Nepafenac

Ilevro

Ilevro is an FDA-approved medication widely used to treat and prevent eye pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. This non-steroidal inflammatory drug makes the healing process of post-operative eye surgery easy and comfortable. This medication is available under the brand names Ilevro and Nevanac, but the following section will cover information related to Ilevro. With a once-daily dosing schedule, patients do not have to get confused between complex dosage recommendations. However, it is important to consult an experienced eye expert before using these eye drops. Beware of the side effects of Ilevro. If you observe any unusual signs or symptoms of eye irritation or redness, visit your medical provider right away to avoid exacerbating your eye condition. 

Product Overview

Ilevro is a professional-grade ophthalmic suspension approved by the FDA. The prescription medication contains nepafenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce inflammation & relieve pain in the eyes following cataract surgery. Nepafenac works by restricting the production of prostaglandins, chemicals responsible for causing swelling, pain, and inflammation. This medication is commonly prescribed after cataract surgery to prevent postoperative eye inflammation.

Ilevro is available in a 0.3% nepafenac ophthalmic suspension. To ensure a safe and efficient use of Ilevro, you should use it as directed by your healthcare provider. Usually, one drop of Ilevro is applied to the affected eye(s) once every day, starting one day before surgery and continuing through the first two weeks after surgery. It is suitable for adults and children as prescribed by a physician. Shake the bottle well before use. Similar to other medications, Ilevro can cause certain temporary common side effects, which may include eye irritation, redness, blurred vision & sensitivity to light. Call your doctor if these persist or worsen. 

Avoid using Ilevro if you are allergic to nepafenac or other NSAIDs. Tell your medical provider about any other eye medications you are using. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is close to the next scheduled dose. Avoid overdosing. Store Ilevro upright at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed & out of reach of children. Always follow your doctor’s guidance for the correct use of Ilevro to ensure effective treatment and minimize risks. 

What Are the Uses of Ilevro?

This ophthalmic solution is used for:

• Treating eye pain and inflammation that occurs due to cataract surgery.
• Reducing the risk of post-operative macular edema (retina swelling) that occurs due to cataract surgery in patients having non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Ilevro?

Ilevro comes in the form of an ophthalmic solution with a strength of: 

• 0.3%.

What Is the Recommended Dosage of Ilevro?

The dose of Ilevro will be different for different patients. Therefore, it is best to follow the instructions provided by your medical practitioner. It is important to note that the information below includes only the average doses of Ilevro. If you have been prescribed a different dose, do not try to change it unless directed otherwise. 

Dosage for Eye Pain or Swelling Post Cataract Surgery

• For Adults and Children 10 Years of Age or Above: The typical dosage is one drop in the infected eye once daily. Start the dosing one day before your cataract surgery; also, use it on the day of your surgery. Continue the process for two weeks after your surgery. Your doctor may give you an extra drop of Ilevro 30 to 120 minutes before your cataract surgery.
• For Children Under 10 Years of Age: The use and safety of this medication are not yet determined by medical professionals.

[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

How Do You Use Ilevro Eye Drops?

• Read the patient information leaflet (PIL) thoroughly before using Ilevro for inflammation treatment. Doing so will provide you with complete information on the administration steps.
• Do not exceed or subceed the doses without consulting your medical provider. They will tell you how much and how often you can use this medication.
• Generally, you can use this eye drop for at least two weeks unless your eye doctor has instructed otherwise.
• Before using Ilevro, shake the bottle well each time but with a light hand.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap.
• Remove the cap of your eye drop container. Bend your head and pull the lower eyelid in the downward direction, away from the eye, to create a small pocket. 
• Instill the drop of medication into this pocket. Release the eyelid and close your eyes gently without blinking. 
• Keep your eyes closed for a minute, and lightly press on the inner corner of the eye to help the drops absorb properly.
• Do not forget to immediately wash your hands again after using the medication. This will remove any medicine droplets that may be present on them.
• Do not let the applicator tip touch your eye or any other surface. Doing so will keep the bottle as germ-free as possible. A contaminated eye drop may result in serious eye damage or loss of vision.
• Once you have used the dropper, do not rinse it; instead, replace it after each use.
• If you are using other eye drops along with Ilevro, wait at least 5 minutes before using the other medication.
• If you are using eye ointments, use your eye drops before the ointment to let the medicine enter the eye.
• If you wear contact lenses, make sure to take them out before using your Ilevro eye drops. 

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

How Does Ilevro Work?

Ilevro works by reducing inflammation and pain in the eye following cataract surgery. It contains nepafenac, an NSAID that restricts enzymes responsible for inflammation. Once applied as an eye drop, nepafenac is converted into its active form within the eye, targeting the inflamed area directly. This action helps to alleviate discomfort and promote healing, making it an effective treatment for post-surgical eye care. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for optimal results and safety.

Important Safety Information for Using Ilevro

Can Ilevro Eye Drops Cause Side Effects?

While using Ilevro for managing eye pain, you should know that it can cause various side effects, ranging from standard to serious ones. Common side effects are usually temporary that lasts from a few days to weeks. If any of the below-mentioned side effects stay for more than 2 or 3 weeks or become intense, talk to a medical professional right away. Common side effects of Ilevro may include:

• • Foreign body sensations: A feeling of having something in the eye can be due to the medication or the surgical procedure itself. It can also be due to the mild irritation of the ocular surface. To alleviate the discomfort, you should avoid rubbing the eyes, use artificial tears to lubricate the eye, and use it exactly as your doctor prescribes. You can also take proper care of your eyes to manage these symptoms. If the symptoms worsen, talk to your doctor. 
  • Increased intraocular pressure: Some users may experience an increase in the intraocular pressure while being treated with this medication. This may be due to individual reactions to the medication. To prevent this, you should visit your opthalmologist at regular intervals while being treated with Ilevro and get your eyes checked. If elevated IOP is detected, your doctor may adjust your treatment plan accordingly. 
  • Swelling in the eye or eyelid: Swelling or edema can be a response to inflammation caused by surgery or medication. To reduce swelling, you should gently apply a cold compress to the closed eyelid. If swelling persists or worsens, you should talk to your healthcare provider or doctor for further evaluation. 
  • Dry eye: This medication can reduce tear production in some individuals, which may lead to dry eye symptoms. To help maintain eye moisture, you should use preservative-free artificial tears. You should avoid environments with dry air or wind and take breaks during activities that require prolonged visual focus, such as reducing or using digital devices. 

• Discomfort or pain in the eye: Some users may experience mild eye discomfort or pain as the eye heals from surgery and adjusts to the medication. Your doctor may recommend using certain over-the-counter pain relief medicines to alleviate the pain or discomfort. Talk to your physician or medical giver to rule out further discomfort if the pain is severe or persistent. 

• Crusting of eyelids: Some users may experience discharge associated with eye irritation or dryness. Clean the eyelid area gently with a warm, damp cloth to remove crusts. To prevent infection from developing, you should maintain proper eyelid hygiene. 

• Light sensitivity: This may occur due to inflammation or irritation of the eye. Wearing sunglasses can help decrease discomfort when exposed to bright light. If photophobia persists, you should consult your doctor for further advice. 

• Itchiness in the eye: Itchy eyes can be a sign and symptom of irritation or an allergic reaction. You should avoid rubbing your eyes to increase the symptoms. You should use lubricating eye drops to provide relief. If itching continues, you should consult a healthcare professional. 

• Blurred vision: You may have temporary blurred vision after applying the eye drops due to the viscosity of the solution or as a reaction to the medication. Ensure you do not engage in activities requiring clear vision, such as driving, using machinery, or engaging in hazardous activities, until your vision has cleared. If blurred vision persists, you should talk to your doctor. 

• Increased lacrimation: Excessive tearing may be the eye’s response to dryness or irritation. Using artificial tears can help balance tear production. If tearing is excessive or accompanied by other symptoms, discuss it with your doctor or healthcare provider. 

• Vision loss: While uncommon, if you experience vision loss, you should seek emergency medical attention. Discontinue the use of the medication and call your physician or medical provider immediately to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. 

• Burning or stinginess in the eye: As with other eye drops, a transient burning or stinging sensation upon applying the medication is common. To minimize this risk, you should keep the drops at a controlled room temperature and avoid using Ilevro immediately after other ophthalmic medications. Talk to a healthcare professional if this burning or stinging sensation persists. 

• Ocular Hyperemia: This can be due to the increased blood flow due to irritation or inflammation. You should avoid the use of lubricating drops to reduce the redness in your eyes. If redness persists or worsens, you should talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. 
• Headache: Some individuals using Ilvero may experience headaches as a side effect of the drug. Headaches may range from mild to severe. You should stay adequately hydrated and take proper rest to alleviate the pain. If headaches are persistent or severe, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider, as it may indicate a need to reassess your treatment plan. 

Ilevro can lead to serious side effects, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you notice any of the adverse side effects mentioned below, immediately talk to a healthcare practitioner. Note that this is not a complete list of side effects. Serious side effects of Ilevro may include:

• • Severe allergic reactions: Similar to other medications, Ilevro can cause severe allergic reactions in some rare cases, which require immediate medical attention. To prevent such reactions from occurring, you should discontinue using the medication and call your doctor or healthcare provider if you experience any of the following side effects, which may include: 
    • Racing heartbeat 
    • Breathing problems 
    • Fever or general feeling of illness 
    • Swelling of the lips, face, mouth, tongue, or throat
    • Trouble swallowing or tightness in the throat 
    • Nausea 
    • Vomiting 
    • Joint pain 
    • Stomach cramps 

• Bleeding: This medication may increase your risk of eye bleeding, especially when undergoing eye-related injury. Individuals who have existing bleeding disorders or if you have been taking other medications that may increase the risk of bleeding. Immediately tell your doctor or medical provider if you have any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as bleeding or bruising that takes longer to stop. 

• Severe eye problems: Ilevro can also cause eye problems such as thinning or inflammation of the cornea. You should follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider or doctor to prevent such side effects. The risk of developing severity of corneal side effects is increased when you use Ilevro more than a day before eye surgery or for more than fourteen days after an eye surgery. Immediately seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms, such as: 

• • • Eye pain 
    • Redness
    • Itching 
    • Dryness or watery discharge in the eyes
    • Persistent changes in vision
    • Blurry vision 
    • Sensitivity to light 

• Severe heart symptoms: Individuals with existing heart-related conditions are at an increased risk of having heart-related side effects. These may include fluttering in the chest, fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats, sudden lightheadedness, or passing out. 

[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

What Are the Warnings for Ilevro?

Ilevro may cause specific adverse reactions or is not an ideal treatment option for some patients due to their medical history. So, if you have any of the following medical conditions, consult a healthcare provider or, in this case, an eye specialist before starting treatment with Ilevro. Below are some of the warnings:

• Increased Bleeding Time: Like other NSAIDs, Ilevero 0.3% may increase bleeding time by affecting platelet function. Reports indicate that ocularly applied NSAIDs can cause increased bleeding in eye tissues, including hyphema, during eye surgery. Therefore, patients with bleeding disorders or those on medications that prolong bleeding time should use Ilevro cautiously. Talk to an eye care specialist for expert guidance.
• Delayed Healing: Topical NSAIDs, including Ilevro 0.3%, may delay healing. Using topical NSAIDs with corticosteroids may increase the risk of healing problems. So, if you are considering using this medication, consult with a medical expert to avoid any future complications.
• Corneal Effects: Topical NSAIDs may cause keratitis. Certain patients may even experience sight-threatening symptoms like corneal thinning, ulceration, or perforation with continued use of Ilevro. If you notice any signs of corneal damage, immediately stop using these eye drops and visit an eye specialist. They will closely monitor you for any sight-threatening symptoms and suggest alternate options. Moreover, patients with complex eye surgeries, corneal issues, diabetes, dry eye syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple eye surgeries are highly likely to develop serious corneal problems, so use the medication cautiously under expert supervision. Using NSAIDs more than one day before surgery or beyond 14 days after surgery may increase corneal risks.
• Contact Lens Wear: Do not use Ilevro 0.3% eye drops while wearing contact lenses. The medication contains certain preservatives that are present in contact lenses and can interact with each other, causing severe complications. Discuss this problem with a medical provider; they will surely suggest some alternate options.
• Soft Lenses: Ilevro 0.3% contains benzalkonium chloride, which can cause irritation in the eye & may discolor the soft lenses. This component has been reported to lead to punctuate keratopathy or toxic ulcerative keratopathy. So, if you specifically use soft lenses, use this medication carefully.
• Cross-Sensitivity: Nepafenac may be cross-sensitive to other NSAIDs, acetylsalicylic acid, and phenylacetic acid derivatives.
• Hepatic / Renal Impairment: Ilevro should not be used in renal or hepatic impairment patients. After being administered to the eye, the body mainly metabolizes nepafenac, resulting in very little systemic exposure. 
• Concomitant Therapy: While there is no sufficient data on the coadministration of prostaglandin analogues and Ilevro, doctors usually do not recommend this combination, considering their mechanism process.

What Are the Ilevro Precautions?

• When using Ilevro, certain precautions must be taken to ensure safety and effectiveness. These precautions help minimize potential risks and side effects associated with the medication.
• Before using Ilevro (nepafenac), talk to an eye specialist or a medical practitioner about your active allergies, allergies to the product’s ingredients, or aspirin or other NSAIDs like ibuprofen and celecoxib. The medication may contain specific inactive components that can cause harmful effects.
• If you are considering using this medication, let your doctor know about your or your family’s medical history, especially of: 
  • Asthma, such as breathing difficulties after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs
  • Previous eye surgery
  • Eye/corneal problems like dry eye syndrome
  • Bleeding problems
  • Diabetes
  • Nasal polyps
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
• When undergoing surgery or any medical procedure, inform your healthcare provider/dentist/eye specialist about the products you use for a safe side. This includes prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
• Ilevro eye drops are recommended for ophthalmic use and not for oral ingestion. So, ensure that you are using this medication correctly.
• Do not use these eye drops to reduce the risk of post-operative macular edema associated with cataract surgery, as there is insufficient data on their effectiveness and safety. 
• If you are using this medication, avoid sun exposure. 
• Ilevro may temporarily affect your vision. After applying this medication, avoiding driving or operating heavy machines that require alertness is advisable.
• If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, avoid using these eye drops unless it is clearly needed. Talk to an eye care expert about this situation and discuss every risk and benefit with them. They will then suggest alternate treatment options according to your condition.
• It is not clear whether the nepafenac drug enters breastmilk or not. If you are a breastfeeding mother, consult with a medical practitioner before starting your treatment with Ilevro.

What Are the Contraindications of Ilevro?

Ilevro eye drops are contraindicated in patients with:

• Hypersensitivity to the medication’s active ingredient or to any of the components used in the formulation of the product.
• Hypersensitivity to other NSAIDs.
• Patients using soft lenses
• Who experience asthma attacks, urticaria, or acute rhinitis triggered by acetylsalicylic acid or other NSAIDs.

What If You Missed a Dose of Ilevro?

Generally, it is advisable not to miss any doses of your Ilevro application, but if someone forgets to use their eye drops, they can:

• Instill the eye drops as soon as possible or whenever you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next application, skip the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule as your doctor instructed.
• Remember not to take double doses of your prescribed eye drops just for the sake of making up for the missed dose. This may cause adverse side effects.
• Use medication apps or set reminders on your phone to avoid skipping any doses.
• Take each dose at the same time every day to get the most benefit out of it.
• If you are still unsure about the missed doses, talk to an eye specialist. They will guide you and suggest alternate options.

[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

What Happens If You Take Too Much of Ilevro?

While patients are educated enough to know the complications of overdose, there are times when they mistakenly put in excessive amounts of Ilevro eye drops. In such cases, patients are advised not to panic, be calm, and rinse their eyes immediately with regular tap water. However, if someone has swallowed Ilevro and is experiencing severe symptoms like fainting and difficulty breathing, visit the nearest clinic or get medical assistance immediately by calling 911.

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

How to Store Ilevro?

• Store the Ilevro eye drops at a specified temperature of 2 to 25°C.
• Make sure that the medication is in its original container and is closed tightly.
• Keep the eye drops somewhere safe and away from the reach of children and pets.
• Place child-proof locked caps on your medication container, as many products do not have child-resistant caps.
• Avoid keeping the medication in damp areas like the bathroom or near the sink.
• Do not flush the eye drop bottle down the toilet.
• Throw the medication when not in use or when it reaches its expiration date.
• Do not keep the bottle after four weeks of opening it.
• Take expert advice from a professional eye specialist or pharmacist on discarding the product without harming the environment.
• Read the product’s label for detailed storage information.
• Do not keep the Ilevro eye drops under direct sunlight.
• Keep it away from heat or moisture.
• Protect the medication from light.
• Do not store the medication in the car or on a window sill.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

What Medications Interact with Ilevro?

Ilevro may interact with certain other medications that can cause serious reactions, which can be fatal for patients. To prevent this, you should tell your doctor or healthcare provider before starting to use Ilevro about all the medicines you use or plan to use alongside this drug, including all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbs, or vitamin supplements. So, it is essential for individuals to know about the following drugs that can interact with Ilevro:

• Argatroban
• Aspirin
• Balsalazide
• Bemetizide
• Bemiparin
• Bendroflumethiazide
• Benzthiazide
• Betrixaban
• Bismuth Subsalicylate
• Bivalirudin
• Bromfenac
• Cyclosporine
• Cyclothiazide
• Dabigatran Etexilate
• Dalteparin
• Danaparoid
• Deflazacort
• Desipramine
• Desirudin
• Desmopressin
• Ethacrynic Acid
• Etodolac
• Etofenamate
• Etoricoxib
• Etozolin
• Felbinac
• Fenoprofen
• Fepradinol
• Feprazone
• Ketoprofen
• Lepirudin
• Levomilnacipran
• Lithium
• Lofepramine

What Are the Other Ilevro Interactions?

Besides drugs, Ilevro also has specific disease interactions:

• Bleeding problems
• Allergy to NSAIDs
• Corneal denervation
• Corneal epithelial defects
• Diabetes
• Ocular surface diseases 
• Ocular surgeries, or
• Rheumatoid arthritis

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Ilevro. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

Is There a Substitute for Ilevro?

While Ilevro is an effective medication, it may not be suitable for everyone. In such cases, people look for alternatives to ciclesonide. While there are many effective substitutes to this medication available on the market, you should not use them without talking to your doctor first. Based on your condition, age, and tolerability, they will help you decide the medication that functions best for you. Here are some of the alternatives to Ilevro:

• Prednisolone ophthalmic
• Durezol (difluprednate)
• Altachlore
• Azelastine Hcl
• Azopt
• Bepreve
• Eye Wash
• Fluorescein-Benoxinate
• Flurbiprofen Sodium
• Ketorolac Tromethamine
• Ketotifen Fumarate
• Lastacaft

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

Ilevro Cost & Coupons

It is important to note that the cost of Ilevro eye drops is not the same everywhere. The actual price of this ophthalmic solution depends on various factors, including insurance plan, location, and the pharmacies you use. Ilevro, with its effective therapeutic quality, can be expensive for some individuals. Here, insurance coverage plays a significant role. With insurance, you can buy affordable Ilevro eye drops at the lowest price possible. However, not all drugs are covered under the insurance plan. To manage these costs, buy from reputed and licensed pharmacies like Polar Bear Meds, where you can buy Ilevro online from Canada at affordable rates. Moreover, first-time buyers can buy Ilevro with coupon code WELCOMEPB10 and receive a 10% discount on their first order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Ilevro eye drops an antibiotic medication?

No, Ilevro eye drops are not an antibiotic. They are a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to minimize pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. The active ingredient, nepafenac, works by restricting enzymes responsible for inflammation. While antibiotics are helpful in treating bacterial infections, Ilevro specifically targets inflammation and pain. It is important to use this medication as prescribed by your eye specialist and not to substitute it for antibiotic treatments if an infection is present.

How much does the Ilevro ophthalmic solution cost?

The cost of the Ilevro ophthalmic solution can vary depending on various factors like location, insurance coverage, and the pharmacy. On average, a bottle of Ilevro 0.3% ophthalmic suspension may cost between $38.34 and $77.95. Prices can fluctuate, so it’s advisable to check with local pharmacies or insurance providers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing. Some patients may also qualify for manufacturer discounts or patient assistance programs to offset the cost.

Is Ilevro a long-term medication?

Ilevro is not intended for long-term use. It is generally prescribed for short-term use to manage pain and inflammation following cataract surgery. The usual treatment duration is around 14 days, starting one day before surgery and continuing for a period after the procedure. Prolonged use of Ilevro or any topical NSAID is usually not advised due to potential risks and side effects. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the duration of treatment with Ilevro.

How much time do Ilevro eye drops take to start working?

Ilevro eye drops begin to work shortly after application, providing relief from pain and inflammation within hours. Patients often notice a reduction in symptoms within the first day of use. The medication’s effectiveness increases with consistent use as prescribed, helping to manage post-operative discomfort effectively. However, the exact time frame for noticeable relief can vary among individuals. It is crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosing schedule for optimal results and consult your doctor if symptoms persist.

What happens if I drive after applying Ilevro eye drops?

After applying Ilevro eye drops, you may experience temporary blurred vision or discomfort. It is recommended to wait until your vision clears before driving or using heavy machinery. Driving with impaired vision can be dangerous. If you experience prolonged blurred vision or other visual disturbances after using Ilevro, consult your doctor immediately. Ensuring your vision is clear and comfortable before engaging in activities that require full alertness is essential for your safety and the safety of others.

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