Generic name: Bcg intravesical
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Tice BCG Live?
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.
Warnings
You should not receive this medicine 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.
Tell your doctor if you have any type of bacterial, fungal, or viral infection (including HIV).
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while being treated with BCG.
How should I use Tice BCG Live
Use Tice BCG Live (For Intravesical Use)(Intravesical) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
BCG is injected directly into the bladder using a catheter inserted into the urethra (the tube for passing urine out of your bladder). You will receive this medicine in a clinic or hospital setting.
BCG is usually given once every week for 6 weeks, and then given every 3 to 6 months for up to 2 years. Follow your doctor's instructions about your specific dosing schedule.
You will need hold the medicine in your bladder as long as possible up to 2 hours. During that time you may be encouraged to lie down or stay relaxed.
For at least 6 hours after you are treated with BCG, your urine will still contain some of the medication and the bacteria it is made from. To prevent the spread of this bacteria, use a toilet rather than a urinal, and sit on the toilet while urinating.
Before you flush the toilet, disinfect the urine with household bleach in an amount that is approximately equal to how much you have urinated. Pour the bleach into the toilet in which you urinated, let it stand for 15 minutes and then flush.
Your doctor may ask you to drink extra fluids for several hours after your BCG treatment to help flush out your bladder. Follow all instructions.
Call your doctor right away if you have a fever after receiving BCG, especially if the fever lasts for several hours or longer.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using BCG.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your BCG treatment.
Tice BCG Live side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with BCG.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fever, chills, aches, weakness, flu-like symptoms;
- cough or trouble breathing;
- pain or burning when you urinate;
- a weak stream of urine, trouble emptying your bladder;
- blood in your urine, dark urine;
- vomiting, upper stomach pain;
- jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes); or
- signs of a penis infection--burning, itching, odor, discharge, pain, tenderness, redness or swelling of the genital or rectal area, fever, not feeling well.
About 4 to 6 hours after treatment, you may have bladder symptoms such as sudden urges to urinate, frequent urination, stomach discomfort, bloating, and possibly loss of bladder control. Tell your doctor right away if these side effects last for longer than 2 or 3 days.
Common side effects may include:
- increased urination;
- painful urination;
- fever; or
- flu symptoms.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Tice BCG Live?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.