Abstract: A sustained release pharmaceutical formulation for pain management comprises an active ingredient, and a water-miscible and hygroscopic network-forming material, the active ingredient being dispersed within the water-miscible and hygroscopic network-forming material. The pharmaceutical may comprise a hydrophobic component, wherein the active ingredient dispersed within the water-miscible and hygroscopic network-forming material are together dispersed in hydrophobic component. Optionally, the pharmaceutical formulation may be combined with a reinforcing member for providing a system for sustained release of the pharmaceutical formulation for pain management.