Onco-BCG Tablets 40mg

Product Description

Product Name: Onco-BCG Tablets 40mg

Product Form: Tablets

Pack Size: 10's

Manufactured By: Cipla Pharmaceuticals

Used For:

1. Vaccination for Tuberculosis (TB):

   • The BCG vaccine is widely used to protect against tuberculosis (TB), especially in countries where TB is common. It provides protection against severe forms of TB in children, such as meningeal TB and TB of the bones.
   • It is most commonly administered in infancy or early childhood in countries with high TB prevalence.

2. Bladder Cancer Treatment:

   • BCG therapy is a form of immunotherapy used in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. It is the standard of care for patients with superficial bladder cancer to help prevent recurrence after tumor resection.
   • In this context, BCG is introduced directly into the bladder via a catheter, where it stimulates the body's immune system to attack cancer cells within the bladder.

Side Effects:

1. Common Side Effects (for the vaccine):

   • Local reactions at the injection site, including redness, swelling, or mild ulceration.
   • Mild fever or discomfort, particularly in the first few days after vaccination.

2. Serious Side Effects (rare):

   • Lymphadenitis (swelling of the lymph nodes), particularly in infants and young children.
   • Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-related infections: In rare cases, especially in immunocompromised individuals, the weakened bacteria may cause infections, particularly in the bones, joints, or lungs.
   • Systemic infection: Very rarely, severe reactions like disseminated BCG infection may occur, especially in people with compromised immune systems (e.g., HIV-positive individuals or those on immunosuppressive medications).

3. For Bladder Cancer Treatment:

   • Urinary symptoms: Increased frequency, urgency, burning, or pain during urination. Some patients may experience blood in the urine (hematuria).
   • Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, or malaise.
   • Bladder irritation: Such as bladder spasms or discomfort.

4. Serious Side Effects (for bladder cancer treatment):

   • Sepsis: A life-threatening systemic infection due to the bacteria, although this is very rare.
   • Bladder ulceration: Inflammation or ulcers in the bladder lining.
   • Kidney infections: If BCG bacteria spread from the bladder to the kidneys.

Precautions:

1. Immunocompromised Individuals:

   • BCG vaccination is not recommended for people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, or immunosuppressive therapies.
   • BCG therapy for bladder cancer should also be avoided in patients who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or have certain underlying conditions like active tuberculosis or systemic infections.

2. Pregnancy:

   • BCG vaccination is typically avoided during pregnancy, as there is limited data on its safety for the unborn child.
   • BCG therapy for bladder cancer is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risks to both the mother and fetus.

3. Infection Risk:

   • After receiving BCG therapy for bladder cancer, patients should avoid close contact with young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems for a short period, as there is a small risk of transmission of the bacteria.

4. Urinary Symptoms:

   • Patients undergoing BCG bladder therapy should report any persistent or severe urinary symptoms to their healthcare provider to ensure proper management and rule out complications.