BCG Live Bladder irrigation

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine

• signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness

• blood in urine

• breathing problems

• cough

• eye pain, redness

• flu-like symptoms

• joint pain

• bladder-area pain for more than 2 days after treatment

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• vomiting

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require immediate medical attention (report these side effects to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• bladder spasm

• burning when passing urine within 2 days of treatment

• feel need to pass urine often or wake up at night to pass urine

• loss of appetite

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.