BCG vaccine

Generic name: BCG Vaccine
Dosage form: percutaneous powder for injection (50 mg)
Drug class: Bacterial vaccines

Usage of BCG vaccine

BCG vaccine is used to help prevent tuberculosis (TB) in adults and children who have never had this disease and test negative for tuberculosis. BCG vaccine is recommended if you live with or have close contact with someone who is infected with tuberculosis.

This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the TB, but will not treat an active infection you already have.

Like any vaccine, the BCG vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

BCG vaccine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

BCG vaccine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

BCG vaccine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • drainage, ulcers, or other unexpected skin changes where the injection was given;
  • severe skin swelling that lasts longer than 2 or 3 days;
  • a high fever (103 degrees F or higher);
  • loss of appetite, weight loss;
  • extreme tiredness; or
  • bone pain in your legs.

    • Some side effects may occur up to 5 months after you receive BCG vaccine. These side effects may also last for several weeks.

    Common side effects of BCG vaccine may include:

  • mild fever or flu-like symptoms;
  • muscle aches;
  • swollen glands in your neck or underarms; or
  • tenderness or small bumps on your skin where the medicine was injected.

    • This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking BCG vaccine

    You should not receive BCG vaccine if you are allergic to it, or if you have a weak immune system caused by:

  • HIV or AIDS;
  • leukemia, lymphoma, or other cancers;
  • chemotherapy or radiation; or
  • steroid medication.

    • Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • a positive TB skin test; or
  • an inherited immune system problem (in you or a family member).

    • It is not known whether BCG vaccine will harm an unborn baby. However, this vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women.

    Do not breastfeed.

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    Warnings

    You should not receive this vaccine if you have a weak immune system caused by disease such as HIV or cancer, or by using steroids or receiving chemotherapy or radiation.

    What other drugs will affect BCG vaccine

    Before receiving this vaccine, tell the doctor about all other vaccines you have received in the past 30 days.

    Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, especially:

  • an antibiotic; or
  • drugs that weaken the immune system such as cancer medicine, steroids, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection.

    • This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect BCG vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

    Disclaimer

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