Ilevro Ophthalmic Suspension

Ilevro Ophthalmic Suspension – Nepafenac 0.3% by Novartis

Ilevro from Novartis is a sterile Nepafenac 0.3% w/v ophthalmic suspension in a 3 ml bottle, used to control pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. Nepafenac is an NSAID, and it is worth knowing that it is a prodrug: what goes into the eye is inactive, and the tissues of the cornea and retina convert it into amfenac, the active anti-inflammatory. That conversion happens where the inflammation is, which is why nepafenac penetrates to the back of the eye better than most topical NSAIDs and is valued for preventing the macular swelling that can blur vision weeks after otherwise successful surgery. The 0.3% strength is the once-daily formulation – three times the concentration of the 0.1% version, so one drop a day replaces three. Being steroid-free, it does not raise eye pressure. Bottle of 3 ml.

Key Features

• Nepafenac 0.3% w/v sterile ophthalmic suspension
• Once-daily dosing – three times the strength of the 0.1% version
• A prodrug activated by eye tissue, so it reaches the back of the eye well
• Steroid-free, so it does not raise eye pressure
• Bottle of 3 ml from Novartis India Ltd.

Composition

• Nepafenac – 0.3% w/v
• Sterile ophthalmic suspension. Refer to the enclosed insert for the complete formula

Uses & Benefits

• Controls pain and inflammation after cataract surgery
• Reduces the risk of macular swelling that can blur vision after surgery
• A steroid-free anti-inflammatory, so it does not raise eye pressure
• The 0.3% strength allows once-daily dosing rather than three times a day
• Also used for inflammation after other eye procedures as prescribed
• Sterile single-bottle course for the post-operative period

Directions for Use

• Shake the bottle well before every use – this is a suspension, and the drug settles to the bottom
• Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull the lower lid down and instil one drop as prescribed
• Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface – that contaminates the whole bottle
• Complete the full course your ophthalmologist sets, usually starting the day before surgery and continuing for weeks after
• Leave at least five minutes between this and any other eye drop. Remove contact lenses before use

Precautions

• Nepafenac is an NSAID, and prolonged use can damage the cornea. Report any eye pain, blurring or a gritty sensation that worsens rather than improves – do not simply continue the drops
• Patients with diabetes, dry eye, rheumatoid arthritis, repeated eye surgery or a damaged corneal surface are at higher risk and need closer monitoring
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs, or have asthma triggered by them
• NSAID eye drops can slow healing and prolong bleeding – your surgeon takes this into account
• Brief stinging, blurring and a foreign-body sensation after instilling are common. Wait until vision clears before driving
• Contains benzalkonium chloride, which soft contact lenses absorb. For external ophthalmic use only, never inject

Storage

• Do not store above 25°C and protect from light, as printed on the pack
• Keep the bottle tightly closed and upright
• Use within 4 weeks after opening the container, as the pack directs. Keep out of sight and reach of children

Disclaimer

Prescription medicine – the pack states it is to be sold by retail on the prescription of an Ophthalmologist only. This information is for general awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Nepafenac eye drops must be used only for the period your eye surgeon specifies.