Ilevro vs. Bromfenac for Eye Inflammation and Eye Pain: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Ilevro

(nepafenac)

Bromfenac

Summary for Ilevro

Prescription only

Ilevro, also known by its generic name nepafenac 0.3%, is an eye drop medication that adults and children can use to relieve pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. This medication is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The Ilevro (nepafenac) eye drop is placed in the eye(s) once per day, typically for up to 2 weeks after the surgery. Possible side effects include cloudiness in the eye and changes in vision.

Indications for Ilevro

Relief of eye pain and inflammation after cataract removal surgery for people ages 10 years and older

Pros and Cons for Ilevro

Pros

Works well to lower pain and inflammation after 2 weeks of treatment for most people
Used just once daily
Can use for children as young as 10 years old

Cons

Not for treating inflammation due to other types of eye surgeries or allergies
Might slow the healing process from surgery
No lower-cost generic available; brand name only

Common Side Effects for Ilevro

Cloudiness in the eye (up to 10%)
Worse vision (up to 10%)
Feeling like there's something in your eye (up to 10%)
High eye pressure (up to 10%)
Eyes feel sticky (up to 10%)

Warnings for Ilevro

Bleeding
Slower healing
Cornea problems
Take off contact lenses before placing medication in eye

Summary for Bromfenac

Prescription only

Bromfenac, also known by its brand names Prolensa and BromSite, is an eye drop medication. It's a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves eye pain and inflammation after cataract surgery. This medication is approved for adults only. The dosage is typically 1 drop into the affected eye once or twice per day, depending on the strength of the eye drop you have. Side effects are typically related to the eye and can include eye pain and blurry vision.

Indications for Bromfenac

Eye pain and eye inflammation after cataract surgery in adults

Pros and Cons for Bromfenac

Pros

Can start to feel pain relief after a day
Used once or twice per day, depending on eye drop strength

Cons

Can slow down healing and raise the risk for bleeding in the eye
Some strengths contain sulfites, so might not be good option for people who are allergic to sulfite