Fludeoxyglucose F 18 (By injection)

Fludeoxyglucose F 18 (floo-de-ox-i-GLOO-kose F 18)

Used to help diagnose cancer, heart disease, or epilepsy with a procedure called a positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You or your child should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fludeoxyglucose F 18.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • A doctor or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins just before you have a PET scan.
  • Your doctor will have you or your child drink water or other fluids during the 4 hours before you have the PET scan. Your doctor will also give you instructions about eating food before the test.
  • You or your child will need to urinate right away and as often as possible for at least one hour after the PET scan.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Tell your doctor if you or your child have diabetes that is poorly controlled. High or low blood sugar may affect the results of the PET scan.
  • While receiving this medicine, you or your child will be exposed to radiation. If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor.
  • Your doctor will check the progress of you or your child very closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it. Blood tests may be needed.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Anxiety, blurred vision, confusion, fast heartbeat, headache, or increased sweating.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in your feet, legs, ankles, or hands.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Itching skin or rash.
  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088


Last Updated: 9/6/2024

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