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

If you've been prescribed Nepafenac before cataract surgery, you may have questions about what it is, why you need it, and how to use it properly. This guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is Nepafenac?

Nepafenac is a prescription eye drop medication that belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It's sold under two brand names:

• Nevanac (0.1% suspension): FDA-approved August 2005; dosed three times daily
• Ilevro (0.3% suspension): FDA-approved October 2012; dosed once daily

Both are manufactured by Harrow Eye (which acquired the NDAs from Novartis/Alcon in 2023) and are available only by prescription. No FDA-approved generic version exists as of 2026.

What Is Nepafenac Used For?

Nepafenac is FDA-approved for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery. It is used to:

• Reduce eye pain and discomfort following cataract removal surgery
• Control post-surgical inflammation and swelling in the eye
• Help prevent cystoid macular edema (CME) — a potentially vision-threatening complication involving fluid accumulation in the macula after surgery

In the European Union, Nepafenac (Ilevro) has an additional approved indication: reducing the risk of postoperative macular edema in patients with diabetes undergoing cataract surgery. This is not a labeled indication in the U.S. but is sometimes considered in clinical practice for high-risk patients.

Nepafenac Dosage: How to Use It

The dosing schedule is the same for both formulations — they differ only in concentration and frequency:

• Nevanac (0.1%): 1 drop in the affected eye(s) 3 times daily, starting 1 day before surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 14 days after
• Ilevro (0.3%): 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, starting 1 day before surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 14 days after; an additional drop should be given 30–120 minutes before surgery

Nepafenac is approved for use in patients ages 10 and older. For children younger than 10, safety and effectiveness have not been established.

How to Use Nepafenac Eye Drops

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after use
2. Shake the bottle well before each use
3. Remove contact lenses before applying — benzalkonium chloride preservative can damage soft contacts
4. Tilt head back, pull down lower eyelid to form a pocket
5. Hold dropper upside down over the eye; squeeze one drop into the pocket
6. Close eye and press one finger to the inner corner for about 1 minute (this prevents drainage into the tear duct)
7. If using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between different medications
8. Never let the dropper tip touch your eye or any surface — contamination can cause serious eye infections

Common Side Effects

Most people tolerate Nepafenac well for the short course prescribed. Common side effects include foreign body sensation, lid margin crusting, mild eye redness, temporary blurriness, and headache. Serious but rare risks include keratitis (corneal inflammation) and delayed wound healing — see our guide to Nepafenac side effects for full details.

How Much Does Nepafenac Cost?

Without insurance or a coupon, Nepafenac is expensive:

• Nevanac (0.1%, 3mL): ~$370–$413 retail; ~$321–$330 with GoodRx/SingleCare
• Ilevro (0.3%, 3mL): ~$481 retail; ~$321–$322 with SingleCare

About 80% of commercial insurance plans cover Nevanac, with typical copays of $60–$80. Uninsured patients who qualify may receive it at low or no cost through the Harrow Eye patient assistance program.

Is There a Generic Nepafenac?

No. As of January 2026, there is no FDA-approved generic version of Nepafenac (Nevanac or Ilevro) available in the United States. If cost is a concern, ask your ophthalmologist whether a generic ophthalmic NSAID such as Ketorolac ($15–$50) or Diclofenac ophthalmic ($20–$60) is appropriate for your situation.

The Bottom Line

Nepafenac (Nevanac or Ilevro) is a safe and effective NSAID eye drop that plays an important role in your cataract surgery recovery. Use it exactly as prescribed, starting the day before surgery and continuing for the full two weeks after. If you have trouble locating it at your pharmacy, medfinder can help you quickly identify which pharmacies near you have it in stock.

Read next: How Does Nepafenac Work? Mechanism of Action Explained