BCG intravesical
Generic name: BCG intravesical (bee cee jee)
Brand names: Tice BCG Live (for intravesical use), Tice BCG Vaccine, Theracys 3, TheraCys
Dosage form: intravesical powder for reconstitution (50 mg)
Drug class:Miscellaneous antineoplastics
What is BCG?
BCG (Bacillus Calmette and Guérin) is a freeze-dried product made from bacteria. BCG increases certain white blood cells that destroy invading tumor cells in the bladder.
BCG is used to treat bladder cancer that is localized (has not spread to other parts of the body).
BCG may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not receive BCG if you have tuberculosis, a fever, a bladder infection, blood in your urine, or a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines).
You should also not receive BCG if you have had a bladder biopsy, surgery, or catheter within the past 14 days.
Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with BCG. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive BCG intravesical if you are allergic to BCG, or if you have:
tuberculosis;
a weak immune system from diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, or lymphoma;
a fever, a bladder infection, or blood in your urine;
if you are using steroids or receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments; or
if you have had a bladder biopsy, surgery, or catheter within the past 14 days.
Tell your doctor if you have any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection (including HIV).
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while being treated with BCG.
How is BCG given?
BCG is injected directly into the bladder using a catheter inserted into the urethra (the tube for passing urine out of your bladder). You will receive this medicine in a clinic or hospital setting.
BCG is usually given once every week for 6 weeks, and then given every 3 to 6 months for up to 2 years. Follow your doctor's instructions about your specific dosing schedule.
You will need to hold the medicine in your bladder as long as possible up to 2 hours. During that time you will be encouraged to reposition from your left side to right side and also you should lie upon t...
