Nevanac

What is NEVANAC?

(NEVANAC) This medication is used to relieve eye pain, irritation, and redness following cataract eye surgery. Nepafenac belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking certain natural substances (prostaglandins) in your body that cause pain and swelling.

How should I use NEVANAC?

Use this medication in the operated eye(s) as directed by your doctor. The instructions for use depend on the strength of the eye drops prescribed. This medication is usually started 1 day before surgery, and continued on the day of surgery and for 2 weeks after surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. Shake the bottle well before each dose. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. This medication should not be used while wearing contact lenses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Tilt your head back, look upward, and gently pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery. This medication is usually used for up to 14 days after eye surgery or as directed by your doctor. Do not start using this medication early, use it more often than prescribed, or keep using it for longer than directed by your doctor. Prolonged use of nepafenac eye drops (more than 2 weeks) may increase the risk of very serious side effects of the eye. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take NEVANAC?

Before using nepafenac, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin, or to other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), bleeding problems, previous eye surgery, other eye problems (such as dry eye syndrome, corneal problems), diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, nasal polyps. After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred or unstable. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you can do it safely. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with NEVANAC?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: anti-platelet medications (such as clopidogrel), "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), corticosteroid drugs (such as prednisone), other eye medications (such as corticosteroid eye drops). Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) which, if used together with nepafenac, may increase your risk for bleeding. However, if your doctor has told you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should keep taking the aspirin unless your doctor tells you not to. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

What if I miss a dose of NEVANAC?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving NEVANAC?

This medication may temporarily sting or burn your eyes for 1-2 minutes when applied. Eye redness and headache may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: eye swelling/pain, eye discharge/extreme watering, vision changes. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep NEVANAC?

Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature away from light. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.