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BACILLUS CALMETTE-GEURIN (buh SIL us cal MET gey RAHN), or BCG, prevents and treats bladder cancer. It works by helping your immune system slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Theracys, TICE BCG
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
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 provider. You will be given directions to follow before the treatment. Follow your health care provider's directions carefully.
This medicine contains live bacteria. It is very important to follow these directions closely after treatment to prevent others from coming in contact with your urine. Your health care provider may give you additional directions to follow. Try to hold this medicine in your bladder for 1 to 2 hours. Follow these directions the first time you go to the bathroom and for 6 hours after the first void.
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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.
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.
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
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.
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.
Visit your health care provider for checks on your progress. This medicine may make you feel generally unwell. Contact your health care provider if your symptoms last more than 2 days or if they get worse. Call your health care provider 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 health care provider's directions carefully after treatment.
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Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care provider for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.
If you have sex while on this medicine, use a condom. Ask your health care provider how long you should use a condom.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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.
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.