Nevanac Eye Drop

Nevanac Eye Drop is nepafenac 0.1% (1 mg per mL), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) eye drop in suspension, sold in India in a 5 mL bottle. It is a drop for the days around cataract surgery: the labels approve it for pain and inflammation after cataract surgery, and the UK label also for lowering the risk of swelling at the back of the eye (macular oedema) after cataract surgery in people with diabetes. Truemeds and Tata 1mg list the Indian pack under Alcon Laboratories; PharmEasy names J B Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals as the maker, with an Alcon Research address in Fort Worth, Texas, and the USA as country of origin. We sell it in packs of 3, 6 or 12 bottles, from $9.83 a bottle before shipping.

Please read this before you buy. Nevanac is not a drop for general eye pain, a red eye, dry eyes or an eye infection. It should be used only on the schedule your eye surgeon sets, because NSAID eye drops can damage the surface of the eye, and the US label says postmarketing experience suggests that using them more than 1 day before surgery or more than 14 days after it may increase that risk. If your eye is sore or red and you have not just had eye surgery, see a doctor or optometrist instead. Clinical details on this page come from the US and UK labels listed under Sources.

Nevanac Eye Drop at a glance

Price per bottle

Prices as of October 2026; the pack selector shows the current price. None of the packs reaches the $149 free shipping level on its own, so each includes the $25 shipping charge below unless you add other items.

How many bottles you need. The usual course for one eye is 1 drop 3 times a day from the day before surgery to 2 weeks after it, about 16 days. The US label says "use of the same bottle for both eyes is not recommended with topical eye drops that are used in association with surgery" (US 17), and the UK label says to discard the bottle 4 weeks after first opening (UK 6.3). In the US, Nevanac is supplied as a single 3 mL bottle (US 16). Our reading of the US label is that one 5 mL bottle covers one eye for one standard course (16 days at 3 drops a day is about 48 drops, well inside the 4 week discard limit; our arithmetic), so someone having both eyes done needs two bottles. The UK label is different: it doses "the affected eye(s)" (UK 4.2) and the UK leaflet says "If you use drops in both eyes, repeat the steps for your other eye", so if both eyes are treated at the same time, a UK surgeon may expect one bottle to cover both. Our smallest pack of 3 bottles is therefore more than most people need, and the 6 and 12 bottle packs are far more than one person needs for their own surgery. The exception is the UK diabetic schedule of up to 60 days after surgery: with the 4 week discard rule, that is about 3 bottles per eye (our arithmetic). Do not keep spare bottles to treat a later sore or red eye yourself.

Compared with Nevanac and other NSAID eye drops in the US and UK

We found no generic nepafenac in the US: Drugs@FDA lists only Nevanac 0.1% (NDA 021862, approved 19 August 2005) and Ilevro 0.3% (NDA 203491, approved 16 October 2012), both now sponsored by Harrow Eye, and NADAC has no generic nepafenac row. The figures below are what US pharmacies paid according to the Medicaid NADAC survey (rates effective 21 October 2026). They are pharmacy acquisition costs, not the price at the counter.

So against US Nevanac itself, the Indian pack costs far less. But US pharmacies pay less per mL for generic ketorolac and diclofenac eye drops than our price, and much less once our shipping is added. These are different medicines, and only your surgeon can say whether one of them suits your operation. If you are in the US, ask your surgeon whether a generic NSAID drop is an option, and check your insurance cover, before ordering Nevanac from abroad. In the UK, the NHS indicative price of a 5 mL bottle of Nevanac is £14.92 (NHS dm+d, a list price, not what a patient pays). If you are having surgery at a clinic or on the NHS, ask whether your drops are supplied as part of your care (our advice).

What Nevanac is for, and what it is not for

Nepafenac is a prodrug. After the drop goes in, it passes through the cornea and enzymes in the eye convert it to amfenac, an NSAID that blocks the enzyme the eye needs to make prostaglandins, the chemicals behind inflammation and pain (US 12.1; UK 5.1). In two placebo-controlled US trials of the 3 times daily schedule, about 80% of people on Nevanac reported no eye pain on the day after cataract surgery, against about 50% on the inactive drop (US 14). In one UK label study, Nevanac was non-inferior to ketorolac 0.5% for inflammation and eye pain (UK 5.1). In a placebo-controlled study in people with diabetic retinopathy, macular oedema developed in 3.2% on Nevanac against 16.7% on the inactive drop (UK 5.1).

Nevanac 0.1% and Ilevro 0.3%. Ilevro is nepafenac 0.3%, used once daily from the day before surgery to 2 weeks after it, with an extra drop 30 to 120 minutes before surgery (Ilevro US 2.1). We sell only the 0.1% Nevanac drop. The two are not used drop for drop the same way, so follow the instructions for the product your surgeon prescribed.

How to use Nevanac Eye Drop

1. Follow your surgeon's schedule. The labelled dose is 1 drop in the eye being operated on, 3 times daily, starting 1 day before cataract surgery, continuing on the day of surgery and for the first 2 weeks after it (US 2.1; UK 4.2). The UK label adds one extra drop 30 to 120 minutes before surgery and allows the course to be extended to 3 weeks if the clinician directs (UK 4.2). The UK leaflet suggests morning, midday and evening.
2. Shake the bottle well before each use (US 2.1; UK 4.2). It is a suspension, so the medicine settles.
3. Wash your hands. If the tamper-evident snap collar is loose after you take off the cap, remove it (UK 4.2). Tilt your head back, pull the lower lid down and put one drop into the pocket.
4. Do not let the dropper tip touch your eye, eyelids or any surface. The US label warns that a contaminated tip can cause eye infections, and that "serious damage to the eye and subsequent loss of vision may result from using contaminated solutions" (US 17). This matters more than usual after surgery.
5. If both eyes are being treated, the US label says using the same bottle for both eyes is not recommended with drops used around surgery (US 17). The UK leaflet says that if you use drops in both eyes, repeat the steps for your other eye. Keep the bottle tightly closed (UK 4.2).
6. If you use other eye drops, leave at least 5 minutes between them, and use eye ointments last (US 2.2; UK 4.2).
7. Missed dose: put in a single drop as soon as you remember, then go back to your usual times. Do not use a double dose (UK 4.2). If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one (UK leaflet).
8. Do not swallow or inject it (UK 4.4). The UK label says no toxic effects are likely even if it is swallowed by accident (UK 4.9); if a child swallows some and you are worried, call your doctor or a poison line (our advice).
9. Do not stop early without speaking to your doctor (UK leaflet), and do not carry on past the time your surgeon set.

Contact lenses. The US label says Nevanac "should not be administered while using contact lenses" (US 5.4). The UK label says contact lenses are not recommended after cataract surgery unless your doctor clearly advises it; if you must wear them, take them out before the drop and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back, because the preservative, benzalkonium chloride, can discolour soft lenses (UK 4.4).

Sunlight and driving. The UK label says to avoid sunlight during treatment (UK 4.4). Vision may blur for a time after a drop; wait until it clears before driving or using machines (UK 4.7).

Storage. US: 2°C to 25°C (US 16). UK: do not store above 30°C, and throw the bottle away 4 weeks after first opening; write the opening date on the label (UK 6.3, 6.4, leaflet). For the Indian pack, Truemeds lists storage below 25°C and use within 28 days of opening, and PharmEasy lists below 30°C and discard 4 weeks after first opening. No source we checked asks for it to be kept in a fridge. Read the carton that comes with your bottle.

Why the length of the course matters

The US label says: "Postmarketing experience with topical NSAIDs also suggests that use more than 1 day prior to surgery or use beyond 14 days post-surgery may increase patient risk and severity of corneal adverse events" (US 5.3). The UK label says: "Prolonged use of topical NSAIDs may increase patient risk for occurrence and severity of corneal adverse reactions" (UK 4.4). The UK label does allow longer courses (3 weeks, or up to 60 days in diabetic patients) when the clinician directs, and it says that when nepafenac is prescribed to a diabetic patient after cataract surgery, any additional risk factor "should lead to reassessment of the foreseen benefit/risk and to intensified patient monitoring" (UK 4.8). In both cases, the course length is the surgeon's decision, not one to extend yourself. Go to every follow-up check your surgeon books.

Groups who need extra care

• People at higher risk of corneal damage. Both labels say postmarketing experience suggests a higher risk of corneal adverse events, "which may become sight threatening", in people with complicated eye surgery, corneal denervation, corneal epithelial defects, diabetes mellitus, ocular surface diseases such as dry eye, rheumatoid arthritis, or repeat eye surgery within a short period, and that topical NSAIDs "should be used with caution" in them (US 5.3; UK 4.4).
• Bleeding problems or blood thinners. There have been reports that NSAID eye drops may cause increased bleeding of eye tissues, including hyphaema (blood in the front of the eye), in connection with eye surgery. Use with caution if you bruise or bleed easily or take medicines that prolong bleeding time (US 5.1; UK 4.4). The UK leaflet names warfarin and other NSAIDs.
• Steroid eye drops. Topical NSAIDs and topical steroids can each slow healing, and using them together "may increase the potential for healing problems" (US 5.2; UK 4.4). The UK label advises caution, particularly in people at high risk of corneal reactions. Surgeons often prescribe both; follow their schedule and attend checks (our advice).
• Glaucoma drops. The UK label says there are very limited data on using Nevanac with prostaglandin analogue drops (for example latanoprost or bimatoprost) and that "the concomitant use of these medicinal products is not recommended" (UK 4.5). Tell your surgeon about every eye drop you use.
• Eye infection. Anti-inflammatory drops may mask an acute eye infection, and NSAIDs do not treat infection (UK 4.4).
• Dry eye or corneal disease. The preservative benzalkonium chloride can irritate the eye and has been reported to cause punctate keratopathy and toxic ulcerative keratopathy; close monitoring is needed with frequent or prolonged use (UK 4.4).
• Pregnancy. The UK label says Nevanac "is not recommended during pregnancy" and "should not be used by women of child bearing potential not using contraception" (UK 4.6). The US label says to use it in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, and that use in late pregnancy "should be avoided" because of effects on the baby's heart circulation (closure of the ductus arteriosus) (US 8.1).
• Breastfeeding. The UK label says "NEVANAC can be used during breast-feeding" because exposure is negligible (UK 4.6). The US label says caution should be exercised (US 8.3).
• Children and teenagers. US: safety and effectiveness below 10 years not established (8.4). UK: not established in children and adolescents, and "not recommended" (4.2); the UK leaflet says not to give it to anyone below 18.
• Older people, kidney or liver disease. No overall differences were seen in older people (US 8.5; UK 4.2). It has not been studied in kidney or liver disease, but systemic exposure is very low and the UK label says no dose adjustment is warranted (UK 4.2).

Side effects

The two labels report different figures because they come from different data. The US figures are from the cataract surgery trials, and the label says "some of these reactions may be the consequence of the cataract surgical procedure" (US 6.1). The UK figures come from clinical studies in 2,314 patients and from postmarketing reports (UK 4.8).

In the UK diabetic studies (209 patients treated for 60 days or more), punctate keratitis occurred in 3% (UK 4.8). The US label says Nevanac had no significant effect on eye pressure in the trials, but that eye pressure can change after cataract surgery (US 14). From postmarketing experience, corneal epithelium problems have ranged from minor to cases needing surgery or medical treatment "to regain clear vision" (UK 4.8).

When to get urgent help

• Your eye becomes more red or more painful while you are using the drops. The UK leaflet says to contact your doctor immediately, as this may be inflammation of the eye surface or of the iris.
• Worse vision, a cloudy or white patch on the cornea, or a feeling that something is scratching the eye. These can be signs of damage to the eye surface (our description). The labels say anyone with evidence of corneal epithelial breakdown "should immediately discontinue" the drop and be closely monitored (US 5.3; UK 4.4). Contact your surgeon the same day (our advice).
• Signs of infection or a new eye injury, such as discharge, swelling or increasing pain. The US label says to seek your doctor's advice immediately about carrying on with the bottle (US 17).
• Bleeding in the eye, for example blood visible in the front of the eye after surgery (US 5.1). Contact your surgeon or go to emergency eye care straight away (our advice).
• Allergy signs: swelling of the eyelids, lips, face or throat, hives, wheezing or trouble breathing. Stop the drop and get emergency help (911 in the US and Canada, 999 in the UK, 000 in Australia) if breathing is affected (our advice). This matters most if aspirin or other NSAIDs have caused asthma, hives or a runny nose before (UK 4.3).

Who should not use it

Never use it if:

• You have had an allergic reaction to nepafenac or any ingredient of the drop, or to other NSAIDs (US 4; UK 4.3).
• Aspirin or other NSAIDs have brought on attacks of asthma, urticaria (hives) or acute rhinitis (UK 4.3). The UK leaflet gives aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, piroxicam and diclofenac as examples of NSAIDs. The UK label also warns of possible cross-sensitivity with aspirin and phenylacetic acid derivatives (UK 4.4).

Not recommended, or use only with your surgeon's agreement:

• Without a planned or recent cataract operation, or for longer than your surgeon set (our advice; the labels approve it only for use around cataract surgery).
• Pregnancy: "not recommended" (UK 4.6); avoid in late pregnancy (US 8.1).
• Women who could become pregnant and are not using contraception: "should not be used" (UK 4.6).
• Children and adolescents: "not recommended" (UK 4.2).
• With prostaglandin analogue glaucoma drops: "not recommended" (UK 4.5).
• While wearing contact lenses: "should not be administered" (US 5.4).
• Bleeding tendencies, blood thinners, steroid drops, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, dry eye, corneal problems or repeat eye surgery: caution, as above.

Prescription and legal status

Nevanac 0.1% is a prescription medicine in the US (Drugs@FDA lists NDA 021862 as prescription; US sponsor Harrow Eye), the UK (prescription only medicine, PLGB 00101/1110, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK) and Canada (Nevanac, DIN 02308983, prescription, marketed). In Australia, healthdirect lists Ilevro 0.3% as Schedule 4, Prescription Only Medicine; we found no Australian listing for Nevanac 0.1%. In India, Truemeds says "Prescription required" and PharmEasy marks it prescription only. The FDA says personal importation of unapproved medicines is illegal in most circumstances, and this Indian pack is not the US-approved pack. Check the rules where you live, and use Nevanac only with a prescription and instructions from your eye surgeon.

Buying genuine Nevanac

The MHRA warns: "Any medicine not authorised for sale in the UK can be unsafe or ineffective and there is no way of knowing what is in them or the negative health effects they can have." It also advises: "Only use UK-registered pharmacies, including online pharmacies displaying the official green cross logo." When your order arrives, check that the carton and bottle say nepafenac 0.1% (1 mg/mL) ophthalmic suspension, show a batch number and an expiry date, and that the seal is intact. The UK label describes the suspension as light yellow to light orange (UK 3). These checks cannot prove a bottle is genuine, because counterfeiters copy packaging. If a batch looks wrong or causes symptoms, stop using it, seek medical advice and report it to your medicines regulator (the MHRA Yellow Card scheme in the UK, FDA MedWatch in the US, the TGA in Australia or Health Canada) as well as to us.

Delivery

We ship Nevanac Eye Drop to the US, UK, Australia and Canada in plain packaging with tracking. Standard delivery takes 7 to 14 business days. Because the drops start the day before surgery, order well ahead; if your operation is less than about three weeks away, get the drops locally so you are not left without them (our advice). Shipping costs a flat $25 on orders under $149 and is free from $149. See our shipping page and returns and refunds.

Related guides

• Buying eye drops from an online pharmacy: what you need to know
• How to buy eye care medicine online safely
• Glaucoma eye drops: every type explained (useful if you also use glaucoma drops)

Another NSAID eye drop: Megabrom Eye Drop (bromfenac). Your surgeon decides which drop you use.

Sources

• NEVANAC (nepafenac ophthalmic suspension) 0.1%, US Prescribing Information, Harrow Eye LLC, DailyMed setid 11b9a0cf-2a70-17ef-e063-6394a90a5d9e, SPL version 3 (document date 5 November 2024, label revised 11/2025, published on DailyMed 17 November 2025), sections 1, 2, 4, 5, 6.1, 8, 12, 14, 16 and 17; earlier Novartis version, setid a2909252-c5f1-421f-9073-b7be90b45b51 (2023). DailyMed
• ILEVRO (nepafenac ophthalmic suspension) 0.3%, US Prescribing Information, Harrow Eye LLC, DailyMed setid 10f411d3-a81e-074a-e063-6294a90ab547, SPL version 5 (effective 1 April 2026), sections 2.1 and 16. DailyMed
• NEVANAC 1 mg/ml eye drops, suspension, UK Summary of Product Characteristics, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK, PLGB 00101/1110, revised 20 May 2024, sections 3 to 6. emc
• NEVANAC 1 mg/ml eye drops, suspension, UK Package Leaflet, revised December 2024. emc
• US Food and Drug Administration, Drugs@FDA (via openFDA, searched 21 October 2026): NDA 021862 Nevanac 0.1% (approved 19 August 2005) and NDA 203491 Ilevro 0.3% (approved 16 October 2012), prescription; no generic nepafenac listed. Drugs@FDA
• Health Canada Drug Product Database: Nevanac (DIN 02308983) and Ilevro (DIN 02411393), Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada, prescription, marketed, searched 21 October 2026. Health Canada DPD
• healthdirect Australia: Ilevro 0.3% eye drops, 3 mL, Schedule 4, accessed October 2026. healthdirect
• NHS Business Services Authority, dm+d: Nevanac 1 mg/ml eye drops 5 ml, NHS indicative price £14.92, accessed October 2026. dm+d
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), per-NDC rows for Nevanac 0.1%, Ilevro 0.3%, ketorolac 0.5% and diclofenac 0.1% eye drops, 2026 file as of 21 October 2026 (rates effective 21 October 2026). data.medicaid.gov
• Truemeds, PharmEasy and Tata 1mg. Nevanac 0.1% eye drops 5 mL listings, accessed October 2026. Truemeds, PharmEasy
• MHRA. 20 million illegal erectile dysfunction pills seized as MHRA warns against risky online buys, 13 February 2026. GOV.UK
• US Food and Drug Administration. Personal Importation. FDA

This page is for information and is not medical advice. Nevanac is a prescription medicine for use around eye surgery; your eye surgeon should set the dose and the length of the course.