About bacillus calmette guerin
Live attenuated mycobacterial immunotherapy
Used for
- Treats non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, including carcinoma in situ.
- May reduce recurrence after bladder tumor removal.
Usual adult dose
Usually instilled into the bladder weekly for six weeks; maintenance schedules vary. Dose depends on the specific product.
Common side effects
- Burning or frequent urination
- Blood in urine
- Fever, chills, or fatigue
- Bladder inflammation
Important warnings
- For bladder use only; never inject into a vein or muscle.
- Do not use with active urinary infection, visible blood in urine, or traumatic catheterization.
- Rarely causes serious disseminated BCG infection, which may be delayed.
- Treatment should be given by experienced clinicians with appropriate precautions.
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy; human safety information is limited.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding safety is not established; discuss with a clinician before treatment.
Interactions
- Medicines that suppress immunity, including corticosteroids, may reduce response or increase infection risk.
- Antibiotics active against mycobacteria may interfere with treatment.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.