HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use
AXUMIN safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for
AXUMIN.
AXUMIN (fluciclovine F 18) injection, for intravenous use
Initial U.S. Approval: 2016
-----------------------------INDICATIONS AND USAGE-------------------------Axumin is a radioactive diagnostic agent indicated for positron emission
tomography (PET) imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence
based on elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior
treatment (1).
--------------------------DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION-------------------­
•  Use appropriate radiation safety handling measures (2.1).
•  Aseptically withdraw Axumin from its container and administer 370 MBq
(10 mCi) as a bolus intravenous injection. (2.2).
•  Initiate imaging 3-5 minutes after administration. Scanning should start
from mid-thigh and proceed to base of skull, with a total scan time of
approximately 20-30 minutes (2.4).
•  The (radiation absorbed) effective dose associated with 370 MBq (10 mCi)
of injected activity of Axumin is approximately 8 mSv (0.8 rem) in an adult
(2.6).

----------------------DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS--------------------­
Injection: clear, colorless solution in a 30 mL multiple-dose vial containing
335-8200 MBq/mL (9-221 mCi/mL) fluciclovine F 18 at calibration time and
date (3).
-----------------------------CONTRAINDICATIONS-------------------------------­
None (4)
------------------------WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS----------------------­
•  Image interpretation errors can occur with Axumin imaging (5.1).
•  Radiation risk: Axumin contributes to a patient’s long-term cumulative
radiation exposure. Ensure safe handling to protect patients and health care
workers from unintentional radiation exposure (2.1, 5.3).
-------------------------------ADVERSE REACTIONS-----------------------------­
Most commonly reported adverse reactions are injection site pain, erythema,
and dysgeusia (6.1).
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Blue Earth
Diagnostics, Ltd at 1-855-AXUMIN1 (1-855-298-6461) or FDA at 1-800­
FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
Revised: 5/2016

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1
Radiation Safety - Drug Handling
2.2
Recommended Dose and Administration Instructions
2.3
Patient Preparation Prior to PET Imaging
2.4
Image Acquisition Guidelines
2.5
Image Display and Interpretation
2.6
Radiation Dosimetry
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
5.1
Risk for Image Misinterpretation
5.2
Hypersensitivity Reactions
5.3
Radiation Risks
6  ADVERSE REACTIONS
Clinical Trials Experience
8  USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1
Pregnancy
8.2
Lactation
8.3
Pediatric Use
8.4
Geriatric Use

10 OVERDOSAGE
11 DESCRIPTION
11.1 Chemical Characteristics
11.2 Physical Characteristics
11.3 External Radiation
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of action
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
16.1 How Supplied
16.2 Storage and Handling
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

*Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not
listed.

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 FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
1

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Axumin is indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) in men with suspected prostate cancer
recurrence based on elevated blood prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels following prior treatment.
2

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Radiation Safety - Drug Handling
Axumin is a radioactive drug and should be handled with appropriate safety measures to minimize
radiation exposure during administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Use waterproof gloves
and effective shielding, including syringe shields, when handling and administering Axumin.
2.2 Recommended Dose and Administration Instructions
The recommended dose is 370 MBq (10 mCi) administered as an intravenous bolus injection.
• Inspect Axumin visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration. Do not use
the drug if the solution contains particulate matter or is discolored.
• Use aseptic technique and radiation shielding when withdrawing and administering Axumin.
• Calculate the necessary volume to administer based on calibration time and date, using a suitably
calibrated instrument. The recommended maximum volume of injection of undiluted Axumin is
5mL.
• Axumin may be diluted with Sodium Chloride Injection, 0.9%.
• After the Axumin injection, administer an intravenous flush of sterile Sodium Chloride Injection,
0.9% to ensure full delivery of the dose.
• Dispose of any unused drug in a safe manner in compliance with applicable regulations.
2.3 Patient Preparation Prior to PET Imaging
• Advise the patient to avoid any significant exercise for at least one day prior to PET imaging.
• Advise patients not to eat or drink for at least 4 hours (other than small amounts of water for taking
medications) prior to administration of Axumin.
2.4 Image Acquisition Guidelines
Position the patient supine with arms above the head. Begin PET scanning 3 to 5 minutes after
completion of the Axumin injection. It is recommended that image acquisition should start from midthigh and proceed to the base of the skull. Typical total scan time is between 20 to 30 minutes.
2.5 Image Display and Interpretation
Localization of prostate cancer recurrence in sites typical for prostate cancer recurrence is based on
fluciclovine F 18 uptake in comparison with tissue background. For small lesions (less than 1cm in
diameter) focal uptake greater than blood pool should be considered suspicious for prostate cancer
recurrence. For larger lesions, uptake equal to or greater than bone marrow is considered suspicious for
prostate cancer recurrence.
2.6 Radiation Dosimetry
The radiation absorbed doses estimated for adult patients following intravenous injection of Axumin are
shown in Table 1. Values were calculated from human biodistribution data using OLINDA/EXM (Organ
Level Internal Dose Assessment/Exponential Modeling) software.
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 The (radiation absorbed) effective dose resulting from the administration of the recommended activity of
370 MBq of Axumin is 8 mSv. For an administered activity of 370 MBq (10 mCi), the highestmagnitude radiation doses are delivered to the pancreas, cardiac wall, and uterine wall: 38 mGy, 19 mGy,
and 17 mGy, respectively. If a CT scan is simultaneously performed as part of the PET procedure,
exposure to ionizing radiation will increase in an amount dependent on the settings used in the CT
acquisition.
Table 1: Estimated Radiation Absorbed Doses in Various Organs/Tissues in Adults who Received
Axumin
Mean Absorbed Dose per Unit Administered Activity
Organ/Tissue
(microGy/MBq)
Adrenal glands
16
Brain
9
Breasts
14
Gallbladder wall
17
Lower large intestine wall
12
Small intestine wall
13
Stomach wall
14
Upper large intestine wall
13
Heart wall
52
Kidneys
14
Liver
33
Lungs
34
Muscle
11
Ovaries
13
Pancreas
102
Red bone marrow
25
Osteogenic cells
23
Skin
8
Spleen
24
Testes
17
Thymus gland
12
Thyroid
10
Urinary bladder wall
25
Uterus
45
Total body
13
Effective dose
22 (microSv/MBq)

3

DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Injection: supplied as a clear, colorless solution in a 30 mL multiple-dose vial containing 335 to 8200
MBq/mL (9 to 221 mCi/mL) fluciclovine F 18 at calibration time and date.

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 4

CONTRAINDICATIONS

None
5

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Risk for Image Misinterpretation
Image interpretation errors can occur with Axumin PET imaging. A negative image does not rule out
the presence of recurrent prostate cancer and a positive image does not confirm the presence of recurrent
prostate cancer. The performance of Axumin seems to be affected by PSA levels [See Clinical Studies
(14)]. Fluciclovine F 18 uptake is not specific for prostate cancer and may occur with other types of
cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy in primary prostate cancer. Clinical correlation, which may
include histopathological evaluation of the suspected recurrence site, is recommended.
5.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis may occur in patients who receive Axumin.
Emergency resuscitation equipment and personnel should be immediately available.
5.3 Radiation Risks
Axumin use contributes to a patient’s overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure. Long-term
cumulative radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk for cancer. Ensure safe handling to
minimize radiation exposure to the patient and health care providers [see Dosage and Administration
(2.1)].
6

ADVERSE REACTIONS

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 practice. The clinical trial database for Axumin includes data from
877 subjects including 797 males diagnosed with prostate cancer. Most patients received a single
administration of Axumin, a small number of subjects (n = 50) received up to five administrations of the
drug. The mean administered activity was 370 MBq (range, 163 to 485 MBq).
Adverse reactions were reported in ≤1% of subjects during clinical studies with Axumin. The most
common adverse reactions were injection site pain, injection site erythema and dysgeusia.
8
8.1

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy

Risk Summary
Axumin is not indicated for use in females and there is no information on the risk of adverse development
outcomes in pregnant women or animals with the use of fluciclovine F 18.
8.2

Lactation

Risk Summary
Axumin is not indicated for use in females and there is no information of the presence of fluciclovine F
18 in human milk.
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 8.3

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.
8.4

Geriatric Use

Of the total number of patients in clinical studies of Axumin, the average age was 66 years with a range
of 21 to 90 years. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between older subjects
and younger subjects.
10 OVERDOSAGE
In case of overdose of Axumin, encourage patients to maintain hydration and to void frequently to
minimize radiation exposure.
11 DESCRIPTION
11.1 Chemical Characteristics
Axumin contains the fluorine 18 (F 18) labeled synthetic amino acid analog fluciclovine. Fluciclovine F
18 is a radioactive diagnostic agent used with PET imaging. Chemically, fluciclovine F 18 is (1r, 3r)-1­
amino-3[18F]fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid. The molecular weight is 132.1 and the structural
formula is:

H
18

F

NH2

COOH

Axumin is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, clear, colorless, hyperosmolal (approximately 500 - 540 mOsm/kg)
injection for intravenous use. Each milliliter contains up to 2 micrograms of fluciclovine, 335 to 8200
MBq (9 to 221 mCi) fluciclovine F 18 at calibration time and date, and 20 mg trisodium citrate in water
for injection. The solution also contains hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide and has a pH between 4 and
6.
11.2 Physical Characteristics
Fluorine 18 (F 18) is a cyclotron produced radionuclide that decays by positron emission (ß+ decay,
96.7%) and orbital electron capture (3.3%) to stable oxygen 18 with a physical half-life of 109.7 minutes.
The positron can undergo annihilation with an electron to produce two gamma rays; the energy of each
gamma ray is 511 keV (Table 3).
Table 2: Principal Radiation Produced from Decay of Fluorine 18 Radiation
Energy (keV)
Abundance (%)
Positron
249.8
96.7
Gamma
511.0
193.5

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 11.3 External Radiation
The point source air-kerma coefficient for F 18 is 3.75 x 10-17 Gy m2/(Bq s). The first half-value thickness
of lead (Pb) for F 18 gamma rays is approximately 6 mm. The relative reduction of radiation emitted by F
18 that results from various thicknesses of lead shielding is shown in Table 4. The use of 8 cm of Pb will
decrease the radiation transmission (i.e., exposure) by a factor of about 10,000.
Table 3: Radiation Attenuation of 511 keV Gamma Rays by Lead Shielding
Shield Thickness cm of Lead (Pb)
Coefficient of Attenuation
0.6
0.5
2
0.1
4
0.01
6
0.001
8
0.0001

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of action
Fluciclovine F 18 is a synthetic amino acid transported across mammalian cell membranes by amino acid
transporters, such as LAT-1 and ASCT2, which are upregulated in prostate cancer cells. Fluciclovine F
18 is taken up to a greater extent in prostate cancer cells compared with surrounding normal tissues.
12.2
Pharmacodynamics
Following intravenous administration, the tumor-to-normal tissue contrast is highest between 4 and 10
minutes after injection, with a 61% reduction in mean tumor uptake at 90 minutes after injection.
12.3
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution
Following intravenous administration, fluciclovine F 18 distributes to the liver (14% of administered
activity), pancreas (3%), lung (7%), red bone marrow (12%) and myocardium (4%). With increasing
time, fluciclovine F 18 distributes to skeletal muscle.
Excretion

Across the first four hours post-injection, 3% of administered radioactivity was excreted in the urine.

Across the first 24 hours post-injection, 5% of administered radioactivity was excreted in the urine.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
No long term studies in animals have been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of
fluciclovine.
Mutagenesis
Fluciclovine was not mutagenic in vitro in reverse mutation assay in bacterial cells and in chromosome
aberration test in cultured mammalian cells, and was negative in an in vivo clastogenicity assay in rats
after intravenous injection of doses up to 43 mcg/kg. However, fluciclovine F 18 has the potential to be
mutagenic because of the F 18 radioisotope.

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 Impairment of Fertility
No studies in animals have been performed to evaluate potential impairment of fertility in males or
females.
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
The safety and efficacy of Axumin were evaluated in two studies (Study 1 and Study 2) in men with
suspected recurrence of prostate cancer based on rising PSA levels following radical prostatectomy and/or
radiotherapy.
Study 1 evaluated 105 Axumin scans in comparison to histopathology obtained by biopsy of the prostate
bed and biopsies of lesions suspicious by imaging. PET/CT imaging generally included the abdomen and
pelvic regions. The Axumin images were originally read by on-site readers. The images were
subsequently read by three blinded independent readers. Table 4 shows the performance of Axumin in the
detection of recurrence in each patient scan and, specifically, within the prostatic bed and extra-prostatic
regions, respectively. The results of the independent read were generally consistent with one another and
confirmed the results of the on-site reads.

Table 4:

Performance of Axumin in Patients with Biochemically Suspected Recurrent
Prostate Cancer, at the Patient Level and at the Prostate Bed and Extraprostatic
Region Levels

Patient
True Positive
False Positive
True Negative
False Negative

Reader 1
N = 104
75
24
5
0

Reader 2
N = 105
72
23
7
3

Reader 3
N = 99
63
13
15
8

Prostate Bed
True Positive
False Positive
True Negative
False Negative

N = 98
58
29
10
1

N = 97
56
26
12
3

N = 96
47
15
24
10

Extraprostatic
True Positive
False Positive
True Negative
False Negative

N = 28
25
2
0
1

N = 28
26
2
0
0

N = 25
22
2
0
1

N = number of patient scans evaluated

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 The detection rate of Axumin seems to be affected by PSA levels [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
In general, patients with negative scans had lower PSA values than those with positive scans. The
detection rate (number with positive scans/total scanned) for patients with a PSA value of less than or
equal to 1.78 ng/mL (1st PSA quartile) was 15/25, of which 11 were histologically confirmed as positive.
In the remaining three PSA quartiles, the detection rate was 71/74, of which 58 were histologically
confirmed. Among the 25 patients in the first PSA quartile, there were 4 false positive scans and 1 false
negative scan. For the 74 patients with PSA levels greater than1.78 ng/mL, there were 13 false positive
scans and no false negative scans.
Study 2 evaluated the concordance between 96 Axumin and C11 choline scans in patients with median
PSA value of 1.44 ng/mL (interquartile range = 0.78 to 2.8 ng/mL). The C 11 choline scans were read by
on-site readers. The Axumin scans were read by the same three blinded independent readers used for
Study 1. The agreement values between the Axumin and C11 choline reads were 61%, 67% and 77%,
respectively.
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
16.1 How Supplied
Axumin is supplied as a clear, colorless injection in a 30 mL multiple-dose glass vial containing
approximately 26 mL solution of 335-8200 MBq/mL (9-221 mCi/mL) fluciclovine F 18 at calibration
time and date.
30 mL sterile multiple-dose vial: NDC 69932-001-030
16.2 Storage and Handling
Store Axumin at controlled room temperature (USP) 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Axumin does not
contain a preservative. Store Axumin within the original container in radiation shielding.
This preparation is approved for use by persons under license by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission or
the relevant regulatory authority of an Agreement State.
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
• Instruct patients to avoid significant exercise for at least a day before the PET scan.
• Instruct patients not to eat or drink for at least 4 hours before the PET scan (other than small
amounts of water for taking medications).
Marketed by Blue Earth Diagnostics Ltd. Oxford, UK OX4 4GA
AxuminTM is a trademark of Blue Earth Diagnostics Ltd.
© 2016 Blue Earth Diagnostics Ltd – all rights reserved.

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