Affordability Check
How to afford Fludeoxyglucose F18
Generic name: Fludeoxyglucose F18
Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Fludeoxyglucose F18 — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.
Pick an option above to see your specific path.
Different insurance means different laws and different savings. For example, Medicare patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards (federal law) — but the manufacturer almost always has a Patient Assistance Program that gives the drug free.
About Fludeoxyglucose F18 and its cost
What is this medication? Fludeoxyglucose F18 is a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical used in medical imaging procedures known as positron emission tomography, or PET scans. It functions as a radioactive analog of glucose, which is the sugar that cells use for energy. When injected into a patient, the medication circulates through the body and is taken up by tissues that have high metabolic activity. Because it emits positrons that are captured by a scanner, healthcare professionals can create detailed images showing the distribution and concentration of glucose metabolism throughout various organs and structures.
This medication is most commonly utilized in the field of oncology to help detect, stage, and monitor the treatment of various types of cancer, as malignant cells often consume glucose at a much faster rate than healthy cells. Beyond cancer care, Fludeoxyglucose F18 is used in cardiology to assess the viability of heart tissue following a myocardial infarction and in neurology to identify regions of the brain affected by seizures or other metabolic abnormalities. By providing a clear picture of biological processes at a molecular level, it assists doctors in making more accurate diagnoses and developing effective treatment plans for their patients.
Fludeoxyglucose F18 is made by Siemens. Like most brand-name drugs, it's priced at a high list price — but patients rarely pay that list price. The options above are the real paths most people use to get it affordably.
Common questions
What's the cheapest way to afford Fludeoxyglucose F18?
It depends on your insurance. On Medicare, apply for the manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program (PAP) — it gives the drug free if you meet income requirements. With private insurance, the manufacturer copay card usually drops your copay to $0-$25. Uninsured patients should compare the PAP with Cost Plus Drugs cash price.
Can I use a copay card with Medicare for Fludeoxyglucose F18?
No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Siemens has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.
Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Fludeoxyglucose F18?
Part D coverage varies by plan. We query the CMS Prescription Drug Plan file to show you what percentage of plans cover it and at what tier. For your exact copay, pick "Medicare" above and check your plan's Summary of Benefits, or log in to Medicare.gov.
How long does a Patient Assistance Program take?
Most PAPs take 2-6 weeks from application to first fill. Ask the manufacturer about a "bridge supply" — many will ship 30 days free while your application is being reviewed so you don't go without the drug.
What if I have a high-deductible plan?
For generics, Cost Plus Drugs cash price is often cheaper than your deductible-phase copay. For brand names, the manufacturer copay card almost always wins. A GoodRx coupon can be a last resort for uncovered drugs, but it doesn't count toward your deductible.
Are there charity grants for Coronary Artery Disease?
Charities like HealthWell Foundation, PAN Foundation, Good Days, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders provide copay help for specific conditions. Funds often run out mid-year — apply early. We list the specific grants for your condition in the options above.
More about Fludeoxyglucose F18
Full Fludeoxyglucose F18 drug page
FDA label, prior authorization rules, full indications list
More options for Coronary Artery Disease
Drugs, grants, and assistance for this condition
Guide to Patient Assistance Programs
How PAPs work, who qualifies, typical wait times
If your insurance denied coverage
5-level appeal playbook — Medicare has a 60% win rate at Level 3