Bacillus Calmette Guerine
About Bacillus Calmette Guerine
Bacillus Calmette Guerine is a vaccine belonging to the class of immunizing agents. It is used to prevent tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an infectious respiratory disease that affects the lungs but can also spread to other body parts such as the kidneys, brain, spine, and bone marrow. Bacillus Calmette Guerine is also used to stop bladder cancer from spreading into the deeper layers of the bladder.
Bacillus Calmette Guerine is a Bacillus of Calmette-Guerin (BCG) live attenuated vaccine form of Mycobacterium bovis, used to prevent tuberculosis. It is given to individuals who are not previously infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and are at high risk for exposure.
Bacillus Calmette Guerine may cause certain common side effects, such as redness and soreness at the site of injection, injection site reactions, and ulceration at the vaccination site. Most of these side effects will last for only a few days and resolve by themselves. A trained healthcare doctor will administer Bacillus Calmette Guerine in the hospital.
Inform the doctor if you/your child develops any allergic reactions to the previous dose if received, has a known pre-existing allergy to any of the contents of Bacillus Calmette Guerine or has had a severe allergic reaction following a previous dose of Bacillus Calmette Guerine. Let your doctor know about your detailed medical history, including any chronic disease, neurological disease, or severe illness. It is important to inform the doctor about your vaccination history.
Uses of Bacillus Calmette Guerine
Medicinal Benefits
Bacillus Calmette Guerine is a Bacillus of Calmette-Guerin (BCG) live attenuated vaccine form of Mycobacterium bovis. It contains a weakened bacteria that is used to prevent tuberculosis. Bacillus Calmette Guerine is administered only to those individuals who have not previously been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and are at high risk of exposure.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Bacillus Calmette Guerine
- Soreness
- Tenderness
- Redness at the injection site
- Allergic reactions
- Pain at the site of injection
- Ulceration at the vaccination site
- Vomiting
- Blood in urine
Drug Warnings
Avoid receiving Bacillus Calmette Guerine if you or your child have any known hypersensitivity reactions to a previous dose of Bacillus Calmette Guerine or any of its components. It is contraindicated in patients with positive tuberculin tests, patients with active TB disease, impaired immune responses because of HIV infections, congenital immunodeficiencies, leukaemia, lymphoma, and other malignancies. Hence, patients should be observed carefully after receiving the vaccine. This medicine is not intended for use in infants, children, or adults with severe immune deficiency syndromes. Also, children with a family history of weak immune systems should avoid receiving the vaccination. Inform the doctor about any medications that you/your child is currently taking and about any previous vaccination and medical history. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should inform their doctor before administering Bacillus Calmette Guerine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Bacillus Calmette Guerine may interact with immunosuppressive agents (adalimumab, cyclosporine, azathioprine, infliximab, tacrolimus), antimicrobial drugs (gentamicin, vancomycin, tetracycline, ketoconazole, itraconazole), and live vaccines.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Bacillus Calmette Guerine should not be used in case of a previous severe allergic reaction to Bacillus Calmette Guerine or any of its components, weak immune response patients and family history of weak immunization system.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether alcohol can be consumed when you are taking Bacillus Calmette Guerine. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, inform your doctor before receiving Bacillus Calmette Guerine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Bacillus Calmette Guerine. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safeBacillus Calmette Guerine may not affect your ability to drive. However, do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if the patient has liver problems before receiving the vaccination. Your doctor will decide whether a dosage adjustment is needed.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if the patient has kidney impairment before receiving the vaccination. Your doctor will decide whether a dosage adjustment is needed.
Children
safe if prescribedBacillus Calmette Guerine is safe for use in children below 12 years of age. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns. For children, Bacillus Calmette Guerine should be given in the deltoid region. Administration via intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous routes is not recommended.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Apply an ice pack on the injection site in case of pain or soreness.
- It is important to keep your child hydrated post-vaccination. Make sure to give them plenty of water.
- In case of fever, consult your doctor before treating with any OTC medication.
- Ensure a balanced diet for proper nourishment and immunity.
- Keep your child's immunisations up to date.
Special Advise
- Bacillus Calmette Guerine should be administered to patients whose tuberculin test results are negative.
- Avoid administration through intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal and subcutaneous routes. Administer only via percutaneous route for adults and in the deltoid region for paediatrics.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Tuberculosis (TB): Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other body parts such as the kidneys, brain, spine, and bone marrow. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a contagious disease which can spread to others through small droplets released into the air by a person suffering from tuberculosis. Symptoms include a cough that lasts for a few weeks, pain while coughing or with normal breathing, unexplained fatigue, fever, night sweats, and loss of appetite and weight. People who smoke or consume alcohol.
FAQs
Bacillus Calmette Guerine is a Bacillus of Calmette-Guerin (BCG) live attenuated vaccine form of Mycobacterium bovis, used to prevent tuberculosis.
Bacillus Calmette Guerine may rarely cause injection site reactions. However, if the condition persists for longer or worsens, consult a doctor.
Bacillus Calmette Guerine causes side effects such as soreness, tenderness, allergic reactions, pain at the site of injection, vomiting, blood in urine, and redness at the site of injection. Please contact a doctor if any of these side effects persist for longer durations.
Yes, Bacillus Calmette Guerine can lead to blood in the urine, as a common side effect, especially after bladder cancer treatment. If it continues or is severe, contact a doctor.
No, it is not safe to have intercourse (sex) for at least 24 hours following each Bacillus Calmette Guerine treatment. You are recommended to use a condom for one week after the therapy to prevent the sexual transmission of BCG bacteria. Please contact a doctor if you have any concerns.
