Will Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) raise my risk for cancer?

Similar to many other diagnostic agents, Pylarify (piflufolastat 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 Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) for imaging, so it's [considered very safe](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/prostate-cancer/what-is-a-pet-scan). Make sure to drink a lot of water and urinate often before, during, and for a few hours after you've received Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18). This can help to wash any leftover radioactive tracer out of your body. If you're concerned about the safety of Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) or other diagnostic agents, talk with your provider.

What should I know about Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) and my medications for prostate cancer?

Before your imaging, let your provider know what medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements. Some medications used for prostate cancer, such as [Lupron Depot (leuprolide)](https://www.goodrx.com/lupron-depot/what-is) or [Firmagon (degarelix)](https://www.goodrx.com/firmagon/what-is), might change how much Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) gets absorbed by the prostate cancer cells. Talk with your provider if you've any questions about interactions with this medication.

Pylarify

Q: What is Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18)?

Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) is a radioactive tracer used during [PET scans](https://www.pylarify.com/patient/about) to help your provider see where the prostate cancer cells are in your body. It's used for males with prostate cancer that has either spread to other organs or has come back after a period of time (recurrence). Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) contains a tracer called fluorine-18. It works by attaching to a protein called prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). This protein is found on the surface of most prostate cancer cells. By [attaching to PSMA](https://www.pylarify.com/pca-imaging#:~:text=targets%20PSMA15-,PYLARIFY,-%C2%AE%20binds%20to%20the), Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) tags these cancer cells. Your provider is then able to see where the cancer cells are.

Q: How is Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) given?

Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) is typically injected into the veins by a healthcare provider on your imaging day. It's given 60 minutes before the PET scan. Make sure to stay hydrated and urinate frequently before, during, and after receiving Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18). Doing so can help to lower the risk of radiation exposure.

Piflufolastat F 18

Used for Diagnosis

Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) is a radioactive tracer that's used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans for males with certain types of prostate cancer. It helps your provider to determine whether cancer cells have spread from the prostate to other organs, or have come back after a period of time. Pylarify (piflufolastat 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 20, 2022

What is Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18)?

What is Pylarify (piflufolastat F 18) used for?

PET scans to find cancer cells in:

Men with treatable prostate cancer that might have spread to other organs
Men with a history of prostate cancer that has come back based on high levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA)

Are you looking for information on Locametz (gallium GA 68 gozetotide) instead?

Drug facts

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

Common Brands

Pylarify

Drug Class

Diagnostic agent

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Pylarify

Pylarify is a radioactive tracer used during PET scans to help your provider see where the prostate cancer cells are in your body. It's used for males with prostate cancer that has either spread to other organs or has come back after a period of time (recurrence). Pylarify contains a tracer called fluorine-18. It works by attaching to a protein called prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). This protein is found on the surface of most prostate cancer cells. By attaching to PSMA, Pylarify tags these cancer cells. Your provider is then able to see where the cancer cells are.

Pylarify is typically injected into the veins by a healthcare provider on your imaging day. It's given 60 minutes before the PET scan. Make sure to stay hydrated and urinate frequently before, during, and after receiving Pylarify. Doing so can help to lower the risk of radiation exposure.

Most people experience few to no side effects while using Pylarify as directed. Common side effects include headache (2%), unusual taste in the mouth (2%), and feeling tired (1%). As with any medication, there's a chance that you might experience an allergic reaction with Pylarify. Let your provider know about your history of allergies before getting a PET scan. Tell your provider right away if you experience wheezing, dizziness, rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the tongue or throat.

Similar to many other diagnostic agents, Pylarify 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 Pylarify for imaging, so it's considered very safe. Make sure to drink a lot of water and urinate often before, during, and for a few hours after you've received Pylarify. This can help to wash any leftover radioactive tracer out of your body. If you're concerned about the safety of Pylarify or other diagnostic agents, talk with your provider.

Before your imaging, let your provider know what medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements. Some medications used for prostate cancer, such as Lupron Depot (leuprolide) or Firmagon (degarelix), might change how much Pylarify gets absorbed by the prostate cancer cells. Talk with your provider if you've any questions about interactions with this medication.