Nevanac Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor

Nevanac (nepafenac 0.1% ophthalmic suspension) is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication it can cause side effects — some minor and expected, others requiring prompt attention. Because Nevanac is used around the time of cataract surgery, it can sometimes be hard to tell what's a medication side effect versus a normal part of post-surgical recovery. This guide helps you sort out what's expected versus what needs a call to your eye doctor.

Common Nevanac Side Effects (Usually Not a Cause for Alarm)

The most frequently reported side effects of Nevanac in clinical trials (occurring in 5–10% of patients) were:

Capsular opacity: A secondary cataract (clouding of the lens capsule after surgery) — this is a known surgical complication and not necessarily caused by Nevanac

Decreased visual acuity: Some blurring of vision, especially in the early post-operative period

Foreign body sensation: A gritty or scratchy feeling in the eye

Increased intraocular pressure (IOP): A temporary rise in eye pressure — your doctor monitors this during follow-up visits

Sticky sensation: A feeling of stickiness or discharge around the eyelid

Many of these side effects overlap with normal post-cataract surgery symptoms and typically resolve on their own as you heal.

Serious Nevanac Side Effects (Call Your Doctor Immediately)

Topical NSAIDs including Nevanac carry a risk of corneal side effects that, while uncommon, can be vision-threatening. Contact your ophthalmologist right away if you experience any of the following:

Sudden worsening of eye pain: Increasing rather than decreasing pain after surgery

Severe eye redness: Especially if accompanied by pain or vision changes

Corneal issues: Nevanac can rarely cause keratitis (corneal inflammation), corneal thinning, corneal erosion, corneal ulceration, or corneal perforation. These are sight-threatening conditions

Sudden vision loss or significant vision change: Any sudden deterioration in vision warrants emergency contact with your surgeon

Signs of allergic reaction: Hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat — call 911 immediately

Eye bleeding: Visible blood in or around the eye beyond expected post-surgical bruising

Who Is at Higher Risk for Nevanac Side Effects?

Certain patients are at higher risk for corneal side effects from topical NSAIDs. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

Diabetes mellitus (increases risk of corneal epithelial complications)

Rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune conditions

Dry eye syndrome

History of bleeding disorders, or use of blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban/Eliquis, rivaroxaban/Xarelto)

Known allergy to aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDs

How to Minimize Nevanac Side Effects

Shake the bottle well before each use — the suspension settles and must be re-mixed

Remove contact lenses before applying drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them

Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface — this prevents contamination

Do not use Nevanac for longer than 14 days after surgery unless specifically directed by your doctor — prolonged use increases corneal risk

If you are also using corticosteroid eye drops, space applications at least 5 minutes apart — concurrent use can slow healing

The Bottom Line

Nevanac is generally safe when used as directed for the prescribed 15-day perioperative period. Minor irritation and temporary visual fluctuation are common. Stop using it and contact your surgeon immediately if you notice worsening pain, sudden vision changes, or corneal symptoms. For information on medication interactions, see Nevanac Drug Interactions: What to Avoid. And if you need help finding Nevanac at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can help.