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.

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. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).

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;
• 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.

To make sure BCG is safe for you, tell your doctor 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).

It is not known whether BCG will harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while receiving BCG. 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. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

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. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).