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Fludeoxyglucose F18

Prescription ANDA TE AP Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Fludeoxyglucose F18
Generic name
Fludeoxyglucose F18
Dosage form
Injection, Solution
Route
Intravenous
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
The Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
2
Packages
2
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Fludeoxyglucose F-18 .3 Ci/mL — View
Fludeoxyglucose F-18 300 mCi/mL — View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Injection, Solution
Route of administration
Intravenous
Presentations
4

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Radioactive Diagnostic Agent [EPC] EPC All 16 members
Radiopharmaceutical Activity [MoA] MoA All 17 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
203904
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
April 23, 2015
Sponsor
METHODIST HOSP RES
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
1
Products approved under application 203904.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
203904-001 FLUDEOXYGLUCOSE F18 INJECTABLE FLUDEOXYGLUCOSE F-18 Prescription AP

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AP
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
No

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 203904.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Original application 1 Approved April 23, 2015 —

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260610). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260610 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20210813

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Warnings and Precautions: ( 5.1 , 5.2 ) 7/2010 Adverse Reactions ( 6 ) 7/2010 Pregnancy ( 8.1 ) 8/2021 Lactation ( 8.2 ) 8/2021

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1. Indications and Usage Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection USP is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in the following settings: Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection USP 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.

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

openFDA Drug Labeling

2. Dosage and Administration Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection USP 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 USP 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 USP 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 (96.2 MBq) 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 F18 Injection USP 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 human 1 data and using the data published by the International Commission on Radiological Protection 2 for Fludeoxyglucose F 18. 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 USP Organ Newborn (3.4kg) 1-year old (9.8kg) 5-year old (19kg) 10-year old (32kg) 15-year old (57kg) Adult (70kg) Bladder wall b 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 …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Multiple-dose glass vial containing 0.74 to 11.1 GBq (20 mCi/mL to 300 mCi/mL) of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection and 4.5 mg/mL of sodium chloride in citrate buffer (approximately 14 to 30 mL volume) for intravenous administration. Multiple-dose glass vial containing 0.74 to 11.1 GBq (20 mCi/mL to 300 mCi/mL) of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection and 4.5 mg/mL of sodium chloride in phosphate buffer per mL and ethanol (approximately 14 to 30 mL volume), for intravenous administration ( 3 ).

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4. Contraindications None None ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

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 F18 Injection USP, 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 F18 Injection USP administration.

5.1 Radiation Risks Radiation-emitting products, including Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection USP, 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 F18 Injection USP administration.

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

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, contact Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana at 318-716-4000 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7. Drug Interactions The interaction of Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection USP with other drugs taken by patients undergoing PET imaging has not been studied.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8. Use in Specific Populations Lactation: Temporarily discontinue breastfeeding. A lactating woman should pump and discard breastmilk for 9 hours after Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection ( 8.2 ). Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established in the oncology and cardiology settings ( 8.4 ). See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION. 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Data from published case series and case reports describe Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP crossing the placenta with uptake by the fetus (see Data). All radiopharmaceuticals have the potential to cause fetal harm depending on the fetal stage of development and the magnitude of the radiation dose. However, published studies that describe Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP use in pregnant women have not identified a risk of drug-associated major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. If considering Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP administration to a pregnant woman, inform the patient about the potential for adverse pregnancy outcomes based on the radiation dose from Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP and the gestational timing of exposure. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Human Data Data from published case series and case reports describe Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP crossing the placental barrier and visualization of radioactivity throughout the body of the fetus. The estimated fetal absorbed radiation dose from the maximum labeled dose (370 MBq) of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 was 10mGy with first trimester exposure to PET alone and 20mGy with first trimester exposure to PET/CT scan combination. Long-term adverse radiation effects to a child exposed to Fludeoyxglucose F 18 Injection in utero are unknown. No adverse fetal effects or radiation-related risks have been identified for diagnostic procedures involving less than 50mGy, which represents less than 20mGy fetal doses. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary A published case report and case series show the presence of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP in human milk following administration. There are no data on the effects of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production. Exposure of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP to a breastfed infant can be minimized by temporary discontinuation of breastfeeding (see Clinical Considerations). The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP, any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USPor from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations To decrease radiation exposure to the breastfed infant, advise a lactating woman to pump and discard breastmilk and avoid close (breast) contact with the infant for at least 9 hours after the administration of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection USP in pediatric patients with epilepsy is established on the basis of studies in adult and pediatric patients. In pediatric patients with epilepsy, the recommended dose is 2.6 mCi. The optimal dose adjustment on the basis of body size or weight has not been determined. In the oncology or cardiology settings, the safety and effectiveness of Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection USP have not been established in pediatric patients.

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Data from published case series and case reports describe Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP crossing the placenta with uptake by the fetus (see Data). All radiopharmaceuticals …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Fludeoxyglucose F 18 is a glucose analog that concentrates in cells that rely upon glucose as an energy source, or in cells whose dependence on glucose increases under pathophysiological conditions. Fludeoxyglucose F 18 is transported through the cell membrane by facilitative glucose transporter proteins and is phosphorylated within the cell to [ 18 F] FDG-6-phosphate by the enzyme hexokinase. Once phosphorylated it cannot exit until it is dephosphorylated by glucose-6-phosphatase. Therefore, within a given tissue or pathophysiological process, the retention and clearance of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 reflect a balance involving glucose transporter, hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activities. Fludeoxyglucose F 18 is used to assess glucose metabolism. In comparison to background activity of the specific organ or tissue type, regions of decreased or absent uptake of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 reflect the decrease or absence of glucose metabolism. Regions of increased uptake of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 reflect greater than normal rates of glucose metabolism.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11. Description 11.2 Physical Characteristics Fluorine F 18 has a physical half-life of 109.7 minutes and decays to Oxygen O 18 (stable) by positron decay. The principal photons useful for imaging are the dual 511 keV “annihilation” gamma photons, that are produced and emitted simultaneously in opposite direction when the positron interacts with an electron(Table 2). Table 2. Principal Radiation Emission Data for Fluorine F 18 Radiation/Emission % Per Disintegration Mean Energy Positron(β+) 96.73 249.8 keV Gamma(±)* 193.46 511.0 keV *Produced by positron annihilation From: Kocher, D.C. Radioactive Decay Tables DOE/TIC-I 1026, 89 (1981) The specific gamma ray constant (point source air kerma coefficient) for fluorine F 18 is 5.7 R/hr/mCi (1.35 x 10 -6 Gy/hr/kBq) at 1 cm. The half-value layer (HVL) for the 511 keV photons is 4 mm lead (Pb). The range of attenuation coefficients for this radionuclide as a function of lead shield thickness is shown in Table 3. For example, the interposition of an 8 mm thickness of Pb, with a coefficient of attenuation of 0.25, will decrease the external radiation by 75%. Table 3. Radiation Attenuation of 511 keV Photons by lead (Pb) shielding Shield thickness (Pb) mm Coefficient of attenuation 0 0.00 4 0.50 8 0.25 13 0.10 26 0.01 39 0.001 52 0.0001 For use in correcting for physical decay of this radionuclide, the fractions remaining at selected intervals after calibration are shown in Table 4. Table 4. Physical Decay Chart for Fluorine F 18 Minutes Fraction Remaining 0* 1.000 15 0.909 30 0.826 60 0.683 110 0.500 220 0.250 *calibration time 11.1 Chemical Characteristics Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection USP is a positron emitting radiopharmaceutical that is used for diagnostic purposes in conjunction with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The active ingredient 2-deoxy-2-[ 18 F]fluoro-D-glucose has the molecular formula of C H11 18FO5 with a molecular weight of 181.26, and has the following chemical structure: Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection USP is provided as a ready to use sterile, pyrogen free, clear, colorless citrate buffered solution. Each mL contains between 0.740 to 11.1GBq (20.0-300 mCi) of 2-deoxy-2-[ F]fluoro-D-glucose at the EOS, 4.5 mg of sodium chloride in citrate buffer. The pH of the solution is between 4.5 and 7.5. The solution is packaged in a multiple-dose glass vial and does not contain any preservative. Chemical structure

11.2 Physical Characteristics Fluorine F 18 has a physical half-life of 109.7 minutes and decays to Oxygen O 18 (stable) by positron decay. The principal photons useful for imaging are the dual 511 keV “annihilation” gamma photons, that are produced and emitted simultaneously in opposite direction when the positron interacts with an electron(Table 2). Table 2. Principal Radiation Emission Data for Fluorine F 18 Radiation/Emission % Per Disintegration Mean Energy Positron(β+) 96.73 249.8 keV Gamma(±)* 193.46 511.0 keV *Produced by positron annihilation From: Kocher, D.C. Radioactive Decay Tables DOE/TIC-I 1026, 89 (1981) The specific gamma ray constant (point source air kerma coefficient) for fluorine F 18 is 5.7 R/hr/mCi (1.35 x 10 -6 Gy/hr/kBq) at 1 cm. The half-value layer (HVL) for the 511 keV photons is 4 mm lead (Pb). The range of attenuation coefficients for this radionuclide as a function of lead shield thickness is shown in Table 3. For example, the interposition of an 8 mm thickness of Pb, with a coefficient of attenuation of 0.25, will decrease the external radiation by 75%. Table 3. Radiation Attenuation of 511 keV Photons by lead (Pb) shielding Shield thickness (Pb) mm Coefficient of attenuation 0 0.00 4 0.50 8 0.25 13 0.10 26 0.01 39 0.001 52 0.0001 For use in correcting for physical decay of this radionuclide, the fractions remaining at selected intervals after calibration are shown in Table 4. Table 4. Physical Decay Chart for Fluorine F 18 Minutes Fraction Remaining 0* 1.000 15 0.909 30 0.826 60 0.683 110 0.500 220 0.250 *calibration time …

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP is supplied in a multi-dose, capped, 30 mL glass vial containing between 0.74 GBq/mL to 11.1 GBq/mL (20 mCi/mL to 300 mCi/mL), of no carrier added 2-deoxy-2-[ 18 F]fluoro-D-glucose, at end of synthesis, in approximately 14 to 30 mL. The contents of each vial are sterile, pyrogen-free and preservative-free. NDC 24562-003-30 This radiopharmaceutical is licensed by the State of Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Compliance, Radiation Licensing Division for distribution to persons licensed pursuant to Louisiana's Environmental Regulatory Code, Part XV: Radiation Protection, as appropriate, or under equivalent licenses of an Agreement State or a Licensing State. Store the Fludeoxyglucose F18 Injection USP vial upright in a lead shielded container at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15 to 30°C (59 to 85°F). Store and dispose of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP in accordance with the regulations and a general license, or its equivalent, of an Agreement State or a Licensing State. The expiration date and time are provided on the container label. Use Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection USP within 12 hours from the EOS time.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
277
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: FLUDEOXYGLUCOSE F-18. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
24562-003-30 24562-003 Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana 30 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS (24562-003-30) May 14, 2015
69864-001-30 69864-001 The Methodist Hospital Research Institute 30 mL in 1 VIAL, MULTI-DOSE (69864-001-30) April 23, 2012
24562-003 24562-003 Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana — May 14, 2015
69864-001 69864-001 The Methodist Hospital Research Institute — April 23, 2012

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.