| Dose | Size & Price | Qty |
|---|
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C15H14N2O2 |
| License | FDA approved (August 19, 2005) |
| Bioavailability | Low systemic exposure after ophthalmic administration; low but quantifiable plasma concentrations of nepafenac and amfenac observed |
| Legal status | Prescription only (Rx) |
| Chemical Name | 2-amino-3-benzoylbenzeneacetamide |
| Elimination half-life | Not clearly stated in the current ophthalmic product labeling |
| Dosage (Strength) | 0.1% ophthalmic suspension (1 mg/mL); 1 drop in the affected eye 3 times daily starting 1 day before cataract surgery, on the day of surgery, and through the first 2 weeks post-op |
| Pregnancy | Pregnancy Category C – use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk; avoid during late pregnancy |
| Brands | Nevanac |
| Protein binding | Drug-drug interactions mediated by protein binding are considered unlikely |
| PubChem CID | 151075 |
| MedlinePlus | a606007 |
| ChEBI | 75922 |
| ATC code | S01BC10 |
| DrugBank | DB06802 |
| KEGG | D05143 |
| Routes of administration | Ophthalmic (topical eye drops/suspension) |
Nevanac (nepafenac ophthalmic suspension) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye drop used to treat pain and swelling after cataract surgery. Once applied to the eye, it converts into an active form that blocks chemicals in the body responsible for inflammation and discomfort. The medication comes as a 0.1% sterile eye drop solution that's applied directly to the affected eye.
Nevanac is instilled directly into the affected eye three times daily. The standard dosing schedule begins one day before cataract surgery and continues through the day of surgery and for 14 days afterward. Shake the bottle well before each use.
It's important to avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface, including the eye or hands, to prevent contamination. If you're using other eye medications, you'll need to wait at least five minutes between applying different drops.
The active ingredient in Nevanac is nepafenac.
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
Nevanac can slightly increase bleeding time, especially around eye surgery. Use caution if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners.
Nevanac can delay healing after eye surgery, and the risk may be higher if used with steroid eye drops.
In rare cases, it may cause corneal damage, including thinning, ulcers, or perforation, which can threaten vision. Stop using it and contact your eye doctor if you develop eye pain, redness, or vision changes.
People with diabetes, dry eye, rheumatoid arthritis, or recent or complicated eye surgeries may have a greater risk of serious eye side effects.
Use only as directed around surgery. Using it too long before or after eye surgery may increase the risk of corneal problems.
Do not wear contact lenses while using Nevanac. Remove contact lenses before using this medication and follow your eye doctor’s instructions.
Avoid taking or using this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity to nepafenac or any ingredient in the medication.
Common side effects of Nevanac include:
These effects were reported after cataract surgery and are usually mild. Some people may also notice eye redness, itching, light sensitivity, dry eye, or mild eye pain. Headache, nausea, or sinus symptoms have also been reported in a small number of people.
More serious side effects are less common but possible. Nevanac may increase bleeding risk, delay healing after surgery, or cause corneal problems in some patients. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice worsening eye pain, vision changes, increased redness, or signs that your eye is not healing properly.
What is Nevanac used for?
Nevanac is the brand name for nepafenac ophthalmic suspension, a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye drop used to treat pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery. It works in the eye to reduce inflammatory chemicals that contribute to soreness, redness, and swelling after the procedure.
How is Nevanac usually used?
The usual labeled dosing for Nevanac 0.1% is one drop in the affected eye three times daily, starting 1 day before cataract surgery, continuing on the day of surgery, and for the first 2 weeks afterward. The bottle should be shaken well before each use.
Can Nevanac be used with other eye drops?
Yes. Nevanac can be used with other topical ophthalmic medicines, but eye drops are generally spaced apart so the first drop is not washed out by the next one. Patients should follow the schedule given by their eye surgeon or pharmacist.
What are the most common side effects of Nevanac?
Common side effects can include eye discomfort, reduced or abnormal vision, a feeling that something is in the eye, sticky eyelids, and increased pressure inside the eye in some patients. Mild irritation can happen after instillation, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be reviewed promptly.
Are there important safety warnings with Nevanac?
Yes. Like other ophthalmic NSAIDs, Nevanac may slow or delay healing. It may also increase the risk of eye bleeding in susceptible patients, especially around surgery, and prolonged use may raise the risk of corneal problems.
Who should use Nevanac cautiously?
People with bleeding tendencies, those taking medicines that affect bleeding, and patients with corneal disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or repeated eye surgeries may need closer monitoring because these factors can increase the risk of complications.
Can contact lenses be worn while using Nevanac?
Contact lenses are generally not worn immediately after cataract surgery unless the eye specialist says it is appropriate. The product information also notes that the preservative in the drops can be absorbed by soft contact lenses.
What should someone do if they miss a dose?
A missed dose is usually taken when remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, the missed dose is skipped and the regular schedule is resumed. Extra drops should not be used to make up for a missed dose.
Can Nevanac cause blurred vision after use?
Yes. Temporary blurred vision can occur right after applying the drops. Patients should wait until vision clears before driving or doing anything that requires sharp visual focus.
Is Nevanac the same as an antibiotic eye drop?
No. Nevanac is an anti-inflammatory eye drop, not an antibiotic. It helps control pain and inflammation after cataract surgery, but it does not treat bacterial eye infections.
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g., different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.