Nepafenac is used to prevent and relieve eye pain and inflammation that can occur after cataract surgery.
This medicine is also used to lessen the risk of macular oedema (swelling in the back of the eye) after cataract surgery in individuals with diabetes.
Instil Nepafenac eye drops suspension in the affected eye(s) exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
To use the eye drop suspension:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
- Shake the bottle well before using.
- Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
- Close your eyes and do not blink for a few seconds.
- Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids, or any other surface. Recap the eye drop immediately after use. If the eye drop becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.
If you have been given any other eye drops or medicines to be used together with Nepafenac, wait for at least 5 minutes before using the other medicine. Eye ointments should be administered last.
Do not share your eye drops with anyone else.
Wearing contact lenses after cataract surgery is not recommended. Avoid wearing contact lenses unless indicated by your doctor.
Some brands of Nepafenac contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This may discolour soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. If you need to wear contact lenses during treatment, you should remove them before applying the eye drops. Wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.
Instil the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Nepafenac or other similar medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or diclofenac.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bleeding tendencies or problems
- diabetes
- rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in joints of fingers, wrist, feet, or ankles)
- other eye disorder e.g. damage or defects of the cornea (transparent layer at the front of the eye), dry eye syndrome
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have had complicated eye surgery or repeated eye surgery within a short period.
Avoid exposure to sunlight during treatment.
Nepafenac may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, headache, crusting around the eyelid, eye redness, watery or dry eye, itchy eye, feeling that something is in the eye, sticky feeling in the eye, increased pressure in the eye, drooping of the eyelid, and sensitivity to light.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- bleeding in the eye
- changes in eyesight, eye pain, or stinging and burning in the eye
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are using or taking any of these medicines:
- anti-inflammatory medicines e.g. betamethasone
- blood-thinning medicines
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Available products of Nepafenac may vary with their storage requirements. Ask your doctor or pharmacist on how to properly store this medicine.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Throw away any remaining eye drops 28 days after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye drop bottle so that you know when to discard it.
Keep the bottle tightly closed after use.