nepafenac ophthalmic Health Article

Generic name(s):

nepafenac ophthalmic

Brand name(s):

Nevanac

What is the most important information I should know about nepafenac ophthalmic?

Before using nepafenac ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or other eye drops

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes, dry eye syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, such as hemophilia, or arthritis.

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using nepafenac before putting your contact lenses in. Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. Do not use nepafenac ophthalmic for longer than 14 days after your surgery unless your doctor tells you to.

What is nepafenac ophthalmic?

Nepafenac ophthalmic is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It reduces pain and inflammation in the eyes.

Nepafenac ophthalmic is used to reduce pain and swelling after cataract surgery.

Nepafenac ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare professional before using nepafenac ophthalmic?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nepafenac.

Before using nepafenac ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or other eye drops, or if you have:

• diabetes;

• dry eye syndrome;

• rheumatoid arthritis;

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, such as hemophilia; or

• arthritis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use nepafenac, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

Do not use nepafenac ophthalmic while wearing contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses take them out or talk to your doctor before using the medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, especially if during the last part of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether nepafenac ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use nepafenac ophthalmic?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Nepafenac is usually given as 1 drop in the affected eye 3 times per day, starting 1 day before cataract surgery.

Do not use nepafenac ophthalmic for longer than 14 days after your surgery unless your doctor tells you to. Wash your hands before using the eye drops. Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using nepafenac before putting your contact lenses in. Shake the eye drops well just before you use them.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.

• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.

• Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Keep using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed, including drops to treat glaucoma. Use only the eye medications your doctor has prescribed.

Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.