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Nepafenac

Pronounced

"nep-A-fen-ac"

Common brand names:

Nevanac

Uses

This medication is used to relieve eye pain, irritation, and redness following cataract eye surgery. Nepafenac belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking certain natural substances (prostaglandins) in your body that cause pain and swelling.

How to Use This Medication

Use this medication in the operated eye(s) as directed by your doctor. The instructions for use depend on the strength of the eye drops prescribed. This medication is usually started 1 day before surgery, and continued on the day of surgery and for 2 weeks after surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. Shake the bottle well before each dose. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

This medication should not be used while wearing contact lenses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and gently pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

This medication is usually used for up to 14 days after eye surgery or as directed by your doctor. Do not start using this medication early, use it more often than prescribed, or keep using it for longer than directed by your doctor. Prolonged use of nepafenac eye drops (more than 2 weeks) may increase the risk of very serious side effects of the eye.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.