Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine Side Effects
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine Side Effects
Side effects:
Important things to remember about the side effects of BCG:
- Most people do not experience all of the side effects listed.
- Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration.
- Side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after therapy is complete.
- There are many options to minimize or prevent side effects.
- There is no relationship between the presence or severity of side effects and the effectiveness of the medication.
The following side effects are common (occurring in
greater than 30%) for patients having BCG treatments:
- Painful or difficult urination, urgency (see bladder problems)
- Urinary frequency (see bladder problems)
- Blood in the urine (hematuria) (see bladder problems)
- Flu-like symptoms; fever, chills, malaise, fatigue, generalized aches and pains.
These are less common side effects (occurring in 10-29%) for patients receiving BCG vaccine: - Bladder irritation or infection
A rare, but potentially serious side effect of
BCG is called systemic BCG reaction. This systemic reaction to BCG can occur following
exposure to BCG within one week of biopsy, TUR (trans-urethral resection) surgery, or
traumatic bladder catheterization. Symptoms of a systemic BCG reaction include unexplained high fever lasting 24-48 hours or more, chills, confusion, dizziness or lightheadedness (symptoms of low blood pressure) or shortness of breath. A systemic BCG reaction can cause pneumonitis, hepatitis, prostatitis, epididimal-orchitis, respiratory distress and other symptoms of sepsis (systemic infection). Not all side effects are listed above; some that are rare (occurring in less than 10% of patients) are not listed here. However, you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
