Ilevro (Nepafenac)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Ilevro Used For?
Ilevro is an eye drop medication that helps manage pain and swelling after cataract surgery. It also reduces the risk of post-surgical swelling in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Primary Uses
Ilevro is primarily used for preventing and treating pain and swelling after cataract surgery, and for reducing the risk of postoperative macular edema in certain diabetic patients.
How It Works
Ilevro works by inhibiting inflammation and pain through its action as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Good to know: Ilevro is not addictive.
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How to Take Ilevro
Follow your doctor's instructions on how to use Ilevro eye drops.
Dosage Instructions
Use 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, starting one day before cataract surgery and continuing on the day of surgery. Do not use more than once daily or for more than 14 days post-surgery.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, administer one drop as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed dose.
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
- Foreign body sensation
- Eye irritation
- Reduced vision
- Eye discharge
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Punctate keratitis
- Increased bleeding of eye tissues
- Toxic ulcerative keratopathy
- Keratitis
- Corneal thinning
- Corneal erosion
- Corneal ulceration
- Corneal epithelial breakdown
- Corneal perforation
- Corneal scar
- Blepharitis
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations to keep in mind while using Ilevro.
Who Should Not Take Ilevro
Do not use Ilevro if you are allergic to Nepafenac or any of its ingredients, have a history of allergic reactions to NSAIDs, or are under 18 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss with your doctor if you have bleeding tendencies, eye infections, corneal diseases, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Ilevro is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding as it may affect the baby.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications may interact with Ilevro.
- Prostaglandin analogues (e.g., Xalatan, latanoprost)
- Topical NSAIDs (e.g., Voltaren gel)
- Topical steroids (e.g., Mometasone)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol and driving while using Ilevro.
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol as it may exacerbate side effects.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Ilevro may cause temporary blurred vision. Wait until your vision is clear before driving or using machinery.
Storage
Store Ilevro eye drops below 25°C, away from light and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, wash your eyes with warm water and seek medical attention immediately. Contact your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ilevro starts working shortly after application, but the full effect may take time to notice.
Ilevro is administered as eye drops, so food does not affect its use.
No, Ilevro is not addictive.
Do not stop using Ilevro suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may affect your recovery.
It is advisable to avoid alcohol while using Ilevro due to potential side effects.
Weight gain is not listed as a side effect of Ilevro.
Elderly patients should consult their doctor before using Ilevro, especially if they have other medical conditions.
If you miss a dose, take one drop as soon as you remember, but skip it if it's almost time for your next dose.
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.