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Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain

Information about Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain Uses

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain is used in prevention of chickenpox, Yellow fever, prevention of diarrhea due to rotavirus, prevention of Measles, prevention of Rubella, prevention of Japanese Encephalitis, prevention of tuberculosis, early-stage bladder cancer and prevention of Mumps. It treats bladder cancer and also prevents it from coming back after bladder surgery.

How Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain works

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain is a type of bacteria. It works by activating the cells in the immune system which helps destroy cancer cells lining the bladder.

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Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MBA, MD Pharmacology

Written By

Dr. Mayank

Pharm.D

Last updated

11 Jun 2025 | 02:01 PM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain

Onco BcgCipla Ltd

₹10401 variant(s)

Expert advice for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain helps treat bladder cancer and also prevents cancer from coming back after bladder surgery.
It is put into your bladder through a tube by a doctor or nurse.
Do not drink any liquid 4 hours before or 2 hours after you get this medicine.
You will be asked to urinate immediately before and 2 hours after Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain is given to you.
Inform your doctor if you are also taking medicines for tuberculosis, other medications such as antibiotics or those that affect the immune system.

Frequently asked questions for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain

Q. What is Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain used for?

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain is a medicine used to treat early stage bladder cancer. It is made from a weakened strain of Mycobacterium bovis, a vaccine for tuberculosis. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells and this stops the cancer from growing as well as spreading to other unaffected parts.

Q. What are the side effects of using Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain?<br>

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain can cause side effects like difficulty in urination, urinary tract infection, and fever. It also commonly causes a burning feeling in the bladder, the need to urinate often, and even blood in the urine.

Q. Are there any serious side effects of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain?

Usually, you may have a fever as one of the common side effects of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain. But if the fever is prolonged with a temperature of or above 101 degrees, or if you have chills, rash, prolonged cough, specific joint pain, or if any of these symptoms last longer than 48 hours, then you should contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may prescribe some medications to relieve these side effects and may also suggest ways to cope up with them.

Q. Can Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain cause blood in the urine?

Yes, causes some irritation to the bladder and may cause bleeding that may give your urine a reddish color. Drink as much fluids as you can to keep your urine clear and to prevent blood clots from forming in the bladder. Usually, this bleeding resolves after sometime. But, if it does not or if it bothers you, consult your doctor.

Q. Is it safe to have an intercourse while on treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain?

No, one should refrain from having unprotected sexual intercourse while on treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain. In fact, men must wear a condom for the entire six-week treatment and women must avoid any vaginal contact for an additional six weeks after treatment too. This is to ensure safety of the other partner, because Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain does not contain dead but weakened bacteria. So, it may affect the unaffected individuals and therefore is advised not to indulge in sexual contact.