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cardiogen-82

Cardiogen-82 (Rubidium Chloride Rb-82) is a medication supplied as an injection, solution.

Rubidium Chloride Rb-82 · by Bracco

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Rubidium Chloride Rb-82
Form
Injectable
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Bracco
FDA application
NDA019414

What is Cardiogen-82?

From the FDA label:11.1 Generator Characteristics CardioGen-82 (rubidium Rb 82 generator) contains accelerator-produced Sr 82 adsorbed on stannic oxide in a lead-shielded column and provides a means to produce sterile nonpyrogenic Rubidium Chloride Rb 82 Injection, a radioactive diagnostic agent, for intravenous use. The chemical form of Rb 82 is 82 RbCl. The amount (mCi) of Rb 82 obtained in each elution will depend on the potency of the generator. When eluted at a rate of 50 mL/minute, each generator eluate at the end of elution should not contain more than 0.02 microCi of Sr 82 and not more than 0.2 microCi of Sr 85 per mCi of Rubidium Chloride Rb 82 Injection, and not more than 1 mcg of tin per mL of eluate. 11.2 Nuclear Physical Characteristics Rb 82 decays by positron emission and associated gamma emission with a physical half-life of 75 seconds. Table 3 shows the annihilation photons released following positron emission which are useful for detection and imaging studies. The decay modes of Rb 82 are: 95.5% by positron emission, resulting in the production of annihilation radiation, i.e., two 511 keV gamma rays; and 4.5% by electron capture, resulting in the emission of “prompt” gamma rays of predominantly 776.5 keV. Both decay modes lead directly to the formation of stable krypton 82 (Kr 82). Table 3. Principal Radiation Emission Data for Rb 82 Radiation Mean Percent Per Disintegration…

How to use

Dosing: 10 MBq/kg to 30 MBq/kg actual body weight (0.27 mCi/kg to 0.81 mCi/kg) per rest or stress component of a procedure via intravenous infusion at 50 mL/minute or 20 mL/minute. ( 2.2 ) Do not exceed a maximum dose of 2,220 MBq (60 mCi) or a maximum volume of 100 mL per rest or stress component of a procedure. ( 2.2 ) The minimum interval between the rest and stress doses is 10 minutes to allow sufficient Rb 82 decay. ( 2.2 ) Start image acquisition 60 seconds to 90 seconds after completion of the infusion; if a longer circulation time is anticipated, wait for 120 seconds. Image acquisition is 5 minutes long. ( 2.3 ) For radiation safety, infusion system, elution instruction, eluate testing, dose delivery, and expiration limits of CardioGen-82, and radiation dosimetry see full prescribing information. ( 2.1 , 2.5 , 2.6 , 2.7 , 2.8 , 2.9 ) 2.1 Radiation Safety - Drug Handling CardioGen-82, when eluted with additive-free 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, produces Rubidium Chloride Rb 82 Injection. Handle CardioGen-82, Rubidium Chloride Rb 82 Injection, and Infusion Systems with appropriate safety measures to minimize radiation exposure. Wear waterproof gloves and effective shielding throughout the entire preparation and handling [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. Limit the use of radiopharmaceuticals to healthcare providers who are qualified by specific training and…

Side effects

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: High Level Radiation Exposure with Use of Incorrect Eluent [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Excess Radiation Exposure with Failure to Follow Eluate Testing Protocol [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] The following serious adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of CardioGen-82. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Radiation Exposure High level radiation exposure to the bone marrow from using an incorrect eluent. Excess radiation exposure due to insufficient eluate testing. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bracco Diagnostics Inc. at 1-800-257-8151 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)

Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label

HIGH LEVEL RADIATION EXPOSURE WITH USE OF INCORRECT ELUENT and FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE ELUATE TESTING PROTOCOL High Level Radiation Exposure with Use of Incorrect Eluent Patients are exposed to high radiation levels when the CardioGen-82 generator is eluted with the incorrect eluent due to high strontium (Sr) 82 and Sr 85 breakthrough levels. Use only additive-free 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to elute the generator. If an incorrect solution is used to elute the CardioGen-82 generator: Immediately stop the patient infusion; Evaluate the patient’s radiation absorbed dose, and monitor for the effects of radiation to critical organs such as bone marrow; Permanently discontinue the use of the affected generator [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Excess Radiation Exposure with Failure to Follow the Eluate Testing Protocol Excess radiation exposure occurs when the levels of Sr 82 or Sr 85 in the Rubidium Chloride Rb 82 Injection exceed specified limits. Strictly adhere to the generator eluate testing protocol, to minimize the risk of excess radiation exposure, including daily testing and additional testing at Alert Limits. Stop using the generator if it reaches any of its Expiration Limits: 17 L for the generator’s cumulative eluate volume 60 days post generator calibration date An eluate Sr 82 level of 0.01 microCi /mCi Rb 82 An eluate Sr 85 level of 0.1 microCi /mCi Rb 82 [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 , 2.6 , 2.7 , 2.8 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] WARNING: HIGH LEVEL RADIATION EXPOSURE WITH USE OF INCORRECT ELUENT and FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE ELUATE TESTING PROTOCOL See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. High Level Radiation Exposure with Use of Incorrect Eluent Using the incorrect eluent can cause high Strontium (Sr) 82 and Sr 85 breakthrough levels. Use only additive-free 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to elute CardioGen-82. If an incorrect solution is used to elute CardioGen-82: Immediately stop the patient infusion; Evaluate the patient’s radiation absorbed dose and monitor for the effects of radiation to critical organs such as bone marrow; Permanently discontinue use of the affected generator. ( 2.5 , 2.9 , 5.1 ) Excess Radiation Exposure with Failure to Follow the Eluate Testing Protocol Excess radiation exposure occurs when the levels of Sr 82 or Sr 85 in the Rubidium Chloride Rb 82 Injection exceed limits. Strictly adhere to the generator eluate testing protocol. Stop using the generator if it reaches any of its Expiration Limits. ( 2.5 , 2.6 , 2.7 , 5.2 )

Warnings

Important safety information

Risk Associated with Pharmacological Stress: Pharmacologic induction of cardiovascular stress may cause serious adverse reactions such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, hypotension, broncho-constriction, and cerebrovascular events. Perform testing only in setting where cardiac resuscitation equipment and trained staff are readily available. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 High Level Radiation Exposure with Use of Incorrect Eluent Additives present in solutions (particularly calcium ions) used by mistake to elute CardioGen-82 expose patients to high levels of radiation by causing the release of large amounts of Sr 82 and Sr 85 into the eluate regardless of the generator’s age or prior use . When solutions containing calcium ions are used, high levels of radioactivity are present in any subsequent eluate even with the use of additive-free 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. Use only additive-free 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection to elute CardioGen-82. If an incorrect eluent is used, immediately stop the patient infusion, evaluate the patient’s radiation absorbed dose, and monitor for the effects of radiation to critical organs such as bone marrow . Permanently discontinue use of the affected CardioGen-82 generator [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . 5.2 Excess Radiation Exposure with Failure to Follow the Eluate Testing Protocol Excess radiation exposure occurs when the Sr 82 and Sr 85 levels in the Rubidium Chloride Rb 82 Injection exceed the specified generator eluate limits. Strictly adhere to the eluate testing protocol to minimize radiation exposure to the patient. Stop using the CardioGen-82 generator when the expiration limits are reached [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 , 2.7 , 2.8 )]. 5.3 Risks Associated with Pharmacologic Stress Pharmacologic induction of cardiovascular stress may be associated with serious adverse reactions such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, hypotension, bronchoconstriction, and cerebrovascular events. Perform pharmacologic stress testing in accordance with the pharmacologic stress agent’s prescribing information and only in the setting where cardiac resuscitation equipment and trained staff are readily available. 5.4 Cumulative Radiation Exposure: Long-Term Risk of Cancer Rubidium chloride Rb 82 contributes to a patient’s overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure. Long-term cumulative radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Use the lowest dose of Rubidium Chloride Rb 82 Injection necessary for imaging and ensure safe handling to protect the patient and health care providers . Encourage patients to void as soon as a study is completed and as often as possible thereafter for a least one hour [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.2 )] .

Who should not take Cardiogen-82

None. None. ( 4 )

Dosage forms

Injectable

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a coupon or discount for Cardiogen-82?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Cardiogen-82. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Cardiogen-82?
Cardiogen-82 is marketed by Bracco. You can see Bracco's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Cardiogen-82 a brand-name or generic drug?
Cardiogen-82 is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Rubidium Chloride Rb-82.
Is Cardiogen-82 available over the counter?
No. Cardiogen-82 is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Cardiogen-82 come in?
Cardiogen-82 is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Cardiogen-82 FDA-registered?
Cardiogen-82 is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA019414. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Cardiogen-82 safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Cardiogen-82. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Cardiogen-82?
Cardiogen-82's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: High Level Radiation Exposure with Use of Incorrect Eluent [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Excess Radiation Exposure with Failure to Follow Eluate Testing Protocol [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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