Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Live, BCG

What is Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Live, BCG?

BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUERIN LIVE, BCG (TICE® BCG, TheraCys®) is a bacteria. It is used to stimulate your body's immune system against certain types of bladder cancer. Generic BCG Live intravesical solutions are not available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• tuberculosis or a positive skin test for tuberculosis (PPD)
• aneurysm
• blood in the urine
• bladder biopsy within 2 weeks
• diabetes mellitus
• fever or infection
• immune deficiency (natural or due to cancer chemotherapy, radiation, or steroid therapy)
• infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS
• leukemia or lymphoma
• myasthenia gravis
• prosthetic device such as prosthetic heart valves
• renal failure
• an unusual reaction to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Live, BCG, other medicines, latex, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

BCG intravesical solution is put in the bladder through a catheter. It is usually given by a trained health care professional in a hospital, clinic, or prescriber's office. Do not drink any liquids 4 hours before you receive BCG intravesical solution. Empty your bladder just before the treatment is given. If you can, you will need to hold this solution in your bladder for at least 2 hours. Treatments are usually given once a week for 6 weeks.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a dose. Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What drug(s) may interact with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Live, BCG?

• antibiotics
• medicines that suppress your immune system such as chemotherapy agents, radiation, or corticosteroids
• medicine to treat tuberculosis

Because BCG intravesical solution is given into your bladder, there is very little absorption into the rest of your body.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Live, BCG?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

BCG Live intravesical solution contains live bacteria. If you have an immune deficiency or have lesions in your bladder that have not healed, you may be at increased risk of an infection due to this bacteria. If you develop a cough, have a fever more than 103 degrees F, a fever that lasts longer than 3 days, or bladder symptoms that do not go away, call your prescriber or health care professional. You may have developed an infection that needs treatment with certain antibiotics.

For 24 hours after receiving BCG Live intravesical solution, urinate by sitting down on the toilet. Sitting down helps to reduce urine from splashing. For the first 6 hours after treatment, add 2 cups of chlorine bleach to the toilet bowl after you urinate. Let stand for at least 15 minutes before flushing. Repeat this process each time you urinate for the first 6 hours after each treatment. Wash your hands and genital area thoroughly after you urinate.

Drink several glasses of water a day after taking BCG intravesical solution to wash out your bladder.

Side effects after BCG intravesical may not be bothersome until after the third treatment. Side effects may gradually get worse after each administration.

Men and women of childbearing age should use effective birth control methods during BCG intravesical treatment. Women should not become pregnant while being treated with BCG intravesical solution.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Live, BCG?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• blood in urine
• severe burning or pain when urinating
• difficulty urinating
• fever, chills, or other signs of infection
• joint or muscle pain
• increased or new cough
• nausea or vomiting
• skin rash

Side effects that usually do not require immediate medical attention (report these side effects to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• bladder spasm
• bladder pain
• burning when urinating
• flu-like symptoms such as tiredness
• having to urinate often
• unable to control urination
• waking up at night to urinate
Most side effects occur after placing BCG intravesical solution in your bladder and may last up to 7 days.

Where can I keep my medicine?

This medicine is given into your bladder at a clinic or hospital. You will not be given doses to store at home.

Last updated: Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

TICE BCG VL TB VACC D/S 2ML
eneric Name: BCG LIVE
Class: R
Manufacture: SCHERING CORPORATION
Strength: 50MG
Size: 1
Unit: EACH