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

If your ophthalmologist has prescribed Nevanac and you want to understand what it is, how it works, and how to use it correctly, this guide covers everything you need to know before your cataract surgery in 2026.

What Is Nevanac?

Nevanac is the brand name for nepafenac 0.1% ophthalmic suspension — a sterile prescription eye drop manufactured by Harrow Eye (originally by Alcon Laboratories). It belongs to a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.

The FDA approved Nevanac on August 19, 2005. It was specifically designed for perioperative cataract care — meaning the period just before and after surgery. A higher-concentration version of the same drug, Ilevro (nepafenac 0.3%), was later approved for once-daily dosing.

What Is Nevanac Used For?

Nevanac is FDA-approved for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery in patients 10 years of age and older. It is used both preoperatively (starting the day before surgery) and postoperatively (for 14 days after surgery).

The goals of Nevanac therapy are to:

Reduce pain and discomfort on the day of and after surgery

Minimize inflammation in the eye during the healing period

Reduce the risk of cystoid macular edema (CME) — a type of swelling in the retina that can impair vision after cataract surgery

In the European Union, nepafenac is additionally approved for reducing the risk of postoperative macular edema in patients with diabetes undergoing cataract surgery — though this remains an off-label use in the United States.

How Do You Use Nevanac? (Dosage Instructions)

The standard dosing regimen for Nevanac 0.1% is:

Dose: One drop in the affected eye(s)

Frequency: Three times daily (approximately every 8 hours)

Start date: One day before cataract surgery

Continue: On the day of surgery and for the first 14 days post-operatively

Important: Shake the Nevanac bottle well before each use. The active drug is a suspension — it settles between uses and must be re-mixed. Also, remove contact lenses before applying drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.

What's in Nevanac?

Each mL of Nevanac 0.1% contains nepafenac 1 mg as the active ingredient, along with inactive ingredients including benzalkonium chloride 0.005% (preservative), carbomer 974P, edetate disodium, mannitol, purified water, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment), and tyloxapol. The pH is approximately 7.4 and osmolality is approximately 305 mOsmol/kg.

Is Nevanac a Controlled Substance?

No. Nevanac is not a controlled substance. It is not scheduled by the DEA. You can fill a Nevanac prescription at any standard pharmacy, and refills are not subject to controlled substance restrictions. You will, however, need a valid prescription from an ophthalmologist or co-managing optometrist.

How Much Does Nevanac Cost?

Nevanac is expensive as a brand-name-only medication:

Retail price: $329–$413 per 3mL bottle

With GoodRx/SingleCare coupon: ~$323–$330

With insurance: $60–$80 copay (covered by ~80% of plans, many require prior authorization)

Novartis Patient Assistance Program: No cost for qualifying uninsured/underinsured patients

Is There a Generic for Nevanac?

No. As of 2026, there is no FDA-approved generic version of Nevanac (nepafenac 0.1% ophthalmic suspension). If cost is a concern, ask your ophthalmologist about alternatives like generic ketorolac ($15–$50), generic diclofenac ($20–$60), or generic bromfenac ($80–$200).

The Bottom Line

Nevanac is a well-established, FDA-approved eye drop that plays an important role in cataract surgery recovery. Shake before use, start the day before surgery, and use it for 14 days after. For a deeper explanation of how Nevanac works in the eye, read How Does Nevanac Work? Mechanism of Action Explained. If you need help finding it at a pharmacy near you, medfinder can help locate it quickly.