Nepafenac Ophthalmic
Generic Name: nepafenac ophthalmic (ne PA fan ak off THAL mik)
Brand Names: Nevanac
What is nepafenac?
Nepafenac ophthalmic is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It reduces pain and inflammation in the eyes.
Nepafenac ophthalmic is used to reduce pain and swelling after cataract surgery.
Nepafenac ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about nepafenac?
Before using nepafenac ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or other eye drops
Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes, dry eye syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, such as hemophilia, or arthritis.
Do not use nepafenac while you are wearing contact lenses. Nepafenac may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using nepafenac before putting your contact lenses in. Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. Do not use nepafenac ophthalmic for longer than 14 days after your surgery unless your doctor tells you to.
What should I discuss with my healthcare professional before using nepafenac?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nepafenac.
Before using nepafenac ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or other eye drops, or if you have:
diabetes;
dry eye syndrome;
rheumatoid arthritis;
a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, such as hemophilia; or
arthritis.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use nepafenac, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
Do not use nepafenac ophthalmic while wearing contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses take them out or talk to your doctor before using the medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. Nepafenac may be harmful to an unborn baby, especially if during the last part of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether nepafenac ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use nepafenac without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
See also: Nepafenac pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I use nepafenac?
Use nepafenac exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Nepafenac is usually given as 1 drop in the affected eye 3 times per day, starting 1 day before cataract surgery.
Do not use nepafenac ophthalmic for longer than 14 days after your surgery unless your doctor tells you to. Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
Do not use nepafenac while you are wearing contact lenses. Nepafenac may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using nepafenac before putting your contact lenses in. Shake the eye drops well just before you use them.
To apply the eye drops:
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Do not use the nepafenac eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Keep using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed, including drops to treat glaucoma. Use only the eye medications your doctor has prescribed.
Store nepafenac ophthalmic at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of nepafenac ophthalmic is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while using nepafenac?
Do not touch the nepafenac dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Do not use any other eye medications that have not been prescribed or recommended by your doctor.
Do not use nepafenac ophthalmic while wearing contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses take them out or talk to your doctor before using the medication.
Nepafenac ophthalmic side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have vision problems, crusting or drainage of your eyes, swollen eyelids, or severe eye pain.
Less serious nepafenac side effects may be more likely to occur (some are effects of cataract surgery and not side effects of the medication):
dry or sticky feeling in the eye;
feeling like something is in your eye;
eye redness;
itching or watering of the eye;
increased sensitivity to light;
headache;
nausea, vomiting; or
stuffy nose.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Nepafenac side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect nepafenac?
Before using nepafenac, tell your doctor if you also use any steroid medication, including steroids eye drops.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with nepafenac ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Nepafenac resources
Nepafenac Side Effects (in More Detail)
Nepafenac Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Nepafenac Drug Interactions
Nepafenac Support Group
1 Review for Nepafenac - Add your own review/rating
Compare Nepafenac with other medications
Postoperative Increased Intraocular Pressure
Postoperative Ocular Inflammation
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about nepafenac ophthalmic.
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