Flyrcado
Flurpiridaz F-18 · Injection · Intravenous
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FLYRCADO is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) under rest or stress (pharmacologic or exercise) in adult patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) to evaluate for myocardial ischemia and infarction. FLYRCADO is a radioactive diagnostic drug indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) under rest or stress (pharmacologic or exercise) in adult patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) to evaluate for myocardial ischemia and infarction. ( 1 )
Dosage and administration
Administer FLYRCADO via intravenous injection. ( 2.2 ) When rest and stress imaging are conducted on the same day, the recommended administered activities are ( 2.2 ): Rest imaging: 93 MBq to 111 MBq (2.5 mCi to 3 mCi) Pharmacologic stress imaging: 222 MBq to 241 MBq (6 mCi to 6.5 mCi) Exercise stress imaging: 333 MBq to 352 MBq (9 mCi to 9.5 mCi) When rest and stress imaging are conducted over two days, the recommended rest and stress administered activities, for both pharmacologic and exercise stress, are 93 MBq to 111 MBq (2.5 mCi to 3 mCi). ( 2.2 ) See full prescribing information for radiation safety, preparation, administration, imaging, and radiation dosimetry information. ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 ) 2.1 Radiation Safety – Drug Handling Handle FLYRCADO with appropriate safety measures to minimize radiation exposure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Use waterproof gloves and effective shielding, including lead-glass syringe shields, when handling and administering FLYRCADO. Radioactive drugs should be used by or under the control of healthcare providers 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. 2.2 Recommended Dosage, Preparation, and Administration Instructions Recommended Dosage The recommended activity for each type of examination is presented in Table 1. Administer two doses by intravenous injection, one for rest imaging and one for stress imaging, using either pharmacologic or exercise stress, in either a 1-day or 2-day protocol. If performing a combined exercise/pharmacologic stress protocol, administer the recommended activity for pharmacologic stress. When rest and stress imaging are performed on the same day, the recommended minimum stress activity is 2-fold the rest activity for pharmacologic stress and 3-fold the rest activity for exercise stress to provide adequate image quality and obscure residual signal from the first acquisition. The recommended maximum total volume administered in one day is 6.1 mL. Table 1 – Recommended Administered Activities of FLYRCADO in Adults for Rest and Stress Imaging Using Pharmacologic or Exercise Stress in a 1-Day or 2-Day Protocol Length of Protocol Activity for Rest Imaging Activity for Stress Imaging Pharmacologic Exercise 1 day 93 MBq to 111 MBq (2.5 mCi to 3 mCi) 222 MBq to 241 MBq (6 mCi to 6.5 mCi) 333 MBq to 352 MBq (9 mCi to 9.5 mCi) 2 days 93 MBq to 111 MBq (2.5 mCi to 3 mCi) 93 MBq to 111 MBq (2.5 mCi to 3 mCi) 93 MBq to 111 MBq (2.5 mCi to 3 mCi) Patient Preparation Instruct patients to drink water to ensure adequate hydration prior to administration of FLYRCADO and to continue drinking and voiding frequently during the first hours following administration to reduce radiation exposure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Drug Preparation Use aseptic technique and radiation shielding to withdraw and administer FLYRCADO. Calculate the necessary volume to administer based on calibration time and activity using a suitably calibrated instrument. Visually inspect FLYRCADO for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration and do not use if either is observed. Ensure the correct syringe is used and has adequate volume (at least 1 mL to 2 mL) so that the activity in the syringe can be administered without excessive dead volume loss. Measure patient dose using a dose calibrator immediately before administration. Do not use and discard FLYRCADO 8 hours after end of synthesis or when the activity falls below the activity requirement at the time of injection, whichever is earlier. FLYRCADO may be diluted aseptically with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Diluted product should be used within 8 hours after end of synthesis or when the activity falls below the activity requirement at the time of injection, whichever is earlier. Dispose of unused product in a safe manner and in compliance with applicable regulations. Administration Instructions Administer FLYRCADO via intravenous injection as a bolus lasting less than 10 seconds and immediately follow with a flush of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. The minimum time between rest and stress dose administration is: 30 minutes when using pharmacologic stress 60 minutes when using exercise stress When using pharmacologic stress, administer FLYRCADO at the time of peak vasodilation according to the prescribing information for the stress agent, using an intravenous port different from the one used for the stress agent. When using exercise stress, administer FLYRCADO after the patient reaches at least 85% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate or exhibits ischemic signs or symptoms. The patient should then continue to exercise for approximately 1 minute to 2 minutes after the injection. If the patient cannot achieve the target heart rate, the examination may be converted to pharmacologic stress. 2.3 Image Acquisition Instructions For rest and stress imaging, image reconstruction should include attenuation correction. Rest Imaging Begin the PET acquisition 5 minutes after FLYRCADO administration and acquire images for 10 minutes using a scanner in 3D mode. Pharmacologic Stress Imaging Begin the PET acquisition 5 minutes after FLYRCADO administration and acquire images for 10 minutes using a scanner in 3D mode. Optionally, dynamic imaging may be performed, starting immediately prior to the injection of FLYRCADO. Exercise Stress Imaging Once the patient has been positioned on the scanner and respiration has begun to return to normal, begin image acquisition (about 15 minutes to 25 minutes after administration of FLYRCADO). Acquire images for 10 minutes using a scanner in 3D mode. 2.4 Radiation Dosimetry Table 2 shows the estimated radiation absorbed doses per unit of injected activity.
Dosage forms and strengths
Injection: 190 MBq/mL to 2,050 MBq/mL (5 mCi/mL to 55 mCi/mL) of flurpiridaz F 18 at end of synthesis as a clear, colorless to yellow solution in a shielded multiple-dose vial with up to 30 mL fill volume. Injection: 190 MBq/mL to 2,050 MBq/mL (5 mCi/mL to 55 mCi/mL) of flurpiridaz F 18 at end of synthesis in a shielded multiple-dose vial with up to 30 mL fill volume ( 3 )
Contraindications
None. None ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Risk associated with exercise or pharmacologic stress: Serious adverse reactions such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, hypotension, broncho-constriction, stroke, and seizures may occur. Perform stress testing in the setting where cardiac resuscitation equipment and trained staff are readily available. When pharmacologic stress is selected, perform the procedure in accordance with the pharmacologic stress agent's prescribing information. ( 5.1 ) Radiation risks: Ensure safe handling to minimize radiation exposure to patients and health care providers. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Risks Associated with Exercise or Pharmacologic Stress Patients evaluated with exercise or pharmacologic stress may experience serious adverse reactions such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, hypotension, bronchoconstriction, stroke, and seizure. Perform stress testing in the setting where cardiac resuscitation equipment and trained staff are readily available. When pharmacologic stress is selected as an alternative to exercise, perform the procedure in accordance with the pharmacologic stress agent's prescribing information. 5.2 Radiation Risks FLYRCADO contributes to a patient's overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure. Long-term cumulative radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Ensure safe handling to minimize radiation exposure to patients and health care providers [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.4) ] . Advise patients to hydrate before and after administration and to void frequently after administration.
Side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Risks Associated with Exercise or Pharmacologic Stress [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Most common adverse reactions occurring during FLYRCADO PET MPI under rest and stress (pharmacologic or exercise) (incidence ≥ 2%) are dyspnea, headache, angina pectoris, chest pain, fatigue, ST segment changes, flushing, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and arrhythmia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact GE HealthCare at 1-800-654-0118 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety of FLYRCADO was evaluated in 1,600 subjects in clinical studies, including 1,575 (98%) subjects with known or suspected coronary artery disease and 25 (2%) healthy subjects. All 1,600 subjects were dosed under rest conditions, with a mean dose of 102 MBq (2.8 mCi) FLYRCADO. A total of 1,568 (98%) subjects were also dosed under stress (exercise or pharmacologic) conditions, with a mean activity of 252 MBq (6.8 mCi) FLYRCADO by intravenous route. The demographic characteristics of the study population were 31% female, mean age 62 years (range 19 years to 90 years), 81% White, 11% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 7% other or unreported race, and 10% Hispanic or Latino, 81% Not Hispanic or Latino, and 9% unreported ethnicity. Stress testing procedures are associated with serious adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% subjects receiving FLYRCADO during PET MPI under rest and stress (pharmacologic or exercise) are presented in Table 3. Table 3. Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥2% of Subjects During FLYRCADO PET MPI Under Rest and Stress (Pharmacologic or Exercise) Adverse Reaction FLYRCADO PET MPI Under Rest and Stress (Pharmacologic or Exercise) N=1,600 Includes 32 subjects who received only one dose at rest. % Dyspnea 17 Headache 15 Angina pectoris 10 Chest pain 8 Fatigue 7 ST segment changes 6 Flushing 5 Nausea 4 Abdominal pain 4 Dizziness 4 Arrhythmia 4 Adverse reactions occurring during FLYRCADO PET MPI under rest and stress (pharmacologic or exercise) in <2% of subjects included diarrhea, palpitations, back pain, cardiac conduction disturbance, rash, dysgeusia, cough, hypotension, anxiety, vomiting, pruritus, bronchospasm, dry mouth, blood pressure elevation, syncope, and wheezing.
Use in specific populations
Lactation: Temporarily discontinue breastfeeding. A lactating woman should pump and discard breastmilk for at least 8 hours after FLYRCADO administration. ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no data on use of flurpiridaz F 18 in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. All radiopharmaceuticals, including FLYRCADO, have the potential to cause fetal harm depending on the fetal stage of development and the magnitude of the radiation dose. If considering FLYRCADO administration to a pregnant woman, inform the patient about the potential for adverse pregnancy outcomes based on the radiation dose from flurpiridaz F 18 and the gestational timing of exposure. FLYRCADO contains ethanol (a maximum daily dose of 337 mg anhydrous ethanol). The lower limit of safety for ethanol use during pregnancy has not been established. Published studies have demonstrated that ethanol is associated with fetal harm including central nervous system abnormalities, behavioral disorders, and impaired intellectual development. If considering FLYRCADO administration to a pregnant woman, inform the patient about the potential for adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with ethanol exposure during pregnancy. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of flurpiridaz F 18 or its metabolites in human milk or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Based on clinical guidelines, exposure of FLYRCADO to a breastfed infant can be minimized by advising a lactating woman to temporarily discontinue breastfeeding and to pump and discard breast milk for a minimum of 8 hours after administration of FLYRCADO. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for FLYRCADO and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from FLYRCADO or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of FLYRCADO in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Of 1,600 subjects in clinical studies of FLYRCADO, 720 (45%) were 65 years of age and over and 181 (11%) were 75 years of age or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness of FLYRCADO have been observed between patients 65 years of age and older and younger adult patients.
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no data on use of flurpiridaz F 18 in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. All radiopharmaceuticals, including FLYRCADO, have the potential to cause fetal harm depending on the fetal stage of development and the magnitude of the radiation dose. If considering FLYRCADO administration to a pregnant woman, inform the patient about the potential for adverse pregnancy outcomes based on the radiation dose from flurpiridaz F 18 and the gestational timing of exposure. FLYRCADO contains ethanol (a maximum daily dose of 337 mg anhydrous ethanol). The lower limit of safety for ethanol use during pregnancy has not been established. Published studies have demonstrated that ethanol is associated with fetal harm including central nervous system abnormalities, behavioral disorders, and impaired intellectual development. If considering FLYRCADO administration to a pregnant woman, inform the patient about the potential for adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with ethanol exposure during pregnancy. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of FLYRCADO in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric use
8.5 Geriatric Use Of 1,600 subjects in clinical studies of FLYRCADO, 720 (45%) were 65 years of age and over and 181 (11%) were 75 years of age or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness of FLYRCADO have been observed between patients 65 years of age and older and younger adult patients.
Description
11.1 Chemical Characteristics FLYRCADO (flurpiridaz F 18) injection is a radioactive diagnostic drug for intravenous use. The molecular formula of flurpiridaz F 18 is C 18 H 22 Cl 18 FN 2 O 3 , the molecular mass is 367.8, and the structural formula is: Chemically, flurpiridaz F 18 is 2- tert -butyl-4-chloro-5-[[4-(2-( 18 F)fluoranylethoxymethyl)phenyl]methoxy]pyridazin-3-one. FLYRCADO is a sterile, preservative-free, non-pyrogenic, clear, colorless to yellow radioactive solution. Each mL contains 190 MBq to 2,050 MBq (5 mCi to 55 mCi) of flurpiridaz F 18 at end of synthesis, up to 2.3 mcg flurpiridaz, and the following inactive ingredients: 45 mg hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (as a solubilizer and co-radiostabilizer), 35 mg L-(+)-ascorbic acid (as a radiostabilizer), 8.2 mg sodium hydroxide, and 55.2 mg anhydrous ethanol, in water for injection. The pH of the solution is between 5.5 and 8. Chemical Structure 11.2 Physical Characteristics Fluorine-18 decays by positron (β+) emission and has a half-life of 109.8 minutes. The principal photons useful for diagnostic imaging are the 511 keV gamma photons, resulting from the interaction of the emitted positron with an electron. Principal emission data for fluorine-18 are shown in Table 4. Table 4 – Principal Radiation Emission Data for Fluorine-18 Radiation/Emission % per Disintegration Mean Energy (keV) Positron 96.7 249.8 Gamma 193.5 511 11.3 External Radiation The point source air-kerma rate constant for fluorine-18 is 3.74E-17 Gy m 2 /(Bq s); this coefficient was formerly defined as the specific gamma-ray constant of 5.7 R/hr/mCi at 1 cm. The first half-value thickness of lead (Pb) for fluorine-18 gamma rays is approximately 6 mm. The relative reduction of radiation emitted by fluorine-18 that results from various thicknesses of lead shielding is shown in Table 5. The use of about 8 cm of Pb will decrease the radiation transmission (i.e., exposure) by a factor of about 10,000. Table 5 - Radiation Attenuation of 511 keV Gamma Rays by Lead Shielding Shielding Thickness cm of Lead (Pb) Coefficient of Attenuation 0.6 0.5 2 0.1 4 0.01 6 0.001 8 0.0001
Mechanism of action
12.1 Mechanism of Action Flurpiridaz F 18 is an analog of the mitochondrial complex 1 (MC-1) inhibitor, pyridaben. Flurpiridaz F 18 is extracted by the myocardium proportional to the blood flow and binds to heart tissue that has biologically active mitochondria. Therefore, radioactivity in viable myocardium is higher than in infarcted tissue.
How supplied
How Supplied FLYRCADO (flurpiridaz F 18) injection is a clear, colorless to yellow solution containing 190 MBq/mL to 2,050 MBq/mL (5 mCi/mL to 55 mCi/mL) of flurpiridaz F 18 at end of synthesis, supplied in a shielded multiple-dose vial (NDC 0407-8787-01) with up to 30 mL fill volume. Storage and Handling Store FLYRCADO at 2°C to 30°C (36°F to 86°F); excursions to -20°C (-4°F) (up to 2 hours) or to 50°C (122°F) (up to 8 hours) may be permitted. Store FLYRCADO within radiation shielding. The product does not contain a preservative. Do not use and discard FLYRCADO 8 hours after end of synthesis or when the activity falls below the radioactivity requirement at the time of injection, whichever is earlier. The expiration date and time are provided on the shield label. Dispose of the product in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws and institutional requirements. This preparation is for use by persons licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the relevant regulatory authority of an Agreement State.
Storage
Storage and Handling Store FLYRCADO at 2°C to 30°C (36°F to 86°F); excursions to -20°C (-4°F) (up to 2 hours) or to 50°C (122°F) (up to 8 hours) may be permitted. Store FLYRCADO within radiation shielding. The product does not contain a preservative. Do not use and discard FLYRCADO 8 hours after end of synthesis or when the activity falls below the radioactivity requirement at the time of injection, whichever is earlier. The expiration date and time are provided on the shield label. Dispose of the product in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws and institutional requirements. This preparation is for use by persons licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the relevant regulatory authority of an Agreement State.
Patient information
Adequate Hydration Instruct patients to drink water to ensure adequate hydration prior to administration of FLYRCADO and to continue drinking and voiding frequently during the first hours following administration to reduce radiation exposure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Pregnancy Inform pregnant women of the risks of fetal exposure to radiation dose if they undergo a radionuclide procedure and the potential risk of exposure to ethanol which is present in FLYRCADO [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Lactation Advise a lactating woman to temporarily discontinue breastfeeding and to pump and discard breast milk for at least 8 hours after FLYRCADO administration to minimize radiation exposure to a breastfed infant [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2) ] .
Label text from the FDA structured product label by GE Healthcare Inc. (revised Jul 14, 2026). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Flurpiridaz F-18 in 1 product
Flyrcado NDC products (1)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0407-8787 | Flurpiridaz F-18 55 mCi/mL Injection | GE Healthcare Inc. | NDA |
Frequently asked questions
What is Flyrcado used for?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FLYRCADO is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) under rest or stress (pharmacologic or exercise) in adult patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) to evaluate for myocardial ischemia and infarction. FLYRCADO is a radioactive diagnostic drug indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial…
What are the side effects of Flyrcado?
The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Risks Associated with Exercise or Pharmacologic Stress [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Most common adverse reactions occurring during FLYRCADO PET MPI under rest and stress (pharmacologic or exercise) (incidence ≥ 2%) are dyspnea, headache, angina pectoris, chest pain, fatigue, ST segment changes, flushing,… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Flyrcado?
Flyrcado is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including GE Healthcare Inc..