BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUERIN STRAIN
Background and Date of Approval
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin strain is an anticancer agent classified as a vaccine. It received approval in 1977 for the treatment of bladder cancer.
Uses
Bacillus calmette-guerin strain has been developed to treat bladder cancer.
How is it administered?
It will be given to you by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic setting trained in cancer chemotherapy. The Bacillus calmette-guerin strain is usually given as an intravesical injection which is administered directly into the bladder through a catheter by your doctor. Do not self-administer the injection. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease severity, body weight, and other factors.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Bacillus calmette-guerin strain are frequency and urgency of urination, painful urination, inflammation of the bladder, urinary tract infection, and fever. If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Do not take Bacillus calmette-guerin strain if you are allergic to it or any other ingredients of this medicine. Report to your physician if you face any symptoms of sudden difficulty in breathing, fever, redness or flushing of the skin, or a rash, nausea, or vomiting after the administration of the injection. This medicine is not recommended for children and young people under 18 years of age. Use an effective method of contraception while being treated with this injection. Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding during the treatment, as it can cause harm to the foetus.
Precautions
This injection is contraindicated in individuals with a weakened immune system. It is a live bacteria and can potentially cause infections in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, cancer, or who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Bacillus calmette-guerin strain may not be recommended for individuals who have a history of tuberculosis, as it may not be effective in preventing a new infection or may interfere with the diagnosis of a new infection.
Word of Advice
Inform your doctor if you are planning to receive any vaccines, including the yellow fever vaccine, so that the risks and benefits of vaccination during treatment with this drug can be discussed. Bacillus calmette-guerin strain may cause urinary tract infections, so maintaining good hygiene and drinking adequate fluids during treatment is necessary to help prevent urinary tract infections.
References
Ciplamed, [Published on 16/08/2017] (Accessed: 29 April 2023), https://5.imimg.com/data5/BJ/HT/LM/SELLER-4164638/sii-onco-bcg-injection.pdf Dominic H Tang, Sam S Chang; Management of carcinoma in situ of the bladder: best practice and recent developments; Therapeutic Advances in Urology; Published on Dec 2015;(Accessed: 29 April 2023); https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26622320 Pettenati C, Ingersoll MA, Mechanisms of BCG immunotherapy and its outlook for bladder cancer; Natural Reviews, Urology; Published on Oct 2018;(Accessed: 29 April 2023); https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29991725/ Onco-BCG Injection (BCG for immunotherapy I.P - freeze-dried). Available at: https://5.imimg.com/data5/BJ/HT/LM/SELLER-4164638/sii-onco-bcg-injection.pdf (Accessed: 29 April 2023). Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Immunosuppressants, Tolerogens, and Immunostimulants, 12th edition, 2011, 1022. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Vaccines and sera, 7th edition, 2013, 922.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether Bacillus calmette-guerin strain be given at home?
A healthcare professional usually administers Bacillus calmette-guerin strain in a hospital or clinic setting. This is because the medication is injected directly into the bladder, which requires special training and equipment to perform safely and effectively. However, in some cases, it may be possible for patients to receive this drug at home with the support of a healthcare professional.
Can Bacillus calmette-guerin strain cause Urinary tract infection?
Yes, Bacillus calmette-guerin strain can cause urinary tract infections like bladder irritation, frequent urination and blood in the urine. If you face any symptoms inform your doctor immediately and seek medical advice.
How is Bacillus calmette-guerin strain administered?
Bacillus calmette-guerin strain is administered through intravesical injection, which means it is injected directly into the bladder through a catheter that is inserted through the urethra. The medication is then held in the bladder for a period of time before being expelled through urination.
Can Bacillus calmette-guerin strain be given to patients with kidney problems?
Bacillus calmette-guerin strain is primarily excreted through the kidneys, so patients with kidney problems may be at increased risk of side effects from the drug. Inform your physician if you have kidney problems before initiating the therapy.
Will I get a fever after receiving the Bacillus calmette-guerin strain?
Yes, some people may get a mild to moderate fever with the Bacillus calmette-guerin strain, and usually, it goes away on its own within a few days. If you experience a fever or other side effects that persist or become more severe over time, you should contact your healthcare provider.