Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) chemotherapy is used in the treatment of bladder cancer and also as a vaccine for tuberculosis, according to ChemoCare. It is put directly into the bladder through a catheter as an outpatient procedure.
Function
BCG chemotherapy works through the immune system. According to the American Cancer Society, the immune system cells go to the bladder, interact with the BCG and attack bladder cancer cells.
Time Frame
This kind of chemotherapy is given weekly for six weeks, then monthly for six to 12 months.
Most Common Side Effects
The most common side effects, meaning that more than 30 percent of patients experience them, include painful urination, bloody urine, fever, malaise, fatigue and frequent urination.
Less Common Side Effects
Approximately 10 percent to 29 percent of individuals receiving this kind of chemotherapy experience irritation or infection of the bladder, or have a systemic BCG reaction. A systemic reaction includes a high fever, confusion, lightheadedness or difficulty breathing.
When to Contact Your Doctor
If you have a fever of 103 degrees F or higher after 24 hours or 101 degrees F after 48 hours, blood in your urine, or fatigue that is so intense you are not able to perform daily activities, you should call your doctor to make sure something more serious is not happening.
