Piflufolastat f 18 (Intravenous)
Generic name: piflufolastat f 18 [ pif-loo-FOE-la-stat-F-18 ]
Brand name: Pylarify
Drug class: Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 28, 2024.
Uses for piflufolastat f 18
Piflufolastat F 18 injection is used with a PET scan (positron emission tomography) of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positive lesions in men with prostate cancer. It is given in patients with suspected metastasis (cancer that has spread to the other parts of the body) who are candidates for initial treatment and with suspected recurrence (cancer that keeps coming back) based on an increased serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.
Piflufolastat F 18 is a radiopharmaceutical. Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive agents, which may be used to find and treat certain diseases or to study the function of the body's organs.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor with specialized training in nuclear medicine.
Before using piflufolastat f 18
In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks of the test must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. Also, other things may affect test results. For this test, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of piflufolastat F 18 injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of piflufolastat F 18 injection in the elderly.
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Proper use of piflufolastat f 18
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.
Drink enough water to be hydrated before the PET scan.
You will need to urinate right away and as often as possible for the first few hours after the PET scan.
Related/similar drugs
Pylarify, choline c-11, Flyrcado, Locametz, Neuraceq, Amyvid
Precautions while using piflufolastat f 18
It is very important that your doctor check you 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.
This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have a difficulty in breathing or swallowing, fast heartbeat, skin itching, rash, or redness, or swelling of the face, throat, or tongue after you receive the injection.
While receiving this medicine, you will be exposed to radiation and increase risk of cancer. If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor.
Side Effects of piflufolastat f 18
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
- Difficulty with breathing or swallowing
- fast heartbeat
- skin itching, rash, or redness
- swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Change in taste
- headache
- loss of taste
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
- Pain, redness, or irritation at the injection site
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Pylarify
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Diagnostic Agent, Radiopharmaceutical Imaging
More about piflufolastat F 18
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.