Tice BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) for bladder cancer

Overview
Tice BCG is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat and prevent carcinoma in situ (CIS, a type of bladder cancer that stays on the bladder lining). It is also used to prevent the recurrence of certain bladder tumors, called stage Ta and T1 papillary tumors, after a procedure called transurethral resection (TUR, a surgical removal of tumors from the bladder). Tice BCG is recommended for high-risk tumors but not for low-risk stage Ta tumors. Tice BCG is also known by its drug name, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin.

Tice BCG is a biologic therapy that uses live but weakened bacteria (mycobacteria) to activate the immune system. While the exact way it works isn’t fully understood, it stimulates the immune system to attack bladder cancer cells.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Tice BCG is given as an intravesical therapy (placed directly into the bladder using a catheter). A typical treatment involves one dose per week for six weeks, followed by monthly maintenance doses for six to 12 months or longer. After the medication is placed in the bladder, it is kept there for about two hours while the person changes positions to coat the bladder evenly. The treatment should always be used as directed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Tice BCG include dysuria (burning or pain during urination), increased frequency and urgency to urinate, hematuria (blood in the urine), fever, chills, malaise (general discomfort), flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and bladder discomfort.

Rare but serious side effects may include systemic BCG infection (widespread infection caused by the treatment), sepsis (a life-threatening infection response), hepatitis (liver inflammation), pneumonitis (lung inflammation), epididymitis or orchitis (inflammation of male reproductive organs), and other severe complications like joint pain (arthritis), allergic reactions, and inflammation in other parts of the body such as the prostate or lungs.

Individuals experiencing signs of systemic infection, such as prolonged fever, worsening flu-like symptoms, or severe illness, should contact a health care provider immediately.

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Label: Tice BCG — Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Powder, for Suspension — DailyMed