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Uses

What is Ilevro used for?

Ilevro is commonly used to treat eye pain and inflammation from cataract surgery.

Ilevro may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Ilevro work (mechanism of action)?

Ilevro is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking certain substances that lead to inflammation, which helps to relieve swelling and pain in the eye.

How is Ilevro supplied (dosage forms)?

Ilevro is available in the following dosage form that is applied to the eye.

  • 0.3% ophthalmic suspension (eye drops)

See Nevanac (nepafenac) for information on other dosage forms.

How should I store Ilevro?

Store Ilevro at temperatures between 36 F to 77 F (2 C to 25 C). This medicine should be kept protected from light when not in use. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Ilevro?

The most common side effects of Ilevro are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Secondary cataract, which may cause your vision to become cloudy again after cataract surgery
  • Reduced sharpness or clarity of your vision (decreased visual acuity)
  • Feeling like there is something in your eye
  • Increased pressure inside the eye
  • Sticky feeling in your eye

There may be other side effects of Ilevro that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Ilevro?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Ilevro are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ilevro may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Ilevro and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Bleeding. Ilevro may raise the risk of bleeding in the eye, especially during eye surgery. Your risk may be higher if you have a bleeding disorder or take other medicines that increase the risk of bleeding. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice signs of bleeding including bruising or bleeding that takes a long time to stop.

Severe Eye Problems. Ilevro may cause eye problems, such as thinning or inflammation of the cornea (keratitis). Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Using Ilevro more than a day before eye surgery or for more than 14 days after eye surgery could increase the risk or severity of corneal side effects. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Eye redness, itchiness, or pain
  • Eyelid swelling
  • Eye dryness, watering, or discharge
  • Vision changes that do not go away, such as blurry vision or sensitivity to light

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Ilevro?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Ilevro.

  • Nepafenac
  • Ilevro
  • Any other medicine known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ilevro.

What should I know about Ilevro before using it?

Do not use Ilevro unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Ilevro with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Ilevro out of the reach of children.

Ilevro is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

Shake Ilevro before each use.

If you use more than one eye medicine, administer them at least 5 minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure when to use your eye medicines.

Eye infections may occur if the Ilevro eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an eye infection, eye injury, vision changes, or need eye surgery. Symptoms of an eye infection may include pink or itchy eye, blurry vision, eye discharge, swollen eyelids, and fever.

It is not recommended to use the same bottle of Ilevro for both eyes. If you have cataract surgery on your other eye, use a new bottle of Ilevro. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about this. 

Ilevro may cause slow or delayed healing, especially when used with corticosteroid eye drops. Keep all appointments following cataract surgery so that your healthcare provider can check how well your eye is healing. 

Do not wear contact lenses during your treatment with Ilevro. If you usually wear contact lenses, ask your healthcare provider about when you can start using them again.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Ilevro?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Ilevro is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Bleeding disorder
  • Eye surgeries, especially if you’ve had problems with eye surgeries or multiple eye surgeries within a short time period
  • Problems with your cornea (the clear layer that covers the front of the eye) or eye surface, such as dry eye syndrome
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Other Medicines and Supplements. Ilevro may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Ilevro, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Ilevro could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Ilevro passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Ilevro while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Ilevro?

For more information about Ilevro, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.ilevrohcp.com or call them at 833-442-7769.

Interactions

Does Ilevro interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Ilevro and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Ilevro.

Does Ilevro interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you take any other medicines that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or a blood thinner like warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto). 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Ilevro. Always check with your healthcare provider.

 

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ilevro?

If you or someone else has used too much Ilevro, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ilevro?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use extra doses. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure what to do after a missed dose.