most popular
articles

Viewed

Commented

Drug Search

DRUGS A-Z

Find information on drug interactions, side effects, and more.

Enter a Drug Name		Pick from Common Drugs
	or

Brand Name: TheraCys

Generic Name: BCG vaccine

An antineoplastic - This medicine stimulates the immune system to ward off cancer cells

View All Brands

basic
INFO

What is this medicine?

BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUERIN LIVE, BCG (ba SIL us KAL met gay RAYN) is a bacteria solution. This medicine stimulates the immune system to ward off cancer cells. It is used to treat bladder cancer.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

aneurysm
blood in the urine
bladder biopsy within 2 weeks
fever or infection
immune system problems
leukemia
lymphoma
myasthenia gravis
need organ transplant
prosthetic device like arterial graft, artificial joint, prosthetic heart valve
recent or ongoing radiation therapy
tuberculosis
an unusual or allergic reaction to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Live, BCG, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This drug is given as a catheter infusion into the bladder. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional. You will be given directions to follow before the treatment. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Try to hold this medicine in your bladder for 2 hours after treatment.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine?

antibiotics
medicines to suppress your immune system like chemotherapy agents or corticosteroids
medicine to treat tuberculosis

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. This drug may make you feel generally unwell. Contact your doctor if your symptoms last more than 2 days or if they get worse. Call your doctor right away if you have a severe or unusual symptom.

Infection can be spread to others through contact with this medicine. To prevent the spread of infection follow your doctor's directions carefully after treatment. For the first 6 hours after each treatment, sit down on the toilet to urinate. After urinating, add 2 cups of bleach to the toilet bowl and let set for 15 minutes before flushing. Wash your hands before and after using the restroom.

Drink water or other fluids as directed after treatment with this medicine.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

1 2

All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

Content
licensed
from:

Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

health

TOOLS

	Symptom Search Enter your symptoms in our Symptom Checker to find out possible causes of your symptoms. Go.
	Drug Interaction Checker Enter any list of prescription drugs and see how they interact with each other and with other substances. Go.
	Pill Identifier Enter its color and shape information, and this tool helps you identify it. Go.