Fludeoxyglucose F 18

Generic name: Fludeoxyglucose F 18 [ floo-de-oks-i-GLOO-kose-ef-AYE-teen ]
Drug class: Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 31, 2024.

Uses of Fludeoxyglucose F 18:

• It is used before a test to see parts of the body better.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Fludeoxyglucose F 18?

• If you have an allergy to fludeoxyglucose F 18 or any other part of fludeoxyglucose F 18.
• If you are allergic to fludeoxyglucose F 18; any part of fludeoxyglucose F 18; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed after the test is over for as long as your doctor has told you.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take fludeoxyglucose F 18 with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Fludeoxyglucose F 18?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take fludeoxyglucose F 18. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine is radioactive. You will need to follow what the doctor has told you to lessen being exposed to fludeoxyglucose F 18.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with your doctor.
• Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor.
• This medicine may raise the risk of cancer. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using fludeoxyglucose F 18 while you are pregnant.

How is this medicine (Fludeoxyglucose F 18) best taken?

Use fludeoxyglucose F 18 as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into a vein.
• Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids before the test as your doctor has told you.
• You will need to empty your bladder often after the test is over as your doctor has told you.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Tell your doctor if you have signs of high or low blood sugar like breath that smells like fruit, dizziness, fast breathing, fast heartbeat, feeling confused, feeling sleepy, feeling weak, flushing, headache, more thirsty or hungry, passing urine more often, shaking, or sweating.

What are some other side effects of Fludeoxyglucose F 18?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Fludeoxyglucose F 18?

• If you need to store fludeoxyglucose F 18 at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about fludeoxyglucose F 18, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer