• U.S. Brand Names: BCG Vaccine;TheraCys®;TICE® BCG
• Canadian Brand Names: ImmuCyst®;OncoticeT;PacisT
• Mexican Brand Names: OncoTICE
• Pharmacologic Category: Biological Response Modulator;Vaccine, Live (Bacterial)

• It is used to stop tuberculosis.
• It is used to treat bladder cancer.
• BCG is used to stop tuberculosis infection.
• It harms cancer cells causing their death.

How to take

• It is given as a shot into the skin.
• Bladder:
• It is given into the bladder.
• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by doctor.
• Use bathroom in a seated position to avoid splashing of urine.
• Before flushing, add bleach to urine. Wait 15 minutes, then flush. Do this for first 6 hours after BCG given.

Missed Dose

• Call doctor to find out what to do.

Storage

• This drug will be given to you in a doctor office setting. You will not store it at home.

Warnings

• Very bad infections have rarely happen.
• Unsafe reactions may happen. This drug cannot be taken while you are taking certain other drugs. Check all the drugs you are taking with your doctor.

Avoid

• If you have an allergy to BCG or any other part of this drug.
• Tell doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs involved.
• If you have any of these health problems: Active tuberculosis, high fever, HIV infection, bladder infection, or weak immune system.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
• If you are breast-feeding.

Precautions

• Check drugs with doctor. This drug may not mix well with other drugs.
• Use birth control that you can trust to stop pregnancy while taking this drug.

Side Effects

• All bad side effects to this vaccine must be reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. Ask your doctor to file the report. You may also call to file a report at 1-800-822-7967.
• Flu-like signs. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain drugs may help.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• Irritation where the shot is given.
• Bladder irritation.
• Feeling tired or weak.

Monitoring

• Change in health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Follow up with doctor.

Contact a healthcare provider

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• High fever.
• Flu-like signs lasting for more than 3 days.
• Blood in the urine.
• Unable to pass urine.
• Any rash.
• Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

General Statements

• If you have a very bad allergy, wear allergy ID at all times.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most drugs can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada return any unused drugs back to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th for more facts about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Call your doctor for health help about side effects. You may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with doctor before starting any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.

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