What is VIZAMYL used for?

VIZAMYL is used during a PET scan to check for amyloid beta plaques in the brain to help evaluate Alzheimer's disease.

Can I take VIZAMYL if I am allergic to polysorbate 80?

No, you should not use VIZAMYL if you have a known allergy to polysorbate 80 or the drug itself.

What are the common side effects of VIZAMYL?

The most common side effects are flushing, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and increased blood pressure.

Is VIZAMYL safe for pregnant women?

There is no data on its use in pregnancy, but the radiation could potentially harm a fetus.

How should I handle radiation after my VIZAMYL injection?

You should drink plenty of water before and after the injection and urinate frequently to help clear the radiation.

Does VIZAMYL work differently in older adults?

Studies show no significant difference in how safe or effective VIZAMYL is for seniors compared to younger adults.

What should I do if I have a severe allergic reaction to VIZAMYL?

A healthcare provider should immediately stop the injection and provide emergency treatment.

Are there risks if too much VIZAMYL is given?

An overdose increases radiation exposure, which may lead to long-term risks like neoplasia (cancer).

Flutemetamol F-18 | CAS 765922-62-1 | VVECGOCJFKTUAX

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Radioactive diagnostic agent

VIZAMYL (flutemetamol F 18) is a radioactive injection used during a brain PET scan. It helps doctors estimate the amount of amyloid beta plaques in the brain of adults with cognitive issues to help evaluate Alzheimer's disease or select patients for specific therapies.

How it worksThe drug travels through the blood to the brain and sticks to amyloid beta plaques. The radioactive part of the drug then sends out a signal that a PET scanner can pick up to create an image.

Brand names:VIZAMYL

Used for

Estimating amyloid beta plaque density in the brainEvaluating Alzheimer's disease and other causes of cognitive declineHelping select patients for amyloid beta-directed therapies

Conditions

Alzheimer's diseaseCognitive decline

Class

RadiopharmaceuticalDiagnostic AgentRadioactive diagnostic agentCentral Nervous System

How to take

FormsInjection (Intravenous)

RoutesIntravenous

The standard dose is 185 MBq (5 mCi) given as a single injection into a vein over 40 seconds, followed by a saline flush.

This drug is administered by healthcare professionals in a clinical setting.

Key warnings

·Risk of severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.
·Potential for errors in interpreting the brain images.
·Radiation exposure contributes to long-term cumulative radiation levels.
·Patients should drink plenty of fluids before and after the procedure and urinate frequently.

Do not use if

·Do not use if you have a known allergy to flutemetamol F 18 or polysorbate 80.

Side effects

Common

FlushingIncreased blood pressureHeadacheNauseaDizziness

Serious

·Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) including trouble breathing, flushing, and low blood pressure

Seek help if

·Difficulty breathing
·Chest pressure
·Severe flushing
·Low blood pressure

Interactions

·In clinical studies, the drug's effectiveness was not affected by medications like donepezil, galantamine, memantine, or rivastigmine.

Special populations

PregnancyThere is no data on how VIZAMYL affects pregnant women. Because it is radioactive, it could potentially harm a developing fetus. The risk depends on the stage of pregnancy and the amount of radiation exposure.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of VIZAMYL have not been tested in children.

GeriatricIn clinical studies, no major differences in safety or effectiveness were found in patients aged 65 and older compared to younger adults.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Allergic reactions (flushing, breathing issues)
·Blood pressure
·Headache
·Nausea

Questions to ask

·Am I a candidate for amyloid beta-directed therapy?
·What are the radiation risks for me?
·Should I drink extra fluids before my scan?

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life109.8 minutes (physical half-life of F 18)

MetabolismExcretion is approximately 37% renal and 52% hepatobiliary.

ExcretionRenal (28% to 45%) and hepatobiliary (40% to 65%)

Practical

OverdoseThe main risk of an overdose is increased radiation exposure, which may carry long-term risks like cancer. If an overdose occurs, staying hydrated and urinating frequently is encouraged to help clear the radiation.

StorageStore in the original container within radiation shielding at room temperature (between 36°F and 86°F).

DisposalDispose of unused product according to local and federal laws for radioactive materials.

Ingredients

Allergens

None identified

Inactive

ethanolsodium chloridepolysorbate 80aqueous phosphate buffer

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