Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is used to treat cancer of the bladder and to prevent it from coming back after bladder surgery.
BCG is given via the intravesical route, where the medicine is placed into the bladder through a catheter (a small flexible tube).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the medicine for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to BCG.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use BCG if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- weakened immune system
- HIV infection
- active TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- blood in the urine
as BCG may not be suitable for you.
Do not use BCG with medicines used to treat TB or medicines which may affect your immune system. Please see the section “Can I use this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have bladder problems.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Screening test for tuberculosis must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of infections may also be needed.
BCG may cause any of the following side effects: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, tiredness, weakness, and muscle or joint pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- cough, colds, fever, or flu-like symptoms
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use BCG if you are taking any of these medicines:
- anti-inflammatory medicines e.g. prednisone
- medicines for cancer e.g. cisplatin, mercaptopurine
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. tacrolimus, ciclosporin
- medicines to treat TB e.g. isoniazid, streptomycin, rifampicin, ethambutol
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with BCG.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not freeze.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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