The Basics
What is Florbetapir F 18?
Used in adults to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive problems.
Brand names for Florbetapir F 18
Amyvid
How Florbetapir F 18 is classified
Radiopharmaceuticals, Fluorine Radioisotopes, Diagnostic Agents
Florbetapir F 18 During Pregnancy
Florbetapir F 18 pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Florbetapir F 18 while pregnant
It is not known whether Amyvid can affect reproductive capacity or cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Amyvid. Amyvid should be administered to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. All radiopharmaceuticals, including Amyvid, have a potential to cause fetal harm. The likelihood of fetal harm depends on the stage of fetal development and the magnitude of the radiopharmaceutical dose. Assess pregnancy status before administering Amyvid to a female of reproductive potential.
Taking Florbetapir F 18 While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Florbetapir F 18?
Information in this record refers to the use of florbetapir 18 as a diagnostic agent. No information is available on the use of florbetapir 18 during breastfeeding. The manufacturer recommends withholding breastfeeding for 24 hours after a diagnostic dose of 370 MBq (10 mCi). This length of time is greater than 10 half-lives of the radioisotope, so the nursing infant should not be exposed to radiation if this guideline is followed. The mother can nurse just before administration of the radiopharmaceutical. If the mother has expressed and saved milk prior to the examination, she can feed it to the infant during the period of nursing interruption.[1][2][3] Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[4]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Information in this record refers to the use of florbetapir 18 as a diagnostic agent. No information is available on the use of florbetapir 18 during breastfeeding. The manufacturer recommends withholding breastfeeding for 24 hours after a diagnostic dose of 370 MBq (10 mCi). This length of time is greater than 10 half-lives of the radioisotope, so the nursing infant should not be exposed to radiation if this guideline is followed. The mother can nurse just before administration of the radiopharmaceutical. If the mother has expressed and saved milk prior to the examination, she can feed it to the infant during the period of nursing interruption.[1][2][3] Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[4]
Possible effects of Florbetapir F 18 on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Florbetapir F 18
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Howe DB, Beardsley M, Bakhsh S. Appendix U. Model procedure for release of patients or human research subjects administered radioactive materials. In, NUREG-1556. Consolidated guidance about materials licenses. Program-specific guidance about medical use licenses. Final report. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. 2008;9, Rev. 2. http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1556/v9/r2/
2. Mountford PJ, Coakley AJ. A review of the secretion of radioactivity in human breast milk: data, quantitative analysis and recommendations. Nucl Med Commun. 1989;10:15-27. PMID: 2645546
3. Early PJ, Sodee DB. Principles and practice of nuclear medicine. 2nd ed. St. Louis. Mosby-Year Book, Inc. 1995:1380-1.
4. Stabin MG, Breitz HB. Breast milk excretion of radiopharmaceuticals: mechanisms, findings, and radiation dosimetry. J Nucl Med. 2000;41:863-73. PMID: 10809203
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.