Safety Information
Important Safety Information
Neuraceq® is a radioactive diagnostic agent indicated for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of the brain to estimate β-amyloid neuritic plaque density in adult patients with cognitive impairment who are being evaluated for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other causes of cognitive decline. A negative Neuraceq® scan indicates sparse to no neuritic plaques and is inconsistent with a neuropathological diagnosis of AD at the time of image acquisition; a negative scan result reduces the likelihood that a patient’s cognitive impairment is due to AD. A positive Neuraceq® scan indicates moderate to frequent amyloid neuritic plaques; neuropathological examination has shown this amount of amyloid neuritic plaque is present in patients with AD, but may also be present in patients with other types of neurologic conditions as well as older people with normal cognition. Neuraceq® is an adjunct to other diagnostic evaluations. (1).
Limitations of Use
- A positive Neuraceq® scan does not establish the diagnosis of AD or any other cognitive disorder (1).
- Safety and effectiveness of Neuraceq® have not been established for:
- Predicting development of dementia or other neurologic conditions (1)
- Monitoring responses to therapies (1).
Risk for Image Misinterpretation and Other Errors
Errors may occur in the Neuraceq® estimation of brain neuritic β-amyloid plaque density during image interpretation [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Image interpretation should be performed independently of the patient’s clinical information. The use of clinical information in the interpretation of Neuraceq® images has not been evaluated and may lead to errors. Errors may also occur in cases with severe brain atrophy that limits the ability to distinguish gray and white matter on the Neuraceq® scan. Errors may also occur due to motion artifacts that result in image distortion. Neuraceq® scan results are indicative of the presence of brain neuritic β-amyloid plaques only at the time of image acquisition and a negative scan result does not preclude the development of brain neuritic β-amyloid plaques in the future.
Radiation Risk
Neuraceq®, similar to other radiopharmaceuticals, 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 protect patients and health care workers from unintentional radiation exposure [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
For reporting of adverse events, please send us an email by clicking here, or use the FDA Medwatch reporting form (for adverse event reporting)