Nepafenac eye drops

About nepafenac eye drops

Nepafenac eye drops relieve eye pain and swelling which can be caused by cataract surgery. They are also used to reduce the risk of this occurring in people who are at particular risk of it. Nepafenac belongs to a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Before using nepafenac eye drops

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using nepafenac drops it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you know you are allergic to an NSAID such as naproxen, ibuprofen or diclofenac, or if you have ever had a bad reaction to aspirin.

• If you have a tendency to bleed easily.

• If you know you have an eye infection.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

• If you are taking any other medicines or using any other eye drops. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use nepafenac eye drops

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about using the eye drops and will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from using them.

• Use the drops exactly as your doctor tells you to. There are two different strengths of nepafenac eye drops. If you have been prescribed 1 mg/ml eye drops, the usual dose is one drop three times daily. If you have been prescribed the 3 mg/ml eye drops the usual dose is one drop once daily. Make sure you know the correct dose for the eye drops you have been given.

• You will probably be asked to start using the drops the day before you are due to have surgery, and to continue to use them for several weeks afterwards.

How to use eye drops

1. First wash your hands.

2. Shake the bottle well and then remove the cap.

3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.

4. Hold the bottle upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.

5. Gently press the base of the bottle to release one drop into your eye.

6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.

7. Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes.

8. Replace the cap.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Take care not to touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface with the dropper of the bottle. This could contaminate the drops left in the bottle.

• If your doctor has recommended you use another eye preparation as well as these drops, then leave at least five minutes between putting in nepafenac drops and the other preparation.

• Remember to use the drops at regular intervals and try not to miss any doses. If you do forget, use them as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case just use the drops when they are next due). Do not 'double up' to make up for a missed dose.

• When first put in, eye drops can make your eyes water and may sometimes cause blurred vision. If this happens, it should quickly clear. Make sure you can see clearly again before you drive, or before you use tools or machines.

• Try to keep the appointments which have been booked for you with the eye clinic. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• Nepafenac could cause your eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Avoid strong sunlight and do not use sunbeds while you are using these drops.

• If you normally wear contact lenses, your doctor will recommend you use glasses for a time following cataract surgery. This is to allow your eyes to recover from the procedure. There is also another reason why you should not wear contact lenses while you are using nepafenac eye drops. This is because they contain a preservative which can affect soft contact lenses.

Can nepafenac eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with nepafenac. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with the eye drops. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Bottles of eye drops contain preservatives which some people can develop an allergic reaction to. If your eye becomes red or inflamed after using the drops, contact your doctor for advice.

How to store nepafenac eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Eye drops in bottles only keep for four weeks once the bottle has been opened, so do not use the drops if the bottle has been open for longer than this. This will help to prevent the risk of eye infections.

Important information about all medicines