Theracys (BCG Live (Intravesical)) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 27, 2012

Theracys

Bladder Cancer »

What is the bladder?

The urinary bladder, or the bladder, is a hollow organ present in the pelvis. Most of it lies behind the pubic bone of the pelvis but when full it can extend up into the lower part of the abdomen. Its primary function is to store urine that drains into it from the kidney through tube-like structures called the ureters. The ureters from both the kidneys open into the urinary bladder. The bladder forms a low-pressure reservoir which gradually stretches out as urine fills into it. In males, the prostate gland is located adjacent to the base of the bladder where urethra joins the bladder. From time to time, the muscular wall of the bladder contracts to expel urine through the urinary passage (urethra) into the outside world.

What are the layers of the bladder?

The bladder consists of three layers of tissue. The innermost layer of the bladder which comes into contact with the urine stored inside the bl...

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Theracys

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PATIENT INFORMATION

TheraCys (bcg live (intravesical)) is retained in the bladder for as long as possible up to 2 hours and then voided. To avoid transmission of BCG to others, for 6 hours after treatment, patients should void while seated in order to avoid splashing of urine. Urine voided during this time should be disinfected for 15 minutes with an equal volume of household bleach before flushing or disposal. Unless medically contraindicated, patients should be instructed to increase fluid intake in order to "flush" the bladder for several hours following treatment with TheraCys (bcg live (intravesical)) . Patients may experience burning with the first void after treatment.

Because TheraCys (bcg live (intravesical)) contains live mycobacteria, excreted urine may also contain live bacteria. Patients should be advised on appropriate infection control procedures to protect family and close contacts from infection.

Fever, chills, malaise, flu-like symptoms, increased fatigue or an increase in urinary symptoms, (such as burning or pain on urination) are not uncommon. However, patients should notify their physicians if any of these symptoms last more than 48 hours or increase in severity. Patients should also notify their physicians if they experience any of the following: an increase in urinary symptoms (such as urgency, frequency of urination, blood in urine), joint pain, eye complaints (such as pain, irritation or redness), cough, skin rash, jaundice or vomiting.

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/28/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.