Nevanac

The active ingredient in Nevanac is nepafenac, which is a ‘prodrug’ of amfenac. This means that it is converted into amfenac in the eye. Nevanac may also contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

The mechanism of action for Nevanac involves suppressing cyclooxygenase, an enzyme that produces prostaglandins which contribute to inflammation. By blocking this enzyme, Nevanac helps to reduce eye inflammation and pain.

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 Nevanac. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Nevanac:

• This drug should not be used when wearing contact lenses. Nevanac may contain a preservative, benzalkonium chloride, that discolors soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medication before inserting your contact lenses.
• Nevanac should not be used for more than 14 days after surgery unless directed by your doctor.
• Before applying the eye drops, wash your hands well.
• Shake the eye drops thoroughly shortly before using them.
• To apply the eye drops, tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above your eye with the tip facing downward. Focus your gaze upward and away from the dropper, then carefully squeeze out a drop.
• After applying the drop, close your eyes and lightly press a finger against the inner corner for about a minute to help prevent the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
• Only use the number of drops prescribed by your doctor. If multiple drops are needed, wait approximately five minutes between each one.
• If your doctor has recommended additional eye drops, allow at least 10 minutes before applying them.
• 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.
• Do not use eye drops if the liquid has changed color or contains particles. Contact your chemist for new medication.
• Continue to use any other eye drops given by your doctor, including those for glaucoma. Use only the eye drugs that your doctor has prescribed.

The most common side effects of Nevanac seen in clinical trials include:

• Blurred vision.
• Cloudiness in the eye.
• Sticky sensation in your eye.
• Dry eyes.
• Foreign body sensation.
• Reduced sharpness or clarity of your vision (decreased visual acuity).
• Lid margin crusting.
• Increased intraocular pressure.
• Eye pain.
• Eye discharge.

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

• Allergic reaction.
• Cornea damage or keratitis.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Nevanac. 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 Nevanac, 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 if you have:

• You should not take Nevanac if you are allergic to nepafenac.
• Before using Nevanac, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any other eye drops or have diabetes, dry eye syndrome, arthritis, or a bleeding or blood-clotting problem, such as hemophilia.
• Nevanac should not be used for more than 14 days after surgery unless directed by your doctor.
• Nevanac may cause slow or delayed healing, especially when used with corticosteroid eye drops.
• In some susceptible patients, continued use of topical NSAIDs may result in epithelial breakdown, corneal thinning, corneal erosion, or corneal ulceration.
• This drug should not be used when wearing contact lenses. Nevanac may contain a preservative that discolors soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medication before inserting your contact lenses.
• Caution with concomitant medications that may prolong bleeding time. Increased potential for healing problems with concomitant topical steroids.
• 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.

To ensure that Nevanac is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have:

• Diabetes.
• Dry-eye syndrome or other ocular surface diseases.
• An allergy to other eye drops.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• A bleeding or clotting disorder, such as hemophilia.

Contraindications are certain health problems or situations in which a person should avoid taking a drug for safety reasons. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional since Nevanac (nepafenac) is not safe to consume.

• Allergy to nepafenac or other NSAIDs.

The eye drops are effective as soon as you use them before and after ocular surgeries. You will typically use for 2 weeks after your surgery to relieve pain and inflammation.

When Nevanac 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.

Nevanac is available as a 0.1% ophthalmic suspension. The typical dose is one drop into the affected eye(s) three times per day. The eye drops are commonly administered the day before cataract surgery, on the day of surgery, and for two weeks following the eye surgery.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is coming up soon, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medication to make up for the missed dosage.

Store in a cool place at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals is the company that manufactures Nevanac.

There are no generic versions available for Nevanac.

Do not discontinue taking Nevanac without consulting your doctor first. You can typically continue using the drops unless you have major negative effects. If you're concerned, go to your doctor or pharmacist.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on the use of Nevanac during pregnancy. Inform your care team if you are pregnant so that they can discuss the risks and advantages of using Nevanac.

While it's not known if Nevanac passes into breast milk, animal studies show it does in rats. However, it would not be expected to cause any adverse events in breastfed infants. 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.