Fludeoxyglucose F 18 is a prescription medicine (Radioactive Diagnostic Agent). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.
- Type
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Drug class
- Radioactive Diagnostic Agent
- Taken
- Intravenous
- Label
- PETNET Solutions, Inc., revised March 31, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
- Generic
- No · details
What it is used for
Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in the following settings: Fludeoxyglucose F 18 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.
Forms and strengths
Multiple-dose 50 mL and 100 mL glass vial containing 0.74 to 7.40 GBq/mL (20 to 200 mCi/mL) of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection and 4.5 mg of sodium chloride with 0.1 to 0.5% w/w ethanol as a stabilizer (approximately 15 to 100 mL volume) for intravenous administration. Multi-dose 50 mL and 100 mL glass vial containing 0.74 to 7.40 GBq/mL (20 to 200 mCi/mL) Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection and 4.5 mg of sodium chloride with 0.1 to 0.5% w/w ethanol as a stabilizer (approximately 15 to 100 mL volume) for intravenous administration ( 3 ).
Who should not take it (contraindications)
None. None.
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.
Side effects (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 PETNET Solutions, Inc. at 877-473-8638 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug interactions
The interactions of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection with other drugs taken by patients undergoing PET imaging has not been studied.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults
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 ).
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Data from published case series and case reports describe Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection 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 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 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 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 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 10 mGy with first trimester exposure to PET alone and 20 mGy 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 50 mGy, which represents less than 20 mGy fetal doses. 8. 2 Lactation Risk Summary A published case report and case series show the presence of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection in human milk following administration. There are no data on the effects of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production. Exposure of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection 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, any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection or 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.
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of Fludeoxyglucose F 18 Injection 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 F 18 Injection have not been established in pediatric patients.
How it works
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.
Is there a generic Fludeoxyglucose F 18?
No. The FDA has not approved a generic version yet.
Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.
Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.
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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID caaa9ab5-e3f4-489d-9f4c-0ecbee6fca83.