Ilevro (Nepafenac)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ilevro Used For?
Ilevro is an eye drop medication that contains the active ingredient nepafenac, which belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Primary Uses
Ilevro is used for prevention and treatment of post-surgical pain and swelling associated with cataract surgery. It also helps reduce the risk of post-surgery macular oedema (fluid buildup in the macula at the back of the eye) in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy who are having cataract surgery.
How It Works
As an NSAID, Ilevro helps reduce pain and swelling by blocking inflammation in the eye tissues.
Good to know: Ilevro is specifically designed for eye use only and should not be taken by mouth.
How to Take Ilevro
Ilevro eye drops should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Always wash your hands before and after using the drops.
Dosage Instructions
For pain and swelling prevention: Use 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, starting 1 day before cataract surgery and continuing on the day of surgery. Your doctor may give an additional drop 30-120 minutes before surgery. For macular oedema prevention in diabetic patients: Use 1 drop once daily starting 1 day before surgery, continuing on surgery day and up to 60 days after surgery. Do not use for more than 2 weeks for pain/swelling or more than once daily. Wait at least 5 minutes between different eye drops. Use eye ointments last.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, apply one drop as soon as possible, then return to your regular schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular timing.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may cause unwanted side effects.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Dry or itchy eyes
- Feeling something is in your eye (foreign body sensation)
- Eye irritation
- Reduced vision
- Eye discharge
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling sick
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Punctate keratitis (corneal damage with eye discomfort, redness, light sensitivity)
- Increased bleeding of eye tissues including hyphaemas (broken blood vessel)
- Toxic ulcerative keratopathy (decreased vision, foreign body sensation)
- Keratitis (corneal disease with eye pain, redness, blurred vision)
- Corneal thinning (increased light sensitivity, blurred/distorted vision)
- Corneal erosion (pain, blurred/hazy vision)
- Corneal ulceration (severe eye pain, pus or discharge)
- Corneal epithelial breakdown (eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity)
- Corneal perforation (vision difficulty, persistent eye pain)
- Corneal scar (blurred/hazy/cloudy vision, intense eye pain)
- Blepharitis (swollen eyelid, irritation, crusting, redness)
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before using Ilevro eye drops.
Who Should Not Take Ilevro
Do not use Ilevro if you are allergic to nepafenac or any ingredients in the drops, allergic to other NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen, have experienced asthma, hives, or acute rhinitis after using aspirin or other NSAIDs, are wearing soft contact lenses (benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed and cause irritation), are under 18 years old, or if the bottle shows signs of tampering or is expired.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have bleeding problems or tendency, any eye infection, other eye disorders like dry eye syndrome or corneal diseases, have had complicated or repeated eye surgeries, have diabetes mellitus, or have rheumatoid arthritis.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Ilevro is not recommended during pregnancy as it may affect your baby’s development or the childbirth process. Do not use if you’re of childbearing age without contraception. Ilevro is also not recommended during breastfeeding.
Surgery Timing: Do not use Ilevro more than 24 hours before surgery or beyond 14 days after surgery, as this increases the risk of unwanted side effects.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with how Ilevro works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- Prostaglandin analogues (e.g., Xalatan, latanoprost) for other eye problems
- Drugs that may prolong bleeding time
- Topical NSAIDs (e.g., Voltaren gel)
- Topical steroid medicines (e.g., Mometasone)
Alcohol & Driving
Ilevro may temporarily affect your vision, so take precautions with activities requiring clear sight.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Ilevro eye drops may cause temporary blurred vision or other eye problems. Wait until your vision clears completely before driving or using machinery.
Storage
Store Ilevro eye drops below 25°C and protect from light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use – replace the cap immediately after each use to prevent contamination. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children. Discard the eye drops 4 weeks after opening and open a new bottle every 4 weeks.
Overdose Information
If you accidentally put several drops in your eyes, immediately wash your eyes with warm water. If you or anyone accidentally swallows the eye drops, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ilevro starts working to prevent pain and swelling when used as directed, beginning 1 day before surgery and continuing through the treatment period.
No, do not wear soft contact lenses while using Ilevro as the benzalkonium chloride can be absorbed by the lenses and cause eye irritation. Do not wear contact lenses during the post-surgery period unless clearly indicated by your doctor.
Apply one drop as soon as possible, then return to your regular dosing schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never double dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you need to use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes after using Ilevro. If you use eye ointments, apply them last after all eye drops.
Do not use Ilevro for more than 2 weeks for pain and swelling prevention, or up to 60 days for macular oedema prevention in diabetic patients. Discard the bottle 4 weeks after opening.
You may feel a temporary burning sensation in your eyes shortly after using Ilevro. Contact your doctor, optometrist, or pharmacist immediately if this persists for a long time.
No, Ilevro is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding as it may affect your baby’s development. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Ilevro.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.