Uses
What is Nevanac used for?
Nevanac is commonly used to treat eye pain and inflammation from cataract surgery.
Nevanac may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Nevanac work (mechanism of action)?
Nevanac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking certain substances that lead to inflammation, which helps to relieve swelling and pain in the eye.
How is Nevanac supplied (dosage forms)?
Nevanac is available in the following dosage form that is applied to the eye.
- 0.1% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)
See Ilevro (nepafenac) for information on other dosage forms.
How should I store Nevanac?
Store Nevanac at temperatures between 36 F to 77 F (2 C to 25 C).
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Nevanac?
The most common side effects of Nevanac are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Secondary cataract, which may cause your vision to become cloudy again after cataract surgery
- Reduced sharpness or clarity of your vision (decreased visual acuity)
- Feeling like there is something in your eye
- Increased pressure inside the eye
- Sticky feeling in your eye
There may be other side effects of Nevanac that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Nevanac?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Nevanac are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Nevanac may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Nevanac and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Bleeding. Nevanac may raise the risk of bleeding in the eye, especially during eye surgery. Your risk may be higher if you have a bleeding disorder or take other medicines that increase the risk of bleeding. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice signs of bleeding including bruising or bleeding that takes a long time to stop.
Severe Eye Problems. Nevanac may cause eye problems, such as thinning or inflammation of the cornea (keratitis). Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Using Nevanac more than a day before eye surgery or for more than 14 days after eye surgery could increase the risk or severity of corneal side effects. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Eye redness, itchiness, or pain
- Eyelid swelling
- Eye dryness, watering, or discharge
- Vision changes that do not go away, such as blurry vision or sensitivity to light
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Nevanac?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Nevanac.
- Nepafenac
- Nevanac
- Any other medicine known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Nevanac.
What should I know about Nevanac before using it?
Do not use Nevanac unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Nevanac with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Nevanac out of the reach of children.
Nevanac is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.
Shake Nevanac before each use.
If you use more than one eye medicine, administer them at least 5 minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure when to use your eye medicines.
Eye infections may occur if the Nevanac eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an eye infection, eye injury, vision changes, or need eye surgery. Symptoms of an eye infection may include pink or itchy eye, blurry vision, eye discharge, swollen eyelids, and fever.
It is not recommended to use the same bottle of Nevanac for both eyes. If you have cataract surgery on your other eye, use a new bottle of Nevanac. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about this.
Nevanac may cause slow or delayed healing, especially when used with corticosteroid eye drops. Keep all appointments following cataract surgery so that your healthcare provider can check how well your eye is healing.
Do not wear contact lenses during your treatment with Nevanac. If you usually wear contact lenses, ask your healthcare provider about when you can start using them again.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Nevanac?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Nevanac is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Bleeding disorder
- Eye surgeries, especially if you’ve had problems with eye surgeries or multiple eye surgeries within a short time period
- Problems with your cornea (the clear layer that covers the front of the eye) or eye surface, such as dry eye syndrome
- Diabetes mellitus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Other Medicines and Supplements. Nevanac may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Nevanac, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Nevanac could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Nevanac passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Nevanac while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Nevanac?
For more information about Nevanac, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.novartis.com or call them at 862-778-2100.
Interactions
Does Nevanac interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Nevanac and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Nevanac.
Does Nevanac interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you take any other medicines that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or a blood thinner like warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto).
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Nevanac. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Nevanac?
If you or someone else has used too much Nevanac, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Nevanac?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use extra doses. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure what to do after a missed dose.
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