What is BCG?
BCG (Bacillus Calmette and Guérin) is made using the organisms of a bacteria.
This medication is injected directly into the bladder, where it causes inflammation and increases certain white blood cells known as natural killer cells. These killer cells act to destroy invading cells such as 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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about BCG?
You should not be treated with this medication if you are allergic to BCG, or if you have tuberculosis, a fever, a bladder infection, blood in your urine, or a weak immune system (caused by certain drugs or disease such as AIDS, leukemia, or lymphoma).
You should also not receive BCG if you have had a bladder biopsy, surgery, or catheter within the past 14 days.
Before you receive BCG, tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex rubber, or if you have myasthenia gravis, a pacemaker or other artificial heart device, an artificial joint or other prosthetic, or any type of infection (including HIV).
Also tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis, bypass surgery, or an aneurysm (dilated blood vessel), or if you currently need to have an organ transplant (kidney, liver, heart, etc).
Your doctor may ask you to drink extra fluids for several hours after your BCG treatment to help flush out your bladder. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.
Call your doctor right away if you have a fever after receiving BCG, especially if the fever lasts for several hours or longer.
Antibiotics can make BCG less effective and should be avoided during your treatment with BCG. If you have an infection that must be treated with an antibiotic, you may need to stop receiving BCG for a short time. Follow your doctor's instructions and be sure to tell any other doctor who treats you that you are receiving BCG.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive BCG?
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to BCG, or if you have:
tuberculosis;
a weak immune system from diseases such as AIDS, leukemia, or lymphoma;
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.
Before you receive BCG, tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex rubber, or if you have:
any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection (including HIV);
myasthenia gravis;
a pacemaker or other artificial heart device;
an artificial joint or other prosthetic;
a history of aneurysm (dilated blood vessel);
if you have ever had bypass surgery;
if you have ever had tuberculosis; or
if you need to have an organ transplant (kidney, liver, heart, etc).
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive BCG.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive BCG, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether BCG passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.