Has your doctor recommended a PET scan because he suspects that your breast cancer has come back or has spread to another part of your body? If so, you may have heard that before the scan, you will be given a medicine called Fluoroestradiol F 18. You may have felt a little scared when you heard the name. What exactly is this medicine? What does it do? Is there anything to be afraid of? Okay, let's talk about all this very simply and clearly.
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What exactly is Fluoroestradiol F 18?
Simply put, this is a radiopharmaceutical . Don't be alarmed when you hear this word. What it means is that this medicine has a very small, controlled amount of radioactive material added to it. It is made in a very safe way that won't harm your body.
Think of it like using a flashlight to find something in a dark room, and this drug acts like a 'flashlight' for a PET scan. When this drug enters the body, it sticks to the areas where cancer cells are, making those areas appear bright and clear on the scan. This means that it can help your doctor find exactly where your cancer has spread.
This is mainly used in PET scans to determine whether breast cancer has recurred or spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) .
How can I give you this medicine?
This is not a pill or syrup that you take home. This is an injection into a vein . This injection is given to you in a hospital or clinic by a trained health care professional. This injection is usually given about an hour before the PET scan.
Also, remember, this is not a daily medication. It is a special medication that is given only for a one-time scan . So you don't have to worry about missing a dose.
This medicine is not usually given to children. However, if it is necessary to give it to a child in a very special case, it should be done under special care after discussing it with the pediatrician .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
This is a very important part. Before taking this medication, you should definitely discuss these points with your medical team.
| What you need to know | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Allergies you have Any allergies to this medicine, other medicines, foods, or dyes. | This will help you know in advance if you are at risk of having an allergic reaction to this medication. The medical team can then take the necessary steps accordingly. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | The radioactivity in this medicine can harm the unborn child. Therefore, this medicine is not given to pregnant mothers. |
| If you are breastfeeding your baby (Breast-feeding) | This medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. Therefore, your doctor will advise you on how long you should refrain from breastfeeding. |
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
You may already be taking some medications to treat breast cancer. Especially if you are taking medications like Fulvestrant or Tamoxifen , be sure to tell your doctor.
Because these two medications can interfere with the ability of Fluoroestradiol F 18 to attach to cancer cells, the results of the PET scan may not be accurate. Therefore, the doctor will decide whether to temporarily stop taking these medications before the scan.
Remember, it is very important to give your doctor a complete list of any other medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, not just these two names.
What are the side effects to watch out for?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. But most of the time, these are not serious. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor or medical staff immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | - Skin rash, itching or hives - Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat - Difficulty breathing |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Other side effects | - Changes in taste - Pain, redness or slight swelling at the injection site |
What to do if you overdose?
Since this medicine is given in a hospital, under the close supervision of medical professionals, the risk of overdose is very low. It is not something you can control. However, if you think that something has happened to you in any way, inform the medical staff who are taking care of you immediately. In an emergency, they will refer you to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) or, if necessary, seek advice from the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
💡 Take-Home Message
- Fluoroestradiol F 18 is a special radioactive drug injected into a vein that helps with PET scans to find out if breast cancer has spread.
- This is given by medical professionals in the hospital. It is not a medicine to be used at home.
- Before taking the medication, be sure to tell your doctor about all allergies you have, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and all other medications you are taking .
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as skin rash or facial swelling, notify the medical staff immediately.
- Don't be afraid of this test and the medication. Your medical team will take good care of you. Talk to them about any questions or concerns you may have.
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