Bacillus Of Calmette And Guerin (Inside The Bladder)

Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin (ba-SILL-us of Kal-met and GER-in)

Treats bladder cancer. Also called Bacillus Calmette-Guerin.

Brand Name(s):

Tice BCG, Theracys
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to BCG or if your immune system is weak due to other medicines or illness. You should not use this medicine if you have a fever (unless your doctor knows the cause) or if you have a bladder infection

How to Use This Medicine:

Solution

• Before treatment, you should empty your bladder.
• This medicine is given by running the solution through a tube (catheter) into your bladder. The tube is then taken out, and you will hold the medicine in your bladder.
• For the first hour after the tube is removed from your bladder, you should lie on your back, stomach, and each side for 15 minutes in each position.
• You can get up after the first hour, but hold the medicine in your bladder for 1 more hour. If you are unable to hold it, tell your doctor or nurse.
• Treatment with BCG may be given once a week for 6 weeks and every few months afterward, as your doctor orders.
• Drink plenty of water during each treatment.
• After each treatment, all patients (men and women) should sit down to urinate the first time.
• Any time you urinate in the first 6 hours after treatment, disinfect the urine by adding an equal amount (usually about 1 cup) of household bleach to the toilet bowl and letting it stand for 15 minutes before flushing.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor if you have been treated with other cancer medicines or radiation.
• You should not have treatment with BCG if you are using other medicines that weaken your immune system such as prednisone or other steroid medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you have any changes in urinary habits after treatment with BCG live
• Do not get pregnant while you are being treated with this medicine.
• If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before you receive this medicine

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Cough
• Fever, chills
• Bloody urine
• Urinating more often or feeling like you have to urinate more often
• Painful urination
• Nausea. vomiting
• Skin rash

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.