Ilevro

The active ingredient in Ilevro is nepafenac, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) eye drop. The mechanism of action works by suppressing cyclooxygenase, an enzyme that contributes to inflammation. Ilevro (nepafenac) helps to reduce inflammation, discomfort, and swelling in the eye.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Ilevro. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Ilevro:

• Ilevro is typically started the day before cataract surgery and continues for two weeks afterward.
• Avoid using while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medication may permanently discolour the lenses. Apply the medication at least 15 minutes before placing your contact lenses, as the benzalkonium chloride (ingredient in Ilevro) may get absorbed.
• Continue to use any other eye drops given by your doctor, including those for glaucoma.
• For using the eye drops, tilt your head back a bit and draw down your lower eyelid to form a little pocket in the cornea.. Hold the dropper above your eye and squeeze a drop into the pocket of the affected eye.
• Use only the number of drops that your doctor has prescribed. Wait at least 5 minutes before applying any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.
• Avoid touching the tip of the eye dropper or placing it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, resulting in severe visual difficulties.
• If you are using this medication in both eyes, you may need to use a separate bottle to avoid infection.
• Do not use Ilevro for longer than 14 days after your eye surgery unless your doctor tells you to.

Some mild or common side effects of nepafenac ophthalmic include:

• Cloudiness in the eyes.
• Eye pain.
• Increased intraocular pressure.
• Itchy eyes.
• Foreign body sensation.
• Dry eyes.
• Crusting or eye discharge.
• Blurred vision.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Ilevro. These adverse events may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction to the medication, such as eye redness, skin rash, or hives.
• Ilevro may cause slow or delayed healing, especially when used with corticosteroid eye drops.
• Corneal effects such as keratitis. In some patients, continued use of topical NSAIDs like Ilevro may cause corneal perforation, ulcers, or other damage.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Ilevro. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088

Before starting Ilevro, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Allergy to Ilevro eye drops or any other ophthalmic suspension.
• Dry eye syndrome.
• Bleeding or blood-clotting disorder such as hemophilia.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Eye infections.
• Eye injury (vitreous detachment).
• Many eye surgeries within a short period of time.

• Allergy to nepafenac or other NSAIDs.
• Hypersensitivity.

Ilevro typically begins to work within a few hours to a few days of starting medication. It helps to reduce eye pain and inflammation after cataract surgery, with most patients reporting significant relief in discomfort and redness within 2 to 3 days, and complete anti-inflammatory effects occurring after 1 to 2 weeks of treatment.

When Ilevro is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Steroid medications.
• Other NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
• Any medication that may prolong the bleeding time.

Ilevro is available in the following dosage form: 0.3% ophthalmic suspension.

The normal dose is one drop of Ilevro into the affected eye(s) once each day.

The eye drops are commonly taken the day before surgery and the day of surgery (you may uss an additional drop 30 minutes to 2 hours prior). Following the surgery, the eye drops are continued for 2 additional weeks.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Novartis Inc. is the company that manufactures Ilevro.

There are no generic versions available of Ilevro.

You should not discontinue using Ilevro (nepafenac eye drops) without consulting your doctor, especially if you are recovering from cataract surgery. Stopping too soon may result in recurrent irritation or pain. Your doctor will tell you how long you should continue, which is normally approximately two weeks after surgery, and when it is safe to stop. Always adhere to your prescribed regimen and consult with your eye expert before quitting.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant. They will discuss the risks and benefits of using Ilevro during pregnancy. The use of NSAIDs like Ilevro during late pregnancy may result in harm for your newborn infant.

It is not known if Ilevro is found in breast milk during lactation. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.