Nevanac

The recommended dose of nepafenac eye drops is 1 drop in the affected eye 3 times daily, starting the day before cataract surgery, continued on the day of surgery, and for as long as your doctor asks you to keep using them. This may be for as long as 2 weeks after the surgery.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

To use eye drops properly:

1. Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
2. Shake the container well before use to ensure the medication is evenly mixed throughout the bottle.
3. Remove the cap and place it in a clean location. To avoid possible contamination, keep the tip of the container away from contact with any surface.
4. Tilt your head back and look towards the ceiling.
5. With your index finger, gently pull the lower eyelid down and away from the eye to form a pouch.
6. Apply one drop into the pouch but do not allow the tip of the container to touch the eye or areas around the eye.
7. Gently apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye (at the bridge of the nose) for about 30 seconds. (This is called nasolacrimal occlusion.) This prevents the medication from dripping down through the tear duct and entering the bloodstream, which could cause you to experience some side effects.
8. Repeat with the other eye, if prescribed by your physician.
9. Wash your hands again to remove any medication.

If you are using more than one topical eye medication (eye drops or ointment), wait at least 5 minutes before putting another medication in the eye. Contact lenses should not be worn during treatment with Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht).

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you the correct method of applying eye drops. It is very important to avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface, skin, or your eye. This contamination can result in a bacterial infection. Report any signs of an eye infection (e.g., redness, irritation, pain) to your doctor immediately.

It is important that Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht) be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, instill it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture and keep it out of the reach of children.

Safely discard any medication remaining in the dropper bottle after you have used the medication for the full length of time recommended by your doctor. Discard any remaining medication 28 days after opening the bottle.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause eye pain; it may cause eye discomfort; it may cause crusting of the eyelids; it may cause blurred vision. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each mL of ophthalmic suspension contains nepafenac 1 mg (0.1%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol, carbomer 974P, sodium chloride, tyloxapol, edetate disodium, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH), purified water, and the preservative benzalkonium chloride 0.005%.

Do not use Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht) if you:

• are allergic to nepafenac or any ingredients of Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht)
• are allergic or sensitive to other NSAIDs (e.g., Naproxen, acetylsalicylic acid [Asa], Diclofenac)
• have developed Asthma, itching, or a runny nose after taking ASA or NSAIDs

There may be an interaction between nepafenac eye drops and any of the following:

• corticosteroid eye drops (e.g., Dexamethasone, Prednisolone, etc.)
• other NSAIDs (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac, Ketorolac)
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht).

Allergies: Some people who are allergic to ASA or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) also experience allergic reactions to nepafenac. Before you use these eye drops, tell your doctor about any previous side effects you have had to medications, especially NSAIDs and ASA. Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.

Bleeding problems: Nepafenac eye drops may increase the time it takes for your blood to clot. If you have a history of prolonged bleeding time or a bleeding disorder, discuss with your doctor how Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience unusual irritation or redness of the eye or area around the eye, bruising, or unexpected bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.

Contact lenses: Contact lenses should not be worn following cataract surgery. Do not wear contact lenses while you are using nepafenac eye drops.

Diabetes: People with diabetes are at an increased risk of side effects that can cause the loss of sight. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Eye disorders: People with other eye disorders such as dry eye syndrome or those who have had complicated eye surgeries may be at risk of effects that could cause the loss of sight. If you have other eye disorders or have had complicated eye surgery, discuss with your doctor how Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: People with rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk of side effects that can cause the loss of sight. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, discuss with your doctor how Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Slowed healing: Topical NSAIDs, including nepafenac, may slow down the healing process. If you do not experience improvement in your condition, or if your eyes become redder, more painful, or more sensitive to the light, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Vision: Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht) can cause blurred or reduced vision. If you experience these symptoms, do not drive or operate machinery until these symptoms go away.

Pregnancy: Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast feeding: It is not known if nepafenac passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Nevanac (Nepafenac-opht) have not been established for children.

This medication is for the eye. To use: Wash your hands as well as the skin surrounding the affected eye. Shake the container. Gently pull down the lower lid of the affected eye. Apply 1 drop of the medication. Unless your condition prevents you from doing so, close the eye for at least 1 minute, while gently pressing on the inner corner of the eye, near the nose. To avoid contaminating the medication, do not let the tip of the applicator touch your fingers or any part of your eye. Close the container tightly after each use. Continue applying the product to complete the prescribed course of treatment, even after improvement is seen or felt. Avoid wearing contact lenses while using this product; it may irritate your eyes. This medication is typically used 3 times a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed.