Theracys (BCG Live (Intravesical)) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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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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Theracys Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: TheraCys, Tice BCG Vaccine

Generic Name: BCG (Pronunciation: bee cee jee)

What is BCG (Theracys)?

BCG (Bacillus Calmette and Guérin) is made using the organisms of a bacteria.

This medication is injected directly into the bladder, where it causes inflammation and increases certain white blood cells known as natural killer cells. These killer cells act to destroy invading cells such as tumor cells in the bladder.

BCG is used to treat bladder cancer that is localized (has not spread to other parts of the body).

BCG may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of BCG (Theracys)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any side effects to your doctor. Some side effects may be serious, including:

fever, chills, cough, body aches, joint pain, weakness, vomiting, or other flu symptoms;
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
pain or burning when you urinate;
difficult urination;
more frequent or urgent urinating;
blood in your urine, lower back pain;
pain or swelling in your testicles;
easy bruising or bleeding;
eye pain, redness, watering, severe burning or itching; or
vision changes, increased sensitivity to light.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild nausea, stomach pain, or loss of appetite;
mild bladder or groin pain;
urine leakage or incontinence;
diarrhea, constipation;
headache;
mild skin rash;
dizziness, tired feeling; or
tissue particles in your urine (not blood).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about BCG (Theracys)?

You should not be treated with this medication if you are allergic to BCG, or if you have tuberculosis, a fever, a bladder infection, blood in your urine, or a weak immune system (caused by certain drugs or disease such as AIDS, leukemia, or lymphoma).

You should also not receive BCG if you have had a bladder biopsy, surgery, or catheter within the past 14 days.

Before you receive BCG, tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex rubber, or if you have myasthenia gravis, a pacemaker or other artificial heart device, an artificial joint or other prosthetic, or any type of infection (including HIV).

Also tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis, bypass surgery, or an aneurysm (dilated blood vessel), or if you currently need to have an organ transplant (kidney, liver, heart, etc).

Your doctor may ask you to drink extra fluids for several hours after your BCG treatment to help flush out your bladder. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.

Call your doctor right away if you have a fever after receiving BCG, especially if the fever lasts for several hours or longer.

Antibiotics can make BCG less effective and should be avoided during your treatment with BCG. If you have an infection that must be treated with an antibiotic, you may need to stop receiving BCG for a short time. Follow your doctor's instructions and be sure to tell any other doctor who treats you that you are receiving BCG.

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