SODIUM FLUORIDE F 18- sodium fluoride f-18 injection 
UCSF Radiopharmaceutical Facility

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HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

These highlights do not include all the information needed to use Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection.
SODIUM FLUORIDE F 18 INJECTION
For Intravenous Use
Initial U.S. Approval: January 2011

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection is a radioactive diagnostic agent for positron emission tomography (PET) indicated for imaging of bone to define areas of altered osteogenic activity (1).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

  • Sodium Fluoride F18 Injection emits radiation and must be handled with appropriate safety measures (2.1).
  • Administer 300-450 MBq (8–12 mCi) as an intravenous injection in adults (2.4).
  • Administer approximately 2.1 MBq/kg in children with a minimum of 19 MBq (0.5 mCi) and a maximum of 148 MBq (4 mCi) as an intravenous injection (2.5).
  • Imaging can begin 1–2 hours after administration; optimally at one hour post administration (2.7).
  • Encourage patients to void immediately prior to imaging the lumbar spine and bony pelvis (2.7).

DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Multiple-dose vial containing 370–7,400 MBq/mL (10–200 mCi/mL) of no-carrier-added sodium fluoride F18 at the end of synthesis (EOS) reference time in aqueous 0.9% sodium chloride solution (3). Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection is a clear, colorless, sterile, pyrogen-free and preservative-free solution for intravenous administration.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

None (4).

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  • Allergic Reactions: As with any injectable drug product, allergic reactions and anaphylaxis may occur. Emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel should be immediately available (5.1).
  • Cancer Risk: Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection may increase the risk of cancer. Use the smallest dose necessary for imaging and ensure safe handling to protect the patient and health care worker (5.2).

ADVERSE REACTIONS

No adverse reactions have been reported for Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection based on a review of the published literature, publicly available reference sources, and adverse drug reaction reporting systems (6). 



To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact UCSF Radiopharmaceutical Facility at 1-415-353-4435 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

  • Pregnancy: No human or animal data. Any radiopharmaceutical, including Sodium Fluoride F18 injection, may cause fetal harm. Use only if clearly needed (8.1)
  • Nursing: A decision should be made whether to interrupt nursing after Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection administration or not to administer Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection taking into consideration the importance of the drug to the mother. (8.3)
  • Pediatrics: Children are more sensitive to radiation and may be at higher risk of cancer from Sodium Fluoride F18 injection (8.4).

See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION.

Revised: 7/2018

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*

1INDICATIONS AND USAGE

2DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1Radiation Safety - Drug Handling

2.2Radiation Safety - Patient Preparation

2.3Drug Preparation and Administration

2.4Recommended Dose for Adults

2.5 Recommended Dose for Pediatric Patients

2.6Radiation Dosimetry

2.7Imaging Guidelines

3DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

4CONTRAINDICATIONS

5WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1Allergic Reactions

5.2Radiation Risks

6ADVERSE REACTIONS

7DRUG INTERACTIONS

8USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1Pregnancy

8.3Nursing Mothers

8.4Pediatric Use

11DESCRIPTION

11.1Chemical Characteristics

11.2Physical Characteristics

12CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1Mechanism of Action

12.2Pharmacodynamics

12.3Pharmacokinetics

13NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

14CLINICAL STUDIES

14.1Metastatic Bone Disease

14.2Other Bone Disorders

15REFERENCES

16HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

17PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

17.1Pre-study Hydration

17.2Post-study Voiding

*
Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not listed.

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

1INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection is indicated for diagnostic positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of bone to define areas of altered osteogenic activity.

2DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1Radiation Safety - Drug Handling

  • Wear waterproof gloves and effective shielding when handling Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection. Use appropriate safety measures, including shielding, consistent with proper patient management to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure to the patient, occupational workers, clinical personnel, and other persons.
  • Radiopharmaceuticals should be used by or under the control of physicians who are qualified by specific training and experience in the safe use and handling of radionuclides, and whose experience and training have been approved by the appropriate governmental agency authorized to license the use of radionuclides.
  • Use aseptic technique to maintain sterility during all operations involved in the manipulation and administration of Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection.
  • The dose of Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection should be minimized consistent with the objectives of the procedure, and the nature of the radiation detection devices employed.
  • The final dose for the patient should be calculated using proper decay factors from the time of End of Synthesis (EOS), and measured by a suitable radioactivity calibration system before administration [see Description (11.2)].

2.2Radiation Safety - Patient Preparation

  • To minimize the radiation-absorbed dose to the bladder, encourage adequate hydration. Encourage the patient to ingest at least 500 mL of fluid immediately prior and subsequent to the administration of Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection.
  • Encourage the patient to void one-half hour after administration of Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection and as frequently thereafter as possible for the next 12 hours.

2.3Drug Preparation and Administration

  • Calculate the necessary volume to administer based on calibration time and dose.
  • Inspect Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration, whenever solution and container permit.
  • Do not administer Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection containing particulate matter or discoloration; dispose of these unacceptable or unused preparations in a safe manner, in compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Aseptically withdraw Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection from its container.

2.4Recommended Dose for Adults

Administer 300–450 MBq (8–12 mCi) as an intravenous injection.   

2.5 Recommended Dose for Pediatric Patients

In reported clinical experience in approximately 100 children, weight based doses (2.1 MBq/kg) ranging from 19 MBq–148 MBq (0.5 mCi–4 mCi) were used.

2.6Radiation Dosimetry

The age/weight- based estimated absorbed radiation doses (mGy/MBq) from intravenous injection of Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection are shown in Table 1. These estimates were calculated based on human data and using the data published by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission [1] and the International Commission on Radiological Protection for Sodium Fluoride Injection [2]. The bone, bone marrow and urinary bladder are considered target and critical organs.

Table 1: Estimated Absorbed Radiation Doses after Intravenous Administration of Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection
OrganEstimated Radiation Dose mGy/MBq
Adult
70 kg [1]
15 year
56.8 kg [2]
10 year
33.2 kg [2]
5 year
19.8 kg [2]
1 year
9.7 kg [2]
Adrenals0.00620.0120.0180.0280.052
Brain0.0056N/AN/AN/AN/A
Bone
surfaces
0.0600.0500.0790.130.30
Breasts0.00280.00610.00970.0150.030
GIGallbladder wall0.0044N/AN/AN/AN/A
Stomach wall0.00380.0080.0130.0190.036
Small intestine0.00660.0120.0180.0280.052
Upper large intestine wall0.00580.0100.0160.0260.046
Lower large intestine wall0.0120.0160.0250.0370.063
Heart wall0.0039N/AN/AN/AN/A
Kidneys0.0190.0250.0360.0530.097
Liver0.00400.00840.0130.0210.039
Lungs0.00410.00840.0130.0200.039
Muscle0.0060N/AN/AN/AN/A
Ovaries0.0110.0160.0230.0360.063
Pancreas0.00480.00960.0150.0230.044
Red marrow0.0280.0530.0880.180.38
Skin0.0040N/AN/AN/AN/A
Spleen0.00420.00880.0140.0210.041
Testes0.00780.0130.0210.0330.062
Thymus0.0035N/AN/AN/AN/A
Thyroid0.00440.00840.0130.0200.036
Urinary bladder wall0.250.270.40.611.1
Uterus0.0190.0230.0370.0570.099
Other tissueN/A0.0100.0150.0240.044
Effective Dose Equivalent mSv/MBq0.0270.0340.0520.0860.17

[1] Data from Nuclear Regulatory Commission Report, Radiation Dose Estimates for Radiopharmaceuticals, NUREG/CR-6345, page 10, 1996.

[2] Data from ICRP publication 53, Radiation Dose to Patients from Radiopharmaceuticals , Ann ICRP, Volume 18, pages 15 and 74, 1987

2.7Imaging Guidelines

  • Imaging of Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection can begin 1–2 hours after administration; optimally at 1 hour post administration.
  • Encourage the patient to void immediately prior to imaging the fluoride F18 radioactivity in the lumbar spine or bony pelvis.

3DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Multiple-dose vial containing 370–7.400 MBq/mL (10–200 mCi/mL) at EOS reference time of no-carrier-added sodium fluoride F18 in aqueous 0.9% sodium chloride solution.  Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection is a clear, colorless, sterile, pyrogen-free and preservative-free solution for intravenous administration.

4CONTRAINDICATIONS

None.

5WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1Allergic Reactions

As with any injectable drug product, allergic reactions and anaphylaxis may occur. Emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel should be immediately available.

5.2Radiation Risks

Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection may increase the risk of cancer. Carcinogenic and mutagenic studies with Sodium Fluoride F18 injection have not been performed. Use the smallest dose necessary for imaging and ensure safe handling to protect the patient and health care worker [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

6ADVERSE REACTIONS

No adverse reactions have been reported for Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection based on a review of the published literature, publicly available reference sources, and adverse drug reaction reporting systems. However, the completeness of these sources is not known.

7DRUG INTERACTIONS

The possibility of interactions of Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection with other drugs taken by patients undergoing PET imaging has not been studied.

8USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C

Any radiopharmaceutical including Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection has a potential to cause fetal harm. The likelihood of fetal harm depends on the stage of fetal development, and the radionuclide dose. Animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have not been conducted with Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection. Prior to the administration of Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection to women of childbearing potential, assess for presence of pregnancy. Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

8.3Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection is excreted into human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to interrupt nursing after administration of Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection or not to administer Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. The body of scientific information related to radioactivity decay, drug tissue distribution and drug elimination shows that less than 0.01% of the radioactivity administered remains in the body after 24 hours (10 half-lives). To minimize the risks to a nursing infant, interrupt nursing for at least 24 hours.

8.4Pediatric Use

In reported clinical experience in approximately 100 children, weight based doses (2.1 MBq/kg) ranging from 19 MBq–148 MBq (0.5 mCi - 4 mCi) were used. Sodium Fluoride F18 was shown to localize to areas of bone turnover including rapidly growing epiphyses in developing long bones. Children are more sensitive to radiation and may be at higher risk of cancer from Sodium Fluoride F18 injection.

11DESCRIPTION

11.1Chemical Characteristics

Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection is a positron emitting radiopharmaceutical, containing no-carrier-added, radioactive fluoride F18 that is used for diagnostic purposes in conjunction with PET imaging. It is administered by intravenous injection. The active ingredient, sodium fluoride F18, has the molecular formula Na[18F] with a molecular weight of 40.99, and has the following chemical structure: 

Na+ 18F

Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection is provided as a ready-to-use, isotonic, sterile, pyrogen-free, preservative-free, clear and colorless solution. Each mL of the solution contains between 370 MBq to 7,400 MBq (10 mCi to 200 mCi) sodium fluoride F18, at the EOS reference time, in 0.9% aqueous sodium chloride. The pH of the solution is between 4.5 and 8. The solution is presented in 20 mL multiple- dose glass vials with variable total volume and total radioactivity in each vial.

11.2Physical Characteristics

Fluoride F18 decays by positron (β+) emission and has a half-life of 109.7 minutes. Ninety-seven percent of the decay results in emission of a positron with a maximum energy of 633 keV and 3% of the decay results in electron capture with subsequent emission of characteristic X-rays of oxygen. The principal photons useful for diagnostic imaging are the 511 keV gamma photons, resulting from the interaction of the emitted positron with an electron (Table 2). Fluorine F18 atom decays to stable 18O-oxygen.

Table 2: Principal Emission Data for Fluoride F18
Radiation/Emission% per DisintegrationMean Energy
Positron (β+)96.73249.8 keV
Gamma (±)*193.46511.0 keV

* Produced by positron annihilation

[3] Kocher, D.C. Radioactive Decay Data Tables DOE/TIC-11026, 69, 1981.

The specific gamma ray constant for fluoride F18 is 5.7 R/hr/mCi (1.35 x 10-6 Gy/hr/kBq) at 1 cm. The half-value layer (HVL) for the 511 keV photons is 4.1 mm lead (Pb). A range of values for the attenuation of radiation results from the interposition of various thickness of Pb. The range of attenuation coefficients for this radionuclide is shown in Table 3. For example, the interposition of an 8.3 mm thickness of Pb with a coefficient of attenuation of 0.25 will decrease the external radiation by 75%.

Table 3:Radiation Attenuation of 511 keV Photons by Lead (Pb) Shielding
Shield Thickness (Pb) mmCoefficient of Attenuation
00.00
40.50
80.25
130.10
260.01
390.001
520.0001

Table 4 lists the fraction of radioactivity remaining at selected time intervals from the calibration time. This information may be used to correct for physical decay of the radionuclide.

Table 4: Physical Decay Chart for Fluoride F18
Time Since CalibrationFraction Remaining
0*1.00
15 minutes0.909
30 minutes0.826
60 minutes0.683
110 minutes0.500
220 minutes0.250
440 minutes0.060
12 hours0.011
24 hours0.0001

* Calibration time

12CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1Mechanism of Action

Fluoride F18 ion normally accumulates in the skeleton in an even fashion, with greater deposition in the axial skeleton (e.g. vertebrae and pelvis) than in the appendicular skeleton and greater deposition in the bones around joints than in the shafts of long bones.

12.2Pharmacodynamics

Increased fluoride F18 ion deposition in bone can occur in areas of increased osteogenic activity during growth, infection, malignancy (primary or metastatic) following trauma, or inflammation of bone.

12.3Pharmacokinetics

After intravenous administration, fluoride F18 ion is rapidly cleared from the plasma in a biexponential manner. The first phase has a half-life of 0.4 h, and the second phase has a half-life of 2.6 h. Essentially all the fluoride F18 that is delivered to bone by the blood is retained in the bone. One hour after administration of fluoride, F18 only about 10% of the injected dose remains in the blood. Fluoride F18 diffuses through capillaries into bone extracellular fluid space, where it becomes bound by chemisorption at the surface of bone crystals, preferentially at sites of newly mineralizing bone.

Deposition of fluoride F18 in bone appears to be primarily a function of blood flow to the bone and the efficiency of the bone in extracting the fluoride F18. Fluoride F18 does not appear to be bound to serum proteins.

In patients with normal renal function, 20% or more of the fluorine ion is cleared from the body in the urine within the first 2 hours after intravenous administration.

13NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Studies to assess reproductive toxicity, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis potential of Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection have not been performed. 

14CLINICAL STUDIES

14.1Metastatic Bone Disease

The doses used in reported studies ranged from 2.7 mCi to 20 mCi (100 MBq to 740 MBq), with an average median dose of 10 mCi (370 MBq) and an average mean dose of 9.2 mCi (340 MBq). In PET imaging of bone metastases with Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection, focally increased tracer uptake is seen in both osteolytic and osteoblastic bone lesions. Negative PET imaging results with Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection do not preclude the diagnosis of bone metastases. Also, as benign bone lesions are also detected by Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection, positive PET imaging results cannot replace biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of cancer.

14.2Other Bone Disorders

The doses used in reported studies ranged from 2.43 mCi to 15 mCi (90 MBq to 555 MBq), with an average median dose of 8.0 mCi (300 MBq) and an average mean dose of 7.6 mCi (280 MBq).

15REFERENCES

  1. Stabin, M.G., Stubbs, J.B. and Toohey R.E., Radiation Dose Estimates for Radiopharmaceuticals, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission report NUREG/CR-6345, page 10, 1996.
  2. Radiation Dose to Patients from Radiopharmaceuticals, ICRP publication 53, Ann ICRP, 18 pages 15 and 74, 1987
  3. Kocher, D.C., "Radioactive Decay Data Tables: A Handbook of decay data for application to radiation dosimetry and radiological assessments" DOE/TIC-11026, page 69, 1981.

16HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

Sodium Fluoride F 18 Injection is supplied in a multiple-dose Type I glass vial with elastomeric stopper and aluminum crimp seal containing between 370 and 7,400 MBq/mL (10–200 mCi/mL) of no carrier-added sodium fluoride F18, at the EOS reference time, in aqueous 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The total volume and total radioactivity per vial are variable. Each vial is enclosed in a shielded container of appropriate thickness.

The product is available in a 20 mL vial configuration with a variable fill volume. The NDC number is:

24275-0285-1 (20 mL)

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F) in a shielded container; excursions permitted to 15–30°C (59–86°F). Use the solution within 12 hours of the EOS reference time.

Handling

Receipt, transfer, handling, possession, or use of this product is subject to the radioactive material regulations and licensing requirements of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Agreement States or Licensing States as appropriate.

17PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

17.1Pre-study Hydration

Encourage patients to drink at least 500 mL of water prior to drug administration.

17.2Post-study Voiding

To help protect themselves and others in their environment, patients should take the following precautions for 12 hours after injection: whenever possible, use a toilet and flush several times after each use; wash hands thoroughly after each voiding or fecal elimination. If blood, urine or feces soil clothing, wash the clothing separately.

Manufactured by:

UCSF Radiopharmaceutical Facility
185 Berry Street
San Francisco, CA 94107

Drug Product Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

SODIUM FLUORIDE  F 18
sodium fluoride f-18 injection
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:24275-0285
Route of AdministrationINTRAVENOUS
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
SODIUM FLUORIDE F-18 (UNII: 9L75099X6R) (FLUORIDE ION F-18 - UNII:4M4WE5N2GE) FLUORIDE ION F-18200 mCi  in 1 mL
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:24275-0285-120 mL in 1 VIAL, GLASS; Type 0: Not a Combination Product11/01/2009
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA20443711/01/200912/01/2021
Labeler - UCSF Radiopharmaceutical Facility (831727388)
Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
UCSF Radiopharmaceutical Facility831727388POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY DRUG PRODUCTION(24275-0285)

Revised: 1/2022
 
UCSF Radiopharmaceutical Facility