Will Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) raise my risk for cancer?

Similar to many other diagnostic agents, Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) is radioactive. In general, the more you're exposed to something that's radioactive, the [higher your risk for cancer](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation). But please note that your healthcare provider will only use a very small amount of Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) for imaging. If you're concerned about the safety of Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) or other diagnostic agents, talk with your provider.

Can Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) be used to diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?

No. There isn't enough information to know if Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) is safe or works well to help diagnose [chronic traumatic encephalopathy](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/neurological/traumatic-brain-injury-recovery-stages), or CTE. Early research suggests it might not attach as well to the tau proteins found in people with CTE. Speak to your provider about other options.

Tauvid

Q: What is Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) ?

Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) is a radioactive tracer used during PET scans for people who are suspected to have Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specifically, this tracer helps your provider see if there are [tangled fibers](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-image-tau-pathology-patients-being-evaluated-alzheimers-disease) your brain, and if so, where they might be. Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) works by attaching to a protein called tau. In most people, [tau proteins](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease) help to maintain the structure of nerve cells in the brain. In people with AD, tau proteins build up and tangle with the other proteins, which causes damage to the nerve cells. Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) tags these abnormal proteins so your provider can see which nerve cells are affected.

Q: How is Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) given?

Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) is typically injected into the veins by a healthcare provider on your imaging day. It's given about an hour and a half before the PET scan.

flortaucipir F 18

Used for Diagnosis

Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) is the first radioactive tracer that's used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans for people with possible Alzheimer's disease (AD). It helps your provider to identify tangled nerve fibers in the brain, one of the hallmark traits of AD. Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) is given intravenously (IV) by a healthcare provider before your imaging study.

Reviewed by:

Ally Tsai, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on October 31, 2022

What is Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) ?

What is Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) used for?

PET scans to find certain neurofibrillary tangles (tangled fibers in the brain) in people with potential Alzheimer's disease

Are you looking for information on Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Tauvid
Drug Class	Diagnostic agent
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Tauvid

Drug Class

Diagnostic agent

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Tauvid

Tauvid is a radioactive tracer used during PET scans for people who are suspected to have Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specifically, this tracer helps your provider see if there are tangled fibers your brain, and if so, where they might be. Tauvid works by attaching to a protein called tau. In most people, tau proteins help to maintain the structure of nerve cells in the brain. In people with AD, tau proteins build up and tangle with the other proteins, which causes damage to the nerve cells. Tauvid tags these abnormal proteins so your provider can see which nerve cells are affected.

Tauvid is typically injected into the veins by a healthcare provider on your imaging day. It's given about an hour and a half before the PET scan.

Most people experience few to no side effects while using Tauvid as directed. Those who did report side effects experienced symptoms such as headache, injection site pain, and raised blood pressure. Let your provider know if you experience any of these side effects after the injection.

Similar to many other diagnostic agents, Tauvid is radioactive. In general, the more you're exposed to something that's radioactive, the higher your risk for cancer. But please note that your healthcare provider will only use a very small amount of Tauvid for imaging. If you're concerned about the safety of Tauvid or other diagnostic agents, talk with your provider.

No. There isn't enough information to know if Tauvid is safe or works well to help diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. Early research suggests it might not attach as well to the tau proteins found in people with CTE. Speak to your provider about other options.

Tauvid

What is Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) ?

What is Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) used for?

Are you looking for information on Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) instead?

Drug facts

Common questions about Tauvid

Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) dosage

Typical dosage for Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18)

Good news for your inbox

Common questions about Tauvid

What is Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) ?

What is Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) used for?

Are you looking for information on Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) instead?

Drug facts

Common questions about Tauvid

What is Tauvid?

How is Tauvid given?

What are some side effects of Tauvid?

Will Tauvid raise my risk for cancer?

Can Tauvid be used to diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?

Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18) dosage

Typical dosage for Tauvid (flortaucipir F 18)

Common questions about Tauvid

What is Tauvid?

How is Tauvid given?

What are some side effects of Tauvid?

Will Tauvid raise my risk for cancer?

Can Tauvid be used to diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?