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BCG Chemotherapy Side Effects

The chemotherapy treatment BCG, or Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, is also known as TheraCys and TICE. It is used to treat bladder cancer. This chemotherapy drug is unique in that it is delivered directly into the bladder through a catheter in the urethra. Treatment schedules can vary, but they're often done each week for six weeks, with follow-ups every six months to one year.

  1. Urination

    • BCG causes pain during urination, a feeling of urgency to urinate and frequent urination. It can also cause blood to appear in the urine.

    Flu-Like Effects

    • BCG can cause symptoms that mimic the flu. These include chills, body aches and fever.

    Bladder Infection

    • BCG can cause a bladder infection in 10 to 29 percent of patients.

    Fatigue

    • BCG can cause a fatigue so severe that one can't perform the basic functions of daily living.

    Emergency Side Effects

    • BCG also causes some of the following side effects that warrant immediate medical attention. These include trouble breathing and/or feeling dizzy or confused.

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