What Is Ilevro? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

What Is Ilevro?

Ilevro is the brand name for nepafenac 0.3% ophthalmic suspension — a prescription eye drop used to treat pain and inflammation in the eye after cataract surgery. It is manufactured by Harrow (Harrow IP, LLC) and is available in the United States in 1.7 mL and 3 mL sterile bottles.

Ilevro belongs to a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). What makes Ilevro unique is that it's a prodrug — it's not active when applied to the eye. Instead, enzymes in your eye convert nepafenac into its active form, amfenac, which is what actually reduces inflammation and pain.

What Is Ilevro Used For?

Ilevro's FDA-approved indication is for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing the natural clouded lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure, while highly successful, triggers an inflammatory response in the eye that can cause pain and, if uncontrolled, lead to complications including cystoid macular edema (CME) — a condition that can permanently reduce vision.

Ilevro is prescribed by ophthalmologists as part of the standard post-cataract surgery medication regimen to prevent and treat this inflammatory response. In the European Union, nepafenac ophthalmic is also approved for reducing the risk of postoperative macular edema in diabetic cataract patients — an indication not formally approved in the U.S. but of significant clinical interest.

How Is Ilevro Different from Nevanac?

Both Ilevro and Nevanac contain nepafenac, but at different concentrations:

Ilevro: 0.3% nepafenac, once daily dosing

Nevanac: 0.1% nepafenac, three times daily dosing

Ilevro's higher concentration was developed specifically to achieve therapeutic drug levels in the eye with once-daily dosing. Its better corneal penetration profile means the single daily drop delivers equivalent anti-inflammatory coverage to Nevanac's three daily drops.

How Do You Use Ilevro?

The standard Ilevro dosing protocol is:

Day before surgery: 1 drop in the affected eye

Day of surgery: 1 drop (your regular daily dose) PLUS 1 additional drop 30-120 minutes before the procedure

Days 1-14 after surgery: 1 drop once daily in the affected eye

Always shake the bottle well before each use — Ilevro is a suspension and the active ingredient settles to the bottom. The total treatment window is 15-16 days (including the pre-surgical day).

Key Things to Know About Using Ilevro

No contact lenses: Do not wear contact lenses while using Ilevro. The benzalkonium chloride preservative damages soft contact lenses. Ask your ophthalmologist when it's safe to resume lens wear.

One eye only: Use Ilevro only in the eye being operated on. If having surgery on the other eye at a later date, use a new, fresh bottle.

Multiple eye drops: If using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between each medication.

Storage: Store between 36°F and 77°F (2°C-25°C). Keep in its box to protect from light.

Who Should NOT Use Ilevro?

Ilevro is contraindicated (should not be used) in patients who are allergic to nepafenac, any ingredient in Ilevro, or other NSAIDs. If you've had a reaction to aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs in the past, tell your doctor before starting Ilevro.

Special caution is advised for patients who are pregnant (especially in the third trimester), breastfeeding, have diabetes, dry eye syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or a history of multiple eye surgeries.

Is There a Generic Version of Ilevro?

As of 2026, no generic version of Ilevro (nepafenac 0.3% ophthalmic suspension) has been approved by the FDA. Ilevro remains a brand-name-only medication. The lower-concentration Nevanac (0.1%) also has no approved generic.

For strategies on reducing the cost of Ilevro with coupons, savings cards, and patient assistance programs, see our complete savings guide: How to Save Money on Ilevro in 2026.