The Basics
What is Flutemetamol F 18?
Used with a positron emission tomography (PET) scan to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive problems.
Brand names for Flutemetamol F 18
Vizamyl
How Flutemetamol F 18 is classified
Radiopharmaceuticals, Fluorine Radioisotopes, Diagnostic Agents
Flutemetamol F 18 During Pregnancy
Flutemetamol 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 Flutemetamol F 18 while pregnant
It is not known whether Vizamyl can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or if it can affect reproduction capacity. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Vizamyl. All radiopharmaceuticals, including Vizamyl, have the potential to cause fetal harm. The likelihood of fetal harm depends on the stage of fetal development, and the magnitude of the radiopharmaceutical dose. Vizamyl should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Assess pregnancy status before administering Vizamyl to a female of reproductive potential.
Taking Flutemetamol F 18 While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Flutemetamol F 18?
Information in this record refers to the use of flutemetamol F 18 as a diagnostic agent. No information is available on the use of flutemetamol F 18 during breastfeeding. The manufacturer recommends withholding breastfeeding for 24 hours after a diagnostic dose of 185 MBq (5 mCi). This length of time is about 10 half-lives of fluoride F 18 and less than 0.01% of the radioactivity administered will remain in the body. 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]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Information in this record refers to the use of flutemetamol F 18 as a diagnostic agent. No information is available on the use of flutemetamol F 18 during breastfeeding. The manufacturer recommends withholding breastfeeding for 24 hours after a diagnostic dose of 185 MBq (5 mCi). This length of time is about 10 half-lives of fluoride F 18 and less than 0.01% of the radioactivity administered will remain in the body. 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]
Possible effects of Flutemetamol F 18 on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Flutemetamol 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.
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.
