Monograph Details

Neoplasms > Miscellaneous oncology agents
THERACYS
Manufacturer
Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.
Legal Classification
Rx
Pharmacological Class
BCG Live.
Generic Name
Live Bacillus Calmette and Guerin (BCG) strain of attenuated Mycobacterium bovis; 81mg per vial; pwd for intravesical administration after reconstitution and dilution; preservative-free.
Indications
Treatment and prophylaxis of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the urinary bladder. Prophylaxis of stage Ta and/or T1 papillary tumors following transurethral resection (TUR).
Children
Not recommended.
Adults
Drain bladder via urethral catheter prior to instillation. Induction: Instill 1 dose intravesically once per week for 6 weeks. Maintenance: one dose at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after initial dose. Retain in bladder for up to 2 hours, then void seated. Increase fluid intake to flush bladder.
Contraindications
Immunosuppressed. Active TB. Febrile illness. UTI (withhold until complete resolution). Gross hematuria. Do not give within 7–14 days after biopsy, TUR, or traumatic catheterization.
Precautions
Not for the prevention of cancer or TB. Determine PPD status prior to therapy; rule out active TB if (+). Not for stage TaG1 papillary tumors unless high tumor recurrence risk. Not for IV, IM, or SC injection. Monitor for systemic BCG reaction; may occur as a hypersensitivity reaction (eg, malaise, fever, chills) or active infection (eg, fever ≥101.3°F, or acute localized inflammation such as epididymitis, prostatitis, or orchitis persisting ≥2 days); if persistent fever or acute febrile illness consistent with BCG infection occurs, discontinue BCG permanently and treat with ≥2 antimycobacterial drugs (except pyrazinamide). Local irritative effects: do not use antimycobacterial drugs prophylactically. Pre-existing arterial aneurysm or prosthetic devices: risk of ectopic BCG infection. High-risk for HIV. Latex allergy. Small bladder. PPD seroconversion may occur with treatment. Pregnancy (Cat.C). Nursing mothers: not recommended.
Interactions
See contraindications. Immunosuppressants, myelosuppressants, radiation, antimicrobial therapy may reduce efficacy.
Adverse Reactions
Bladder irritation, inflammation (begins after 4 hrs and last up to 72 hrs), dysuria, urinary frequency, malaise, hematuria, fever, chills, cystitis, anemia, UTI, GI upset, renal toxicity, genital pain, arthralgia, incontinence, cramps, flu-like syndrome, systemic BCG infection.
How Supplied
Vial—1 (w. diluent)
Additional Resources
Related Prescribing Note