What is TAUVID used for?

TAUVID is used during PET brain scans to help estimate the amount of tau protein tangles in adults being evaluated for Alzheimer's disease.

Can TAUVID be used to diagnose Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?

No, TAUVID is not intended for use in evaluating patients for chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

What are the common side effects of TAUVID?

The most common side effects reported include headache, pain at the injection site, and increased blood pressure.

Is TAUVID safe for pregnant women?

Because TAUVID is radioactive, it may cause harm to a fetus. It is recommended to assess pregnancy status before administration.

How long after the injection does the brain scan happen?

Imaging is typically started about 80 minutes after the drug is injected.

Does a negative TAUVID scan mean I definitely don't have Alzheimer's?

Not necessarily; a negative scan may not detect all tau pathology, so additional evaluation may be needed.

Can elderly patients take TAUVID?

Yes, studies have shown no differences in safety or effectiveness for patients 65 and older compared to younger adults.

Is TAUVID safe for children?

The safety and effectiveness of TAUVID in pediatric patients have not been established.

Flortaucipir F-18 | CAS 1522051-90-6 | GETAAWDSFUCLBS

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Radioactive diagnostic agent

TAUVID (flortaucipir F 18) is a radioactive diagnostic agent used in brain imaging (PET scans). It helps doctors estimate the amount and location of tau protein tangles in adults with memory or thinking problems who are being checked for Alzheimer's disease.

How it worksThe drug works by binding to aggregated tau proteins in the brain. These proteins form tangles that are a key part of Alzheimer's disease.

Brand names:TAUVID

Used for

Brain PET imaging to estimate tau neurofibrillary tangle density in adults with cognitive impairment being evaluated for Alzheimer's disease

Conditions

Alzheimer's disease (evaluation of tau pathology)

Class

RadiopharmaceuticalDiagnostic AgentRadioactive diagnostic agentNervous system

How to take

FormsIntravenous injection

RoutesIntravenous

The recommended dose is 370 MBq (10 mCi) given as a single injection into a vein. Imaging usually begins about 80 minutes after the injection.

This is a radioactive drug and must be handled by trained professionals using special safety shields and gloves to minimize radiation exposure. It is not used to evaluate Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

Key warnings

·Risk of misdiagnosis for Alzheimer's disease: A negative scan does not completely rule out Alzheimer's, and a positive scan can sometimes be a false positive.
·Not for CTE: The safety and effectiveness of TAUVID have not been proven for patients being evaluated for chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
·Radiation safety: Healthcare workers and patients must take precautions to limit unnecessary radiation exposure.

Do not use if

·None listed

Side effects

Common

HeadachePain at the injection siteIncreased blood pressure

Serious

·Radiation exposure risks if not handled properly

Seek help if

·Headache
·Injection site pain
·Increased blood pressure

Interactions

·MAO-B inhibitors like rasagiline may slightly reduce the signal of the scan in certain areas of the brain, though it may not affect the overall result.

Special populations

PregnancyBecause TAUVID is radioactive, it could potentially harm a developing fetus. While it is unlikely to be used in women of childbearing age, doctors should check pregnancy status before use. There is no specific data on its use in pregnant women.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of TAUVID in children have not been established.

GeriatricNo differences in safety or effectiveness were found in patients 65 years and older compared to younger adults.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Headache
·Pain at the injection site
·Blood pressure changes

Questions to ask

·What are the risks of radiation exposure during this scan?
·Could a negative TAUVID scan result in a misdiagnosis?
·How should I prepare for the 80-minute wait after injection?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetLess than 10% of radioactivity in blood by 5 minutes; less than 5% by 10 minutes.

Half-life109.8 minutes

DurationDuring 80-100 minute imaging window, 28% to 34% is parent drug.

MetabolismPrimarily cleared by hepatobiliary and renal excretion.

ExcretionHepatobiliary and renal excretion.

Practical

StorageStore at room temperature (25°C / 77°F), with allowed ranges between 15°C and 30°C. Keep upright in a shielded container.

Ingredients

Allergens

none

Inactive

L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate USPdibasic sodium phosphate anhydrous USPhydrogen chloridedehydrated alcohol0.9% sodium chloride injection USP

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.