BCG - INTRAVESICAL

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BCG - INTRAVESICAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION:

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Theracys

GENERIC NAME(S): BCG live

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat a certain type of bladder cancer (carcinoma in situ-CIS) and prevent it from returning. It is also used to prevent another type of bladder cancer (papillary tumor) from returning after surgery to remove it. This medication works by causing the body's defense system (immune system) to become more active. This form of the medication is not used to prevent tuberculosis.


How to use BCG - INTRAVESICAL

HOW TO USE: This medication is given into the bladder through a tube (catheter) by a health care professional as directed by your doctor. This medication is usually given weekly for the first 6 weeks and then less often thereafter as directed by your doctor. Do not drink any fluids for 4 hours before treatment. The medication is left in the bladder for up to 2 hours and then released by urinating. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. There may be some burning pain when you first urinate. Since the urine contains live bacteria that may infect you or others, you must sit down to urinate for 6 hours after treatment to avoid splashing of the urine. After each time you urinate during this 6-hour period, pour household bleach (about the same amount of bleach as the amount of urine) into the toilet, then wait 15 minutes before flushing. Always wash your hands afterward. Talk to your doctor about other important things you must do to prevent infection. Drink plenty of fluids after your first urination unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so helps clear the medication from your body.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Bladder irritation (e.g., difficult/painful/frequent/bloody urination), fever, or chills may occur. High/persistent fever may be a sign of an infection. Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects occur, persist, or worsen. Your doctor may prescribe additional medications to help control these symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle/joint pain, pain/swelling of the testes, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, cough, vision changes, redness/swelling/pain in the eye, eye sensitivity to light, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing skin/eyes. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US, you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: immune system problems (e.g., HIV, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma), radiation treatment, current infection/fever (e.g., bladder infection, active tuberculosis), injury/procedure in the bladder within the last 7 days (e.g., catheterization, biopsy, signs of bloody urine). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain blood vessel disease (aneurysm), man-made medical devices/parts in the body (e.g., pacemakers, artificial joints, arterial grafts). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is recommended that women receiving this medication avoid pregnancy. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: antibiotics (e.g., isoniazid, rifampin, penicillins such as amoxicillin, macrolides such as erythromycin), drugs that weaken the immune system (e.g., abatacept, corticosteroids such as prednisone, cancer chemotherapy), mefloquine. If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting BCG vaccine. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. This medication may interfere with the tuberculosis (TB) skin test, possibly causing false test results. If a skin test is needed, it is recommended that patients finish it before treatment. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

BCG (TICE STRAIN) VIAL
BCG (TICE STRAIN) VIAL
BCG (TICE STRAIN) VIAL
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BCG (TICE STRAIN) VIAL
BCG (TICE STRAIN) VIAL
BCG (TICE STRAIN) VIAL
color
light tan
shape
imprint

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Faq for BCG - INTRAVESICAL

BCG intravesical therapy is a type of treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. It involves the use of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), which is a weakened form of tuberculosis bacteria, to stimulate the immune system and destroy cancer cells in the bladder.

BCG intravesical therapy is administered by inserting a catheter into the bladder and instilling a liquid solution containing the BCG bacteria. The patient is required to hold the solution in the bladder for a certain period of time before it is emptied.

Common side effects of BCG intravesical therapy include urinary frequency, urgency, and pain during urination. Some patients may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches. In rare cases, BCG can cause more serious side effects such as bladder infections or inflammation.

The treatment duration for BCG intravesical therapy typically consists of an initial course of 6 weekly treatments, followed by maintenance treatments at regular intervals, usually for up to 3 years. The exact duration and schedule may vary depending on the individual's response to the therapy and the stage of their bladder cancer.

BCG intravesical therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of bladder cancer recurrence and progression in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Studies have demonstrated that it can significantly decrease the likelihood of cancer returning after surgery and improve overall survival rates.

BCG intravesical therapy is generally not recommended for individuals with a compromised immune system, active infections, or a history of severe allergic reactions to BCG. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions or medications you are currently taking before starting the treatment.

BCG intravesical therapy can be used in combination with other treatments for bladder cancer, such as transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) or chemotherapy. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the stage and characteristics of your bladder cancer.

If you experience severe or persistent side effects during BCG intravesical therapy, it is important to contact your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on managing the side effects or adjust the treatment plan if necessary.

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Warning

WARNING: This medication contains live bacteria that have been weakened to decrease the chances of causing an illness. However, this medication has rarely caused very serious, possibly fatal infections. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any signs of infection (e.g., high/persistent fever).


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.