Florbetapir F-18 injection is usually used in adults for diagnostic purposes rather than therapeutic uses. It helps to diagnose Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive (mental) dysfunctions.
It is also used in positron emission tomography (PET) scan that helps the physicians to see an image of the brain. This drug belongs to the group of medicines known as radiopharmaceuticals (radioactive agents).
This medicine must be given only by or under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional. This product is available in solution form in the market and you can get this drug only with your doctor’s prescription.
If you are about to start a drug therapy, the risk-benefit ratio of taking the drug should be considered carefully. This is a decision that your doctor will make with your active participation.
There are some important factors such as drug interactions, metabolic impairment, hypersensitivity reaction, pregnancy, lactation etc. which may alter the desired therapeutic effects of such medications.
Sometimes the presence of other health disorders affects the beneficial effects of this medicine and even may cause serious toxic effects.
Make sure you mention your doctor if you have any other health disorders like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiac abnormalities, hepatic or renal dysfunction etc. It is mandatory to tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines.
Certain drugs should not be used simultaneously when you are receiving such medications. It is always recommended to consult with your doctor if you are in need of some other medicines for another health disorder so that you can avoid unwanted serious effects.
In addition, it is advised not to use any over-the-counter drug while undergoing this drug therapy.
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant as well as lactating women.
Thus, this drug should not be used in pregnant as well as lactating mothers. But potential benefits may warrant the use of such medicines despite potential risks.
This drug is only given to the patients in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or another trained healthcare professional.
This medicine is administered intravenously just before you have a PET scan. This drug is actually used to facilitate the imaging technique.
After receiving this medicine, you will be exposed to radiation. That’s why; it is always recommended to adopt safety measures to avoid radiation hazards.
The healthcare professional will demonstrate you all the necessary guidelines before starting the procedure.
There are some unwanted side effects associated with each drug that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects usually go away during the treatment episode as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Your healthcare professional may advise you about the ways how to prevent or reduce those unwanted adverse effects. Florbetapir F-18 is a drug which may cause some adverse effects but rarely. A patient should check with his/her healthcare professional if any of the following side effects is noticed:
