriod" use="optional" order="5.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" use="optional" order="6.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" use="optional" order="7.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:to="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="definition: ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward to ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" use="optional" order="5.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:title="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
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<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:title="CustomerConcentrationRiskMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain to CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:title="MajorCustomersAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:to="MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskTable to MajorCustomersAxis" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:title="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:title="definition: MajorCustomersAxis to NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_LargestCustomerMember" xlink:label="LargestCustomerMember" xlink:title="LargestCustomerMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="LargestCustomerMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to LargestCustomerMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_SecondLargestCustomerMember" xlink:label="SecondLargestCustomerMember" xlink:title="SecondLargestCustomerMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="SecondLargestCustomerMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to SecondLargestCustomerMember" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_ThirdLargestCustomerMember" xlink:label="ThirdLargestCustomerMember" xlink:title="ThirdLargestCustomerMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="ThirdLargestCustomerMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to ThirdLargestCustomerMember" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_CustomersOutsideUSMember" xlink:label="CustomersOutsideUSMember" xlink:title="CustomersOutsideUSMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="CustomersOutsideUSMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to CustomersOutsideUSMember" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_NovoNordiskASMember" xlink:label="NovoNordiskASMember" xlink:title="NovoNordiskASMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="NovoNordiskASMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to NovoNordiskASMember" use="optional" order="5.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_EKRTherapeuticsMember" xlink:label="EKRTherapeuticsMember" xlink:title="EKRTherapeuticsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="EKRTherapeuticsMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to EKRTherapeuticsMember" use="optional" order="6.0"/>
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<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskLineItems to ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_TerminationOfAgreementEffectivePeriodFromDateOfNotice" xlink:label="TerminationOfAgreementEffectivePeriodFromDateOfNotice" xlink:title="TerminationOfAgreementEffectivePeriodFromDateOfNotice"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="TerminationOfAgreementEffectivePeriodFromDateOfNotice" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskLineItems to TerminationOfAgreementEffectivePeriodFromDateOfNotice" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_CollaborativeLicensingAndDevelopmentRevenue" xlink:label="CollaborativeLicensingAndDevelopmentRevenue" xlink:title="CollaborativeLicensingAndDevelopmentRevenue"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="CollaborativeLicensingAndDevelopmentRevenue" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskLineItems to CollaborativeLicensingAndDevelopmentRevenue" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
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<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pacira.com/role/DisclosureFinancialInstrumentsDetails3">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskLineItems to ConcentrationRiskTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskTable to ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis to ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis to ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember" xlink:label="AccountsReceivableMember" xlink:title="AccountsReceivableMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="AccountsReceivableMember" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain to AccountsReceivableMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
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<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskTable to ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
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<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="CreditConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:title="CreditConcentrationRiskMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="CreditConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain to CreditConcentrationRiskMember" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:title="MajorCustomersAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:to="MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskTable to MajorCustomersAxis" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:title="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain"/>
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<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_2" xlink:title="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain"/>
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<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_MajorCustomerOneMember" xlink:label="MajorCustomerOneMember" xlink:title="MajorCustomerOneMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="MajorCustomerOneMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to MajorCustomerOneMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_MajorCustomerTwoMember" xlink:label="MajorCustomerTwoMember" xlink:title="MajorCustomerTwoMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="MajorCustomerTwoMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to MajorCustomerTwoMember" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_MajorCustomerThreeMember" xlink:label="MajorCustomerThreeMember" xlink:title="MajorCustomerThreeMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="MajorCustomerThreeMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to MajorCustomerThreeMember" use="optional" order="8000.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_MajorCustomerFourMember" xlink:label="MajorCustomerFourMember" xlink:title="MajorCustomerFourMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="MajorCustomerFourMember" xlink:title="definition: NameOfMajorCustomerDomain to MajorCustomerFourMember" use="optional" order="8001.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:title="ConcentrationRiskPercentage1"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskLineItems to ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_NumberOfMajorCustomers" xlink:label="NumberOfMajorCustomers" xlink:title="NumberOfMajorCustomers"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:to="NumberOfMajorCustomers" xlink:title="definition: ConcentrationRiskLineItems to NumberOfMajorCustomers" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
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<link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.pacira.com/role/DisclosureFixedAssetsDetails">
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:title="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems to ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" use="optional" order="1.0" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis to PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MachineryAndEquipmentMember" xlink:label="MachineryAndEquipmentMember" xlink:title="MachineryAndEquipmentMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="MachineryAndEquipmentMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to MachineryAndEquipmentMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember" xlink:label="ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember" xlink:title="ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to ComputerEquipmentAndSoftwareMember" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:label="FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:title="FurnitureAndFixturesMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="FurnitureAndFixturesMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to FurnitureAndFixturesMember" use="optional" order="3.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:label="LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:title="LeaseholdImprovementsMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="LeaseholdImprovementsMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to LeaseholdImprovementsMember" use="optional" order="4.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:label="ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:title="ConstructionInProgressMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:title="definition: PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain to ConstructionInProgressMember" use="optional" order="5.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:title="ProductOrServiceAxis"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:title="definition: ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable to ProductOrServiceAxis" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:title="ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:title="definition: ProductOrServiceAxis to ProductsAndServicesDomain" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2012/elts/us-gaap-2012-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" xlink:title="ProductsAndServicesDomain"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" xlink:title="definition: ProductOrServiceAxis to ProductsAndServicesDomain" use="optional" order="2.0"/>
<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_DepoDurMember" xlink:label="DepoDurMember" xlink:title="DepoDurMember"/>
<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="DepoDurMember" xlink:title="definition: ProductsAndServicesDomain to DepoDurMember" use="optional" order="1.0"/>
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<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_UponFirstCommercialSaleInUnitedStatesMember" xlink:label="UponFirstCommercialSaleInUnitedStatesMember" xlink:title="UponFirstCommercialSaleInUnitedStatesMember"/>
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<link:loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="pcrx-20121231.xsd#pcrx_PaymentObligationArisingDueToFirstCommercialSaleOfProductInConnectionWithAcquisition" xlink:label="PaymentObligationArisingDueToFirstCommercialSaleOfProductInConnectionWithAcquisition" xlink:title="PaymentObligationArisingDueToFirstCommercialSaleOfProductInConnectionWithAcquisition"/>
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<link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="PreferredStockMember" xlink:title="definition: EquityComponentDomain to PreferredStockMember" use="optional" order="10.0"/>
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2 Subsequent Filings that Reference this Filing

  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size             Issuer                      Filing Agent

12/13/13  SEC                               UPLOAD9/20/17    1:34K  Pacira BioSciences, Inc.
12/02/13  SEC                               UPLOAD9/20/17    1:153K Pacira BioSciences, Inc.
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