Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
BCG intravesical
BCG intravesical
What is the most important information I should know about BCG?
What is the most important information I should know about BCG?
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. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).
What is BCG?
What is 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.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive BCG?
What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive BCG?
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 is BCG given?
How is BCG given?
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.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your BCG treatment.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while receiving BCG?
What should I avoid while receiving BCG?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of BCG?
What are the possible side effects of BCG?
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 BCG?
What other drugs will affect BCG?
If you have an infection that must be treated with an antibiotic, you may need to stop receiving BCG for a short time. Antibiotics can make BCG less effective and should be avoided during your treatment with BCG. Follow your doctor's instructions and be sure to tell any other doctor who treats you that you are receiving BCG.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially
- an antibiotic;
- chemotherapy or radiation;
- medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection; or
- medicines to treat multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect BCG, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about BCG.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>