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BCG (Intravesical)


General


Pronunciation

(bee see jee)


Brand Names: U.S.

  • TheraCys
  • Tice BCG

Indications


Use: Labeled Indications

Bladder cancer: Treatment and prophylaxis of carcinoma in situ of the urinary bladder; prophylaxis of primary or recurrent superficial or minimally invasive (stage Ta and/or T1) papillary tumors following transurethral resection

Limitations of use: BCG (intravesical) is not recommended for stage Ta low-grade papillary tumors unless judged to be at high risk for recurrence. BCG (intravesical) is not recommended for immunization against tuberculosis.


Contraindications


Known hypersensitivity to BCG (intravesical) or any component of the formulations, hypersensitivity after a previous administration of BCG (intravesical) or after a previous administration of a medicinal product containing the same substances; immunosuppressed patients or persons with congenital or acquired immune deficiencies (eg, HIV infection, leukemia, lymphoma, cancer therapy, immunosuppressive therapy such as corticosteroids); active tuberculosis; concurrent febrile illness, urinary tract infection, or gross hematuria; current symptoms or previous history of a systemic BCG reaction; recent (TheraCys: <14 days; TICE BCG: <7 to 14 days) biopsy, transurethral resection (TUR), or traumatic catheterization


ALERT: U.S. Boxed Warning

Biohazard agent:

BCG (intravesical) contains live, attenuated mycobacteria. Because of the potential risk for Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) transmission, prepare, handle, and dispose of as a biohazard material.

Disseminated infections:

BCG dissemination may occur when administered by the intravesical route. Serious infections, including fatal infections, have been reported. BCG may persist in the urinary tract for several months after BCG instillations and delayed manifestations of disseminated BCG infection may develop months or years after BCG therapy.

BCG infections have been reported in health care workers, primarily from exposures resulting from accidental needle sticks or skin lacerations during the preparation of BCG (intravesical) for administration. Nosocomial infections have been reported in patients receiving parenteral drugs that were prepared in areas where BCG (intravesical) was reconstituted.


Dosing and Administration


Dosing: Adult

Bladder cancer: Intravesicular:

TheraCys: Induction: One dose (81 mg or one vial) instilled into bladder (retain for up to 2 hours) once weekly for 6 weeks beginning at least 14 days after biopsy or transurethral resection, followed by maintenance therapy of 81 mg (one vial) at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after initial dose.

TICE BCG: Induction: One dose (~50 mg or one vial) instilled into the bladder (retain for 2 hours) once weekly for 6 weeks beginning 7 to 14 days after biopsy (may repeat cycle 1 time if tumor remission not achieved), followed by maintenance therapy of ~50 mg (one vial) approximately once a month for at least 6 to 12 months.


Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.


Dosing: Renal Impairment

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling.


Dosing: Hepatic Impairment

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling.


Reconstitution

Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH, 2014 [group 1]). Prepare using aseptic technique. To avoid cross-contamination, do not prepare parenteral medications in an area where BCG has been prepared (a separate preparation area is recommended). Equipment, supplies, and receptacles which come in contact with BCG (intravesical) should be handled and disposed of as biohazard waste. If cannot be prepared in a containment device, a gown, gloves, and respiratory protection should be worn to avoid contact or inhalation (NIOSH 2014). Eye protection should also be worn during preparation. Do not filter.

TheraCys: Reconstitute with 3 mL of sterile preservative free saline and shake gently to create a fine, even suspension (avoid foaming). Do not use if flocculation or clumping (that is not dispersed with gentle shaking) occurs after reconstitution. Withdraw contents (~3 mL) and further dilute with sterile preservative free saline to a final volume of 50 mL.

TICE BCG: Reconstitute with 1 mL sterile preservative free saline using a 3 mL syringe. Add to vial and swirl gently to form a homogenous suspension (forceful agitation may cause clumping). Dispense into a catheter tip syringe containing 49 mL of sterile preservative free saline. Mix by gently rotating the syringe.


Administration

For intravesicular (bladder instillation) administration only; do not administer IV, SubQ, IM, or intradermally.

Intravesicular: Patients should not drink fluids for 4 hours prior to instillation. Empty or drain bladder. Instill BCG (intravesical) by gravity; retain for as long as possible, up to 2 hours. Patient should lie prone for at least 15 minutes, then rotate positions (lie on right side, left side, abdomen, and back) every 15 minutes to maximize bladder surface exposure (TICE BCG); for TheraCys, patient may be in an upright position after the first 15 minutes. Following bladder instillation, patients should be instructed to void in a seated position in order to avoid the splashing of urine; burning may occur with the first void following therapy. Prior to flushing, disinfect the urine for 15 minutes with an equal amount of household bleach (this should be done for the first 6 hours after therapy). After administration, patients should drink plenty of water in order to flush the bladder.

Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH, 2014 [group 1]). Equipment, supplies, and receptacles which come in contact with BCG (intravesical) should be handled and disposed of as biohazard waste (NIOSH, 2014).


Storage

Store intact vials at 2 ‚ °C to 8 ‚ °C (36 ‚ °F to 46 ‚ °F). Protect from sunlight (direct or indirect); minimize exposure to artificial light. Use TheraCys immediately after reconstitution if possible, and do not exceed 2 hours stored at 2 ‚ °C to 25 ‚ °C (35 ‚ °F to 77 ‚ °F). Store TICE BCG at 2 ‚ °C to 8 ‚ °C (36 ‚ °F to 46 ‚ °F) and use within 2 hours of reconstitution.


Dosage Forms/Strengths


Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Suspension Reconstituted, Intravesical:

Tice BCG: 50 mg (1 ea)

Suspension Reconstituted, Intravesical [preservative free]:

TheraCys: 81 mg (1 ea) [contains monosodium glutamate (sodium glutamate)]


Drug Interactions

Antibiotics: May diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Exceptions: Acetic Acid (Otic); Azithromycin (Ophthalmic); Aztreonam (Oral Inhalation); Bacitracin (Ophthalmic); Bacitracin (Topical); Ciprofloxacin (Ophthalmic); Clindamycin (Topical); Dapsone (Topical); Erythromycin (Ophthalmic); Erythromycin (Topical); Fidaxomicin; Framycetin; Fusidic Acid (Ophthalmic); Fusidic Acid (Topical); Gatifloxacin; Gentamicin (Ophthalmic); Gentamicin (Topical); MetroNIDAZOLE (Topical); Sulfacetamide (Ophthalmic); Tobramycin (Ophthalmic). Avoid combination

Hexaminolevulinate: BCG (Intravesical) may diminish the diagnostic effect of Hexaminolevulinate. Avoid combination

Immunosuppressants: May diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Avoid combination

Myelosuppressive Agents: May diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Avoid combination


Monitoring Parameters

PPD test prior to treatment

Intravesical treatment: Monitor for signs/symptoms of toxicity/infection following every treatment. Signs that antituberculous therapy may be needed: Flu-like symptoms ≥72 hours, fever ≥101.3 ‚ °F, systemic symptoms which worsen with each treatment, persistently abnormal liver function tests, prostatitis, epididymitis or orchitis of >2 to 3 day duration


Lab Test Interferences


Test Interactions

Use of BCG (intravesical) may result in tuberculin sensitivity. Determine the tuberculin reactivity of patients receiving BCG by PPD skin testing PRIOR to treatment initiation.


Adverse Reactions


Adverse events should be reported to MEDWATCH (800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch) or the manufacturer.

>10%:

Central nervous system: Malaise ( ≤40%), chills (9% to 34%), pain ( ≤17%)

Gastrointestinal: Nausea ( ≤16%), vomiting ( ≤16%), anorexia ( ≤11%)

Genitourinary: Dysuria (52% to 60%), irritable bladder (50% to 60%), urinary frequency (40% to ≤50%), urinary urgency (6% to ≤50%), hematuria (26% to 39%; grade ≥33% to 7%), cystitis (6% to 30%), urinary tract infection (2% to 18%; grade ≥3: ≤1%)

Hematologic & oncologic: Anemia ( ≤21%)

Respiratory: Flu-like symptoms (24% to 33%; grade ≥3: ≤9%)

Miscellaneous: Fever (17% to 38%; grade ≥3: ≤8%)

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Fatigue ( ≤7%), dizziness ( ≤2%), headache ( ≤2%)

Dermatologic: Diaphoresis (3%), skin rash ( ≤3%)

Endocrine & metabolic: Weight loss ( ≤2%)

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea ( ≤6%), abdominal pain (2% to 3%), hepatic granuloma ( ≤1%)

Genitourinary: Genital pain (10%), nephrotoxicity (10%), hemorrhagic cystitis (9%), bladder spasm ( ≤8%), bladder pain ( ≤6%), urinary incontinence (2% to 6%), nocturia (5%), bladder contraction ( ≤5%), urine deposits (2%), epididymitis ( ≤1%), orchitis ( ≤1%), prostatitis ( ≤1%), pyuria ( ≤1%), urethritis ( ≤1%), urinary tract obstruction ( ≤1%)

Hematologic & oncologic: Leukopenia ( ≤5%), blood coagulation disorder ( ≤1%); thrombocytopenia ( ≤1%)

Hepatic: Hepatitis ( ≤1%)

Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity (2%)

Infection: Sepsis (3%; BCG sepsis: ≤1%), genital abscess ( ≤2%), genital inflammation ( ≤2%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthritis ( ≤7%), arthralgia ( ≤7%), myalgia ( ≤7%), muscle cramps ( ≤4%), rigors (3%)

Respiratory: Pulmonary infection (3%), pneumonitis ( ≤1%)

<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports:

<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Adverse drug effect (systemic BCG reaction; may include fever ≥39.5 ‚ °C ( ≥103.1 ‚ °F) for ≥12 hours; fever ≥38.5 ‚ °C ( ≥101.3 ‚ °F) for ≥48 hours; pneumonitis; hepatitis; other organ dysfunction outside of the GU tract with granulomatous inflammation on biopsy; or the classical signs of sepsis, including circulatory collapse, acute respiratory distress, and DIC), conjunctivitis, erythema nodosum, flank pain, granulomatous choreoretinitis, increased blood urea nitrogen, increased serum creatinine, interstitial pulmonary disease, iritis, keratitis, Mycobacterium bovis (includes infection of bone, bone marrow, kidney, lung, liver, lymph nodes, prostate), nephritis (includes glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, renal tubulo-interstitial nephritis), pneumonia, pyelonephritis, Reiters syndrome, renal abscess, renal failure, urinary retention (includes bladder tamponade and increased post-void residual urine volume), uveitis


Warnings/Precautions


Concerns related to adverse effects:

- BCG reaction: A systemic granulomatous illness occurring following exposure to BCG is referred to as a systemic BCG reaction when any of the following are present without another detectable etiology: Fever ≥39.5 ‚ °C for ≥12 hours or ≥38.5 ‚ °C for ≥48 hours; pneumonitis; hepatitis; organ dysfunction outside of the GU tract with granulomatous inflammation; clinical signs of sepsis. It may be difficult to determine if reaction is due to infection process or inflammatory hypersensitivity. A systemic BCG reaction is more likely to occur with intravesical administration <14 days after a biopsy, transurethral resection (TUR), or traumatic catheterization. Fatalities have been reported with systemic BCG reactions.

- Bladder irritation: BCG (intravesical) may cause symptoms of bladder irritability which usually begin 4 to 6 hours after instillation and may last 24 to 72 hours; symptoms may increase in severity following each instillation.

- Disseminated infections: [US Boxed Warning]: May cause disseminated (including fatal) infections following intravesical administration. Instillation to actively bleeding mucosa may promote systemic BCG infection or sepsis. To prevent serious infections, avoid trauma and/or introduction of contaminants into the urinary tract; postpone treatment for at least 1 to 2 weeks (depending on product) following TUR, biopsy, traumatic catheterization (may resume original schedule after 14 days), or gross hematuria. Do not use in patients with concurrent infections. Use caution in patients with aneurysms and prosthetic devices; ectopic BCG infection may occur at these sites. If signs and symptoms of a systemic BCG infection occur, permanently discontinue BCG treatment and begin therapy with 2 or more antimycobacterial agents (do not use single-agent therapy) while conducting a diagnostic evaluation. Infection from BCG (intravesical) is not sensitive to pyrazinamide. Do not use prophylactic antimycobacterial therapy to prevent local adverse events during treatment (there is no data to support use and may alter efficacy). Determine PPD status prior to use (rule out active tuberculosis prior to treatment initiation). Prior to intravesical instillation, patients with a positive PPD test should be further assessed for signs and/or symptoms of active or latent tuberculosis. BCG may persist in the urinary tract for several months after treatment; delayed manifestations of disseminated BCG infection may develop months to years after BCG therapy. Patients who receive immunosuppressive therapy after BCG therapy may be at higher risk for disseminated infection. Monitor for signs/symptoms of infection/toxicity after each treatment. Discontinue for persistent fever or acute febrile illness consistent with BCG infection. Some male genitourinary tract infections (orchitis or epididymitis) have been refractory to multiple antituberculosis drug therapies and have required orchiectomy.

Disease-related concerns:

- Small bladder capacity: Intravesical instillation may be associated with increased risk of severe local reactions in the presence of small bladder capacity; use with caution.

- Urinary tract infection: If a bacterial urinary tract infection occurs during therapy, withhold instillation until complete resolution of infection.

Concurrent drug therapy issues:

- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.

Dosage form specific issues:

- Latex: Packaging may contain natural latex rubber.

Special handling:

- Biohazard agent: [US Boxed Warning]: Contains live, attenuated mycobacteria. Use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal. BCG is a biohazard; proper preparation technique, handling, and disposal of all equipment in contact with BCG as a biohazard material is recommended. BCG infections have been reported in health care workers due to accidental exposure (needle stick, skin laceration); nosocomial infections have been reported in patients (including immunosuppressed patients) receiving parenteral medications prepared in areas where BCG was prepared. To avoid cross contamination, do not prepare parenteral medications in an area where BCG has been prepared.

- Hazardous agent: Use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]).

Other warnings/precautions:

- Appropriate use: BCG (intravesical) is not a vaccine for the prevention of cancer. Information is not available for interchanging products used for intravesical administration.


Pregnancy Risk Factor

C


Pregnancy Considerations

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. BCG (intravesical) is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid pregnancy while on BCG (intravesical) therapy.


Actions


Pharmacology

BCG (intravesical) is an attenuated strain of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (Mycobacterium bovis) used as a biological response modifier. BCG, when used intravesicularly for treatment of bladder carcinoma in situ, is thought to cause a local, chronic inflammatory response involving macrophage and leukocyte infiltration of the bladder. BCG (intravesical) is active immunotherapy which stimulates the hosts immune mechanism to reject the tumor.


Patient and Family Education


Patient Education

- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)

- Patient may experience bladder irritation, polyuria, nausea, or lack of appetite. Have patient report immediately to prescriber flu-like symptoms longer than 2 days, signs of infection, signs of liver problems (dark urine, feeling tired, lack of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes), signs of a severe pulmonary disorder (lung or breathing problems like trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or a cough that is new or worse), severe dizziness, passing out, angina, joint pain, eye pain, eye irritation, vomiting, urinary retention, change of amount of urine passed, dysuria, blood in urine, severe fever, or severe loss of strength and energy (HCAHPS).

- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.

Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.

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