Generic name: nepafenac ophthalmic [ ne-PA-fan-ak-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand names: Ilevro, Nevanac

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 27, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Ilevro?

Nepafenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Ilevro (for the eyes) is used to reduce pain and inflammation after cataract surgery.

Ilevro may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ilevro side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects are caused by cataract surgery and are not side effects of the medication. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe eye pain or redness;

• eyelid pain, trouble opening your eyes;

• vision problems;

• increased sensitivity to light;

• watery eyes, crusting or drainage of your eyes;

• puffy eyelids; or

• unusual bleeding or bruising, or a wound that will not heal.

Common side effects may include

• blurred or hazy vision;

• decreased vision;

• feeling like something is in your eye;

• sticky feeling in the eye; or

• increased pressure inside the eye.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare professional before using Ilevro?

You should not use Ilevro if you are allergic to nepafenac or to other NSAIDs.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergy to any other eye drops;

• dry eye syndrome; or

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, such as hemophilia.

Using Ilevro 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.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Ilevro is not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old.

How should I use Ilevro?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Ilevro is usually started a day before cataract surgery, and continued for 2 weeks afterward.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Keep using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed, including drops to treat glaucoma. Use only the eye medications your doctor has prescribed.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

Shake the eye drops well just before each use.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

If you are using this medicine in both eyes, you may need to use a separate bottle for each eye to avoid infection.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection, or if you need to have any other type of eye surgery.

Store this medicine at room temperature.

Do not use Ilevro for longer than 14 days after your surgery unless your doctor tells you to.

Related/similar drugs

diclofenac ophthalmic, dexamethasone ophthalmic, ketorolac ophthalmic, prednisolone ophthalmic, clobetasol ophthalmic, flurbiprofen ophthalmic, apraclonidine ophthalmic, nepafenac ophthalmic, Nevanac, Iopidine

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Ilevro is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using nepafenac ophthalmic?

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to, especially steroid eye drops.

What other drugs will affect Ilevro?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• steroid medicine applied to the skin (topical); or

• other NSAIDs--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Ilevro, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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