Bacillus Calmette Guerine
About Bacillus Calmette Guerine
Bacillus Calmette Guerine is a specialised medical treatment used primarily to treat early-stage bladder cancer and prevent its return. It is also used in certain regions as a vaccine to protect against tuberculosis infection. This medicine contains a weakened form of live bacteria that helps activate your body's natural defences.
Because this medicine must be given by a healthcare professional, your treatment schedule will be carefully planned by your doctor. It is given as a liquid directly into the bladder or as an injection, meaning you do not need to worry about taking it with or without food. Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as staying well-hydrated and avoiding bladder irritants, can significantly support your body during this therapy.
Many people experience mild, temporary side effects like bladder discomfort or flu-like symptoms after treatment. However, you should contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe pain, a high fever, or signs of a serious infection. Your healthcare team is trained to manage these responses safely.
Do not take this if you have a compromised immune system, have an active tuberculosis infection, or are currently suffering from a urinary tract infection. Before starting, you must tell your doctor if you have any history of immune system disorders or if you are currently receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Some medicines, especially antibiotics and immunosuppressants, can stop Bacillus Calmette Guerine from working effectively or increase your risk of complications. You should also tell your doctor if you smoke or regularly drink alcohol, as these can irritate your bladder. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment.
Uses of Bacillus Calmette Guerine
Medicinal Benefits
Bacillus Calmette Guerine offers significant, clinically proven benefits by working directly with your body's natural defences to promote recovery and long-term health.
- Reduces cancer recurrence: For patients with early-stage bladder cancer, this treatment significantly lowers the chances of the tumour coming back after surgical removal.
- Prevents cancer progression: It helps stop early-stage cancer cells from growing deeper into the bladder wall, which can prevent the need for more invasive surgeries.
- Provides lasting protection: When used as a vaccine, it helps the immune system recognise and fight off tuberculosis bacteria before they can cause severe illness.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Bacillus Calmette Guerine will be administered by a healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer it.
Storage
Side Effects of Bacillus Calmette Guerine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Mild pain or burning when urinating
- Flu-like symptoms, such as a mild fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue
- Small amounts of blood in the urine for a short time after treatment
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- A high fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C) that does not go away
- Severe pain, burning, or difficulty when trying to urinate
- Severe blood or blood clots in your urine
- Joint pain, eye redness, or a persistent cough
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
Drug Warnings
- Inspect before use: Your healthcare provider will inspect the solution to ensure it is free from unusual particles or discolouration before use.
- Stay hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of fluids only after your instillation is complete, as drinking too much before can make it harder to hold the medicine in your bladder.
- Avoid sexual contact: Do not have sexual intercourse for 48 hours after each bladder treatment, and use a condom during the entire treatment period to protect your partner from contact with the medicine.
- Separate your laundry: If your clothes or bed sheets become soiled with urine within 24 hours of treatment, wash them separately from other laundry using bleach.
Drug Interactions
- Antibiotics: Taking antibiotics can kill the live bacteria in Bacillus Calmette Guerine, making the treatment much less effective.
- Immunosuppressants: Medications that weaken your immune system, such as systemic steroids or chemotherapy, can increase the risk of a severe, body-wide infection.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether alcohol can be consumed when you are taking Bacillus Calmette Guerine. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, inform your doctor before receiving Bacillus Calmette Guerine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Bacillus Calmette Guerine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safeBacillus Calmette Guerine may not affect your ability to drive. However, do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if the patient has liver problems before receiving the vaccination. Your doctor will decide whether a dosage adjustment is needed.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if the patient has kidney impairment before receiving the vaccination. Your doctor will decide whether a dosage adjustment is needed.
Children
safe if prescribedBacillus Calmette Guerine is safe for use in children below 12 years of age. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns. For children, Bacillus Calmette Guerine should be given in the deltoid region. Administration via intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous routes is not recommended.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Increase fluid intake: Drink plenty of water for 24 hours after your bladder treatment to help flush the medicine out of your bladder and reduce irritation.
- Limit bladder irritants: Avoid drinks containing caffeine, alcohol, or artificial sweeteners for a few days around your treatment, as these can make urinary discomfort worse.
- Practice strict toilet hygiene: For six hours after your bladder treatment, sit down while urinating to prevent splashing. Pour two cups of household bleach into the toilet bowl after you urinate, let it stand for 15 minutes, and then flush.
- Wash your hands thoroughly: Always wash your hands and genital area with warm water and soap after using the restroom to protect yourself and others from accidental exposure to the medicine.
Special Advise
- Bacillus Calmette Guerine should be administered to patients whose tuberculin test results are negative.
- Avoid administration through intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal and subcutaneous routes. Administer only via percutaneous route for adults and in the deltoid region for paediatrics.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Tuberculosis (TB): Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other body parts such as the kidneys, brain, spine, and bone marrow. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a contagious disease which can spread to others through small droplets released into the air by a person suffering from tuberculosis. Symptoms include a cough that lasts for a few weeks, pain while coughing or with normal breathing, unexplained fatigue, fever, night sweats, and loss of appetite and weight. People who smoke or consume alcohol.
FAQs
Bacillus Calmette Guerine is a Bacillus of Calmette-Guerin (BCG) live attenuated vaccine form of Mycobacterium bovis, used to prevent tuberculosis.
Bacillus Calmette Guerine may rarely cause injection site reactions. However, if the condition persists for longer or worsens, consult a doctor.
Bacillus Calmette Guerine causes side effects such as soreness, tenderness, allergic reactions, pain at the site of injection, vomiting, blood in urine, and redness at the site of injection. Please contact a doctor if any of these side effects persist for longer durations.
Yes, Bacillus Calmette Guerine can lead to blood in the urine, as a common side effect, especially after bladder cancer treatment. If it continues or is severe, contact a doctor.
No, it is not safe to have intercourse (sex) for at least 24 hours following each Bacillus Calmette Guerine treatment. You are recommended to use a condom for one week after the therapy to prevent the sexual transmission of BCG bacteria. Please contact a doctor if you have any concerns.
It is given either as an injection under the skin (for vaccine use) or directly into the bladder using a temporary catheter (for bladder cancer treatment). Talk to your doctor for more details about your specific procedure.
Yes, you can eat, but you may be asked to limit your fluid intake for a few hours before your bladder treatment so you can hold the medicine in your bladder comfortably. Talk to your doctor for specific instructions.
This medicine contains live, weakened bacteria. Adding bleach to the toilet bowl kills any bacteria present in your urine, preventing it from spreading to others. Talk to your doctor if you need further safety advice.
A mild fever is common and can often be managed with rest. However, if your fever is high, lasts longer than 48 hours, or is accompanied by severe chills, you must contact your clinic immediately. Talk to your doctor.
Certain antibiotics can interfere with how this medicine works by killing the helpful bacteria it contains. Always give your healthcare provider a full list of your current medications. Talk to your doctor.
This medicine is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks to the baby. Your healthcare provider will help you weigh the risks and benefits. Talk to your doctor.
The number of treatments varies depending on whether you are receiving it as a vaccine or as cancer therapy, which often involves weekly sessions for several weeks. Talk to your doctor.
