Why is this medication prescribed?

TICE BCG is a type of vaccine used for the prevention of tuberculosis (TB), particularly in individuals who are at high risk of developing TB or who have been exposed to TB. It contains live attenuated bacteria derived from Mycobacterium bovis, known as Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG).

TICE BCG is primarily prescribed for the following reasons:

• Preventive Therapy: It’s used to prevent tuberculosis infection in individuals who are at high risk due to various factors such as living in areas with high TB prevalence, healthcare workers who are frequently exposed to TB patients, or individuals with compromised immune systems.
• Treatment of Bladder Cancer: In some cases, TICE BCG is used as a treatment for early-stage bladder cancer. When instilled into the bladder, it triggers an immune response that can help destroy cancer cells.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how TICE BCG is typically used:

• Administration: TICE BCG is administered directly into the bladder through a catheter. It is usually instilled into the bladder while the patient is lying down and then held in the bladder for a couple of hours before being emptied out.
• Treatment Schedule: TICE BCG treatment is typically given as a series of weekly instillations over a six-week period. After the initial six-week treatment course, some patients may require maintenance therapy, which involves additional instillations given at regular intervals.
• Preparation: Before administering TICE BCG, the bladder is typically emptied, and any blood in the urine is cleared. The medication is then prepared according to the manufacturer’s instructions and instilled into the bladder through a catheter.
• Side Effects: Common side effects of TICE BCG treatment include urinary urgency, frequency, discomfort or pain during urination, mild flu-like symptoms, and blood in the urine. In some cases, more serious side effects such as bladder irritation, urinary tract infection, or systemic infection may occur.
• Follow-Up: Patients undergoing TICE BCG treatment are usually monitored closely for any signs of infection or other complications. Follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are important to assess the response to treatment and to manage any side effects.

It’s important for patients to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when using TICE BCG and to report any unusual symptoms or side effects promptly.

Other uses for this medicine

Some of the other uses for TICE BCG include:

• Tuberculosis: BCG vaccine, which is derived from the same strain of bacteria as TICE BCG, is commonly used as a vaccine for tuberculosis (TB). In some cases, TICE BCG may be used as a treatment for certain forms of TB, particularly when conventional antibiotic therapy has failed or in cases of drug-resistant TB.
• Immunotherapy: Research is ongoing to explore the potential of BCG as an immunotherapy agent for other types of cancer, such as melanoma and certain types of lymphoma. BCG’s ability to stimulate the immune system has led to interest in its use as a treatment for various cancers beyond bladder cancer.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions to follow when using TICE BCG:

• Infection Control: Because TICE BCG is a live attenuated bacteria, there is a risk of infection associated with its use. Healthcare providers who administer TICE BCG should follow strict infection control protocols to minimize the risk of transmission to themselves and others.
• Patient Isolation: Patients receiving TICE BCG treatment may excrete live bacteria in their urine for several hours after administration. To reduce the risk of spreading infection to others, patients may be instructed to urinate while sitting down and to clean the toilet seat and surrounding area thoroughly after each use.
• Immunocompromised Patients: TICE BCG should be used with caution in patients who are immunocompromised, as they may be at increased risk of developing disseminated infection. Healthcare providers may need to take additional precautions or consider alternative treatments for these patients.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions to TICE BCG can occur. Patients should be monitored closely for signs of allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat, and appropriate medical intervention should be sought if these symptoms occur.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of TICE BCG during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with their healthcare provider before receiving TICE BCG treatment.

Overall, patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and report any unusual symptoms or side effects promptly during TICE BCG treatment.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding special dietary instructions for TICE BCG, there are generally no specific dietary restrictions associated with this medication. However, maintaining a healthy diet rich in nutrients can support overall health and may aid in recovery. Patients should follow any dietary recommendations provided by their healthcare provider, especially if they have underlying health conditions that require dietary modifications.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• If you miss a scheduled dose of TICE BCG, contact your healthcare provider or physician as soon as possible to discuss the next steps.
• Depending on the circumstances, your healthcare provider may recommend rescheduling the missed dose or adjusting the treatment schedule accordingly.
• It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance closely and not attempt to administer additional doses without their approval.

What side effects can this medication cause?

TICE BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication, it can cause side effects. Some common side effects of TICE BCG treatment include:

• Urinary Symptoms: TICE BCG can cause urinary symptoms such as increased frequency, urgency, discomfort, or pain during urination. These symptoms usually improve over time but may persist throughout the course of treatment.
• Flu-Like Symptoms: Some patients may experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and body aches after receiving TICE BCG. These symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days.
• Hematuria: Blood in the urine (hematuria) is a common side effect of TICE BCG treatment. This may cause the urine to appear pink, red, or tea-colored. While hematuria is usually mild and resolves spontaneously, it’s essential to report any persistent or severe bleeding to your healthcare provider.
• Bladder Irritation: TICE BCG can irritate the lining of the bladder, leading to symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, and discomfort. In some cases, bladder irritation may be severe enough to require medical intervention or temporary discontinuation of treatment.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): TICE BCG treatment can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Symptoms of a UTI may include burning or pain with urination, increased urinary frequency, urgency, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
• Systemic Infection: Although rare, TICE BCG can cause systemic infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of a systemic infection may include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to TICE BCG are uncommon but can occur. Signs of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms after receiving TICE BCG, seek medical attention promptly.

It’s essential to discuss any concerns or potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting TICE BCG treatment. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance on managing side effects and monitoring your response to treatment.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of TICE BCG:

Storage:

• TICE BCG should be stored in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze.
• Keep TICE BCG in its original packaging until ready to use to protect it from light.
• Do not use TICE BCG if it has been stored improperly or if the expiration date has passed.

Disposal:

• Unused or expired TICE BCG should be disposed of properly according to local regulations for hazardous waste disposal.
• Do not dispose of TICE BCG in household trash or flush it down the toilet.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Contact emergency medical services (911 in the US) or your local poison control center immediately.
• Provide information about the medication ingested, including the name (TICE BCG), strength, and amount taken.
• Follow the instructions provided by healthcare professionals or poison control specialists.

What other information should I know?

• Follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider for the administration of TICE BCG.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies, medical conditions, or medications you are taking before starting TICE BCG treatment.
• Attend all scheduled appointments for monitoring during and after TICE BCG treatment.
• Report any unusual symptoms, side effects, or signs of infection to your healthcare provider promptly.
• Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are immunocompromised, while receiving TICE BCG treatment to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
• Practice good hygiene, including handwashing, to reduce the risk of infection during TICE BCG treatment.
• Follow any additional instructions provided by your healthcare provider for managing side effects or complications associated with TICE BCG treatment.

It’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider and follow their guidance throughout TICE BCG treatment to ensure its safety and effectiveness.