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Fludeoxyglucose F18

Generic: Fludeoxyglucose F18

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
Manufacturer
Siemens
NDC
62072-008
Route
INTRAVENOUS
ICD-10 indication
Z03.1

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About Fludeoxyglucose F18

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.

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Fludeoxyglucose F18. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Jan 27, 2026

Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in the following settings: Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in the following settings: Oncology: For assessment of abnormal glucose metabolism to assist in the evaluation of malignancy in patients with known or suspected abnormalities found by other testing modalities, or in patients with an existing diagnosis of cancer. Cardiology: For the identification of left ventricular myocardium with residual glucose metabolism and reversible loss of systolic function in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction, when used together with myocardial perfusion imaging. Neurology: For the identification of regions of abnormal glucose metabolism associated with foci of epileptic seizures (1) . 1.1 Oncology For assessment of abnormal glucose metabolism to assist in the evaluation of malignancy in patients with known or suspected abnormalities found by other testing modalities, or in patients with an existing diagnosis of cancer. 1.2 Cardiology For the identification of left ventricular myocardium with residual glucose metabolism and reversible loss of systolic function in patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction, when used together with myocardial perfusion imaging. 1.3 Neurology For the identification of regions of abnormal glucose metabolism associated with foci of epileptic seizures.
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection emits radiation. Use procedures to minimize radiation exposure. Calculate the final dose from the end of synthesis (EOS) time using proper radioactive decay factors. Assay the final dose in a properly calibrated dose calibrator before administration to the patient [ see Description (11.2) ]. Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection emits radiation. Use procedures to minimize radiation exposure. Screen for blood glucose abnormalities. In the oncology and neurology settings, instruct patients to fast for 4 – 6 hours prior to the drug’s injection. Consider medical therapy and laboratory testing to assure at least two days of normoglycemia prior to the drug’s administration (5.2) . In the cardiology setting, administration of glucose-containing food or liquids (e.g., 50 – 75 grams) prior to the drug’s injection facilitates localization of cardiac ischemia (2.3) . Aseptically withdraw Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection from its container and administer by intravenous injection (2). The recommended dose: for adults is 5 – 10 mCi (185 – 370 MBq), in all indicated clinical settings (2.1) . for pediatric patients is 2.6 mCi in the neurology setting (2.2) . Initiate imaging within 40 minutes following drug injection; acquire static emission images 30 – 100 minutes from time of injection (2) . 2.1 Recommended Dose for Adults Within the oncology, cardiology and neurology settings, the recommended dose for adults is 5 – 10 mCi (185 – 370 MBq) as an intravenous injection. 2.2 Recommended Dose for Pediatric Patients Within the neurology setting, the recommended dose for pediatric patients is 2.6 mCi, as an intravenous injection. The optimal dose adjustment on the basis of body size or weight has not been determined [ see Use in Special Populations (8.4) ]. 2.3 Patient Preparation To minimize the radiation absorbed dose to the bladder, encourage adequate hydration. Encourage the patient to drink water or other fluids (as tolerated) in the 4 hours before their PET study. Encourage the patient to void as soon as the imaging study is completed and as often as possible thereafter for at least one hour. Screen patients for clinically significant blood glucose abnormalities by obtaining a history and/or laboratory tests [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Prior to Fludeoxyglucose F 18 PET imaging in the oncology and neurology settings, instruct patient to fast for 4 – 6 hours prior to the drug’s injection. In the cardiology setting, administration of glucose-containing food or liquids (e.g., 50 – 75 grams) prior to Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection facilitates localization of cardiac ischemia. 2.4 Radiation Dosimetry The estimated human absorbed radiation doses (rem/mCi) to a newborn (3.4 kg), 1-year old (9.8 kg), 5-year old (19 kg), 10-year old (32 kg), 15-year old (57 kg), and adult (70 kg) from intravenous administration of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection are shown in Table 1. These estimates were calculated based on human2 data and using the data published by the International Commission on Radiological Protection4 for Fludeoxyglucose 18 F. The dosimetry data show that there are slight variations in absorbed radiation dose for various organs in each of the age groups. These dissimilarities in absorbed radiation dose are due to developmental age variations (e.g., organ size, location, and overall metabolic rate for each age group). The identified critical organs (in descending order) across all age groups evaluated are the urinary bladder, heart, pancreas, spleen, and lungs. Table 1. Estimated Absorbed Radiation Doses (rem/mCi) After Intravenous Administration of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection MIRDOSE 2 software was used to calculate the radiation absorbed dose. Assumptions on the biodistribution based on data from Gallagher et al.1 and Jones et al.2 Organ Newborn (3.4 kg) 1-year old (9.8 kg) 5-year old (19 kg) 10-year old (32 kg) 15-year old (57 kg) Adult (70 kg) Bladder wall The dynamic bladder model with a uniform voiding frequency of 1.5 hours was used. 4.3 1.7 0.93 0.60 0.40 0.32 Heart wall 2.4 1.2 0.70 0.44 0.29 0.22 Pancreas 2.2 0.68 0.33 0.25 0.13 0.096 Spleen 2.2 0.84 0.46 0.29 0.19 0.14 Lungs 0.96 0.38 0.20 0.13 0.092 0.064 Kidneys 0.81 0.34 0.19 0.13 0.089 0.074 Ovaries 0.80 0.8 0.19 0.11 0.058 0.053 Uterus 0.79 0.35 0.19 0.12 0.076 0.062 LLI wall LLI = lower large intestine; 0.69 0.28 0.15 0.097 0.060 0.051 Liver 0.69 0.31 0.17 0.11 0.076 0.058 Gallbladder wall 0.69 0.26 0.14 0.093 0.059 0.049 Small intestine 0.68 0.29 0.15 0.096 0.060 0.047 ULI wall ULI = upper large intestine 0.67 0.27 0.15 0.090 0.057 0.046 Stomach wall 0.65 0.27 0.14 0.089 0.057 0.047 Adrenals 0.65 0.28 0.15 0.095 0.061 0.048 Testes 0.64 0.27 0.14 0.085 0.052 0.041 Red marrow 0.62 0.26 0.14 0.089 0.057 0.047 Thymus 0.61 0.26 0.14 0.086 0.056 0.044 Thyroid 0.61 0.26 0.13 0.080 0.049 0.039 Muscle 0.58 0.25 0.13 0.078 0.049 0.039 Bone surface 0.57 0.24 0.12 0.079 0.052 0.041 Breast 0.54 0.22 0.11 0.068 0.043 0.034 Skin 0.49 0.20 0.10 0.060 0.037 0.030 Brain 0.29 0.13 0.09 0.078 0.072 0.070 Other tissues 0.59 0.25 0.13 0.083 0.052 0.042 2.5 Radiation Safety – Drug Handling Use waterproof gloves, effective radiation shielding, and appropriate safety measures when handling Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient, occupational workers, clinical personnel and other persons. Radiopharmaceuticals should be used by or under the control of physicians who are qualified by specific training and experience in the safe use and handling of radionuclides, and whose experience and training have been approved by the appropriate governmental agency authorized to license the use of radionuclides. Calculate the final dose from the end of synthesis (EOS) time using proper radioactive decay factors. Assay the final dose in a properly calibrated dose calibrator before administration to the patient [ see Description (11.2) ]. The dose of Fludeoxyglucose F18 used in a given patient should be minimized consistent with the objectives of the procedure, and the nature of the radiation detection devices employed. 2.6 Drug Preparation and Administration Calculate the necessary volume to administer based on calibration time and dose. Aseptically withdraw Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection from its container. Inspect Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not administer the drug if it contains particulate matter or discoloration; dispose of these unacceptable or unused preparations in a safe manner, in compliance with applicable regulations. Use Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection within 12 hours from the EOS. 2.7 Imaging Guidelines Initiate imaging within 40 minutes following Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection administration. Acquire static emission images 30 – 100 minutes from the time of injection.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None None
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Radiation risks: use smallest dose necessary for imaging (5.1) . Blood glucose abnormalities: may cause suboptimal imaging (5.2) . 5.1 Radiation Risks Radiation-emitting products, including Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection, may increase the risk for cancer, especially in pediatric patients. Use the smallest dose necessary for imaging and ensure safe handling to protect the patient and health care worker[ see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. 5.2 Blood Glucose Abnormalities In the oncology and neurology setting, suboptimal imaging may occur in patients with inadequately regulated blood glucose levels. In these patients, consider medical therapy and laboratory testing to assure at least two days of normoglycemia prior to Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection administration.
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS The possibility of interactions of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection with other drugs taken by patients undergoing PET imaging has not been studied.
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Hypersensitivity reactions with pruritus, edema and rash have been reported in the post-marketing setting. Have emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel immediately available. Hypersensitivity reactions have occurred; have emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel immediately available (6) . To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, Kreitchman PET Center at 212-305-0081 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection. It is also not known whether Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Consider alternative diagnostic tests in a pregnant woman; administer Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection only if clearly needed.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

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How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
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