Nepafenac Ophthalmic

Nepafenac Ophthalmic is a prescription medication used to reduce pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. 

• Nepafenac Ophthalmic is available under various brand names: Ilevro, Nevanac

Common side effects of Nepafenac Ophthalmic include:

• blurred or hazy vision.
• decreased vision.
• feeling like something is in the eye.
• sticky feeling in the eye; or
• increased pressure inside the eye.

Serious side effects of Nepafenac Ophthalmic include:

• hives. 
• difficult breathing. 
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• severe eye pain or redness.
• eyelid pain, trouble opening the eyes.
• vision problems.
• increased sensitivity to light.
• watery eyes, crusting, or drainage of the eyes.
• puffy eyelids. 
• unusual bleeding or bruising, or a wound that will not heal.

Rare side effects of Nepafenac Ophthalmic include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Ophthalmic suspension

• 0.1% (Nevanac)
• 0.3% (Ilevro)

Ocular pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery:

Adult dosage

• Ophthalmic:
  • 0.1% suspension: Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) 3 times daily, beginning 1 day before surgery, the day of surgery, and through the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period.
  • 0.3% suspension: Instill 1 drop into the affected eye(s) once daily, beginning 1 day before surgery, the day of surgery, and through the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period. Instill 1 additional drop 30 to 120 minutes before surgery.

Pediatric dosage

Children below 10 years

• Safety and efficacy not established
• Children above 10 years
• 0.1%: 1 drop three times daily to the affected eye(s) beginning 1 day before cataract surgery, on the day of surgery, and through 2 weeks postoperatively
• 0.3%: 1 drop once daily beginning 1 day before cataract surgery, on the day of surgery, and continue through the first 2 weeks postoperatively; an additional drop should be administered 30-120 minutes before surgery

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Nepafenac Ophthalmic have no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Nepafenac Ophthalmic has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Nepafenac Ophthalmic has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Nepafenac Ophthalmic has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to nepafenac or other NSAIDs. 

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Nepafenac Ophthalmic?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Nepafenac Ophthalmic?”

Cautions

• Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
• Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to, especially steroid eye drops.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Using Nepafenac Ophthalmic during late pregnancy may cause medical problems in the newborn baby. Avoid using this medicine if you are pregnant and close to your due date.
• Lactation
  • It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.