Nevanac

Nevanac

Generic Name: nepafenac ophthalmic (ne PA fan ak off THAL mik)

Brand Names: Nevanac

What is Nevanac?

Nevanac is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It reduces pain and inflammation in the eyes.

Nevanac is used to reduce pain and swelling after cataract surgery.

Nevanac may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Nevanac

Before using Nevanac, 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 Nevanac while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication 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 Nevanac for longer than 14 days after your surgery unless your doctor tells you to.

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

You should not use Nevanac if you are allergic to nepafenac.

Before using Nevanac, 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 Nevanac 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. Nevanac 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 Nevanac passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Nevanac?

Use Nevanac 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 Nevanac 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 Nevanac while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication 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 to create a small pocket. 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 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 the drops 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 Nevanac is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while using Nevanac?

Do not touch the 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 Nevanac while wearing contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses take them out or talk to your doctor before using the medication.

Nevanac 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 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: Nevanac side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Nevanac?

Before using Nevanac, tell your doctor if you also use any steroid medication, including steroids eye drops.

There may be other drugs that can interact with Nevanac. 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.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about Nevanac.