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Nevanac Information

Nevanac (Nepafenac) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available as an ophthalmic suspension (eye drops). It is primarily used to prevent and treat pain and inflammation in the eye following cataract surgery. Nepafenac is a prodrug, meaning it is converted into its active form, amfenac, by enzymes within the eye after application. Amfenac then works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins, a class of chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation. By reducing prostaglandin production, Nevanac helps to alleviate the discomfort, redness, and swelling associated with ocular surgery.

Nevanac Side Effects

The most common side effects of Nevanac may include blurred vision, burning or stinging sensation in the eye (especially immediately after application), capsular opacity (clouding behind the lens), decreased visual acuity, dry eyes, foreign body sensation, headache, increased intraocular pressure, lid argin crusting, ocular discomfort, ocular pain, ocular hyperemia (eye redness), ocular pruritus (itching of the eye), photophobia (sensitivity to light), sticky sensation in the eye, and tearing. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Allergic reactions (e.g., skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Bleeding of ocular tissues (including hyphemas), especially in conjunction with ocular surgery
• Corneal effects (e.g., epithelial breakdown, corneal thinning, erosion, ulceration, or perforation), which can be sight-threatening. These effects may lead to delayed wound healing
• Eye swelling or discharge that worsens
• Severe eye pain or redness
• Sudden vision changes

Nevanac Precautions

Do not use Nevanac if you are allergic to Nepafenac, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, or any other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have a history of asthma (especially if it worsens after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), bleeding problems or bleeding tendencies (particularly in conjunction with ocular surgery), diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, other eye problems (e.g., dry eye syndrome, corneal problems, complicated ocular surgeries, corneal denervation, corneal epithelial defects), any active ocular infection (NSAIDs can mask signs of infection), or if you have recently undergone or are planning repeat ocular surgeries within a short period. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Nevanac and other medications, such as other topical ophthalmic corticosteroids (which may increase the risk of healing problems), anti-platelet medications (e.g., clopidogrel), or 'blood thinners' (e.g., warfarin), as Nevanac may increase the time it takes for your blood to clot. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Nevanac. Due to the known effects of prostaglandin biosynthesis inhibiting drugs on the fetal cardiovascular system (closure of the ductus arteriosus), the use of Nevanac during late pregnancy should be avoided unless necessary. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Nevanac. The excretion of this drug in human milk is not known, but caution should be exercised. Do not use this medicine in children below 18 years of age, as safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Nevanac comes as an ophthalmic suspension (eye drops). Shake the bottle well before each use. The typical dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily or three times daily, beginning 1 day before cataract surgery, continuing on the day of surgery, and for up to 2 weeks postoperatively, or as directed by your doctor. An additional dose may be administered 30 to 120 minutes before surgery. Wash your hands thoroughly before administering eye drops. Tilt your head back slightly, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket, and instill the prescribed number of drops into the conjunctival sac. Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination. Close the bottle tightly after use. If you are using other topical ophthalmic medications, administer them at least 5 minutes apart from Nevanac. Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Nevanac eye drops, especially after cataract surgery, as the preservative (benzalkonium chloride) can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause irritation or discoloration. You may experience temporary blurred vision after instillation; wait until your vision clears before driving or operating machinery. Do not stop using Nevanac without talking to your doctor. Prolonged use (beyond 2 weeks) may increase the risk of certain corneal adverse events. Store Nevanac at room temperature, typically not above 25°C or 30°C, and protect from light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Nevanac?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Nevanac.