Bacillus Calmette Guerin
About
Bacillus Calmette Guerin belongs to the class of drugs called immunizing agents used to treat bladder cancer and prevent its recurrence after bladder surgery. Bacillus Calmette Guerin is also used as a vaccine to prevent tuberculosis (TB). Bladder cancer begins in the bladder, and the symptoms include painful urination, blood in the urine, frequent or urgent urination, pain in the lower back. Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mostly affects the lungs and is transmitted via infected droplets in the air released through sneezes and coughs.
Bacillus Calmette Guerin contains Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, a strain of bacteria that activates cells in the immune system. Thereby, it destroys cancer cells lining the bladder. Also, it works by stimulating the immune system of the body to produce antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Thereby, it helps develop immunity and protect the body against tuberculosis.
Bacillus Calmette Guerin will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. In some cases, you may experience pain when urinating, bloody urine, frequent urination, extreme tiredness, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, or joint pains. Most of these side effects of Bacillus Calmette Guerin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Bacillus Calmette Guerin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you have shared a needle, had unsafe sex, had a blood transfusion or if you have been a drug user, inform your doctor before taking Bacillus Calmette Guerin. Avoid drinking alcohol with Bacillus Calmette Guerin as it may irritate the bladder. If you are taking medicines for Tuberculosis (Tb), avoid taking Bacillus Calmette Guerin and inform your doctor.
Uses of Bacillus Calmette Guerin
Medicinal Benefits
Bacillus Calmette Guerin belongs to the class of drugs called immunizing agents used to treat bladder cancer and prevent its recurrence after bladder surgery. Bacillus Calmette Guerin is also used as a vaccine to prevent tuberculosis (TB). Bacillus Calmette Guerin contains Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, a strain of bacteria that activates cells in the immune system. Thereby, it destroys cancer cells lining the bladder. Also, it works by stimulating the immune system of the body to produce antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Thereby, it helps to develop immunity and protect the body against tuberculosis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Bacillus Calmette Guerin
- Pain when urinating
- Bloody urine
- Frequent urination
- Extreme tiredness
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle pain or joint pains
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Bacillus Calmette Guerin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you have shared a needle, had unsafe sex, had a blood transfusion or if you have been a drug user, inform your doctor before taking Bacillus Calmette Guerin. Avoid drinking alcohol with Bacillus Calmette Guerin as it may irritate the bladder. If you are taking medicines for Tuberculosis (Tb), avoid taking Bacillus Calmette Guerin and inform your doctor. Avoid intake of any liquid 4 hours before and 2 hours after taking Bacillus Calmette Guerin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Bacillus Calmette Guerin may interact with antibiotics, immunosuppressants and bone marrow suppressants.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have urinary tract infection, cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), HIV infection or immune system problems, inform your doctor before taking Bacillus Calmette Guerin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption with Bacillus Calmette Guerin as it may irritate the bladder.
Pregnancy
cautionBacillus Calmette Guerin is given to a pregnant woman if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Bacillus Calmette Guerin is excreted in human milk. Bacillus Calmette Guerin is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks. Therefore please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
safe if prescribedBacillus Calmette Guerin usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionTake Bacillus Calmette Guerin with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Bacillus Calmette Guerin with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionBacillus Calmette Guerin should be used with caution in children if advised by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat more fruits and vegetables as they provide essential vitamins and minerals to the body.
- Include foods rich in protein such as chicken, eggs, fish, meat, nuts, seeds, dairy, beans, lentils and soy products as adequate protein supports the immune system and helps to maintain muscle mass.
- Include foods containing healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, avocados, fish, olives and olive oils.
- Choose foods containing whole grain as it contains fibre and nutrients.
Special Advise
Before taking Bacillus Calmette Guerin, a Tuberculin skin test is done by your doctor. If this gives a positive result, avoid taking Bacillus Calmette Guerin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bladder cancer: It begins in the bladder, and the symptoms include painful urination, blood in the urine, frequent or urgent urination, pain in the lower back. Smoking increases the risk of bladder cancer. Other factors include eating a high-fat diet, family history of bladder cancer, exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, low fluid consumption, chronic bladder infections, previous treatment with Cytoxan (chemotherapy drug) and previous radiation therapy to treat cancer in the pelvic area.
Tuberculosis (TB): It is a highly infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mostly affects the lungs and is transmitted via infected droplets in the air released through sneezes and coughs. The symptoms of TB include a cough lasting for more than 3 weeks, chest pain, weakness, weight loss, chills, fever, loss of appetite, unexplained tiredness and coughing up phlegm or blood.
FAQs
Bacillus Calmette Guerin activates cells in the immune system. Thereby, it destroys cancer cells lining the bladder. Also, it works by stimulating the immune system of the body to produce antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Thereby, it helps develop immunity and protects the body against tuberculosis.
You are recommended to use a condom if you are having sexual intercourse during the week after taking Bacillus Calmette Guerin to lower the chance of passing Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) bacteria to your partner. However, discuss with a doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
You are not recommended to take Bacillus Calmette Guerin with antibiotics as co-administration may reduce the effectiveness of Bacillus Calmette Guerin. However, inform your doctor before taking Bacillus Calmette Guerin with other medicines.
Bacillus Calmette Guerin cause bloody urine as a temporary and common side effect. Usually, it subsides within 2 days. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
Bacillus Calmette Guerin is not recommended for HIV patients. Therefore, if you are HIV positive, inform your doctor before taking Bacillus Calmette Guerin.
