Bacillus Calmette-Guerin
Key points
- BCG VACCINE, USP (TICE ® BCG) is a vaccine that helps prevent tuberculosis infection.
- BCG vaccine is injected into the skin of the arm using a small, pointed disk.
- BCG vaccine may or may not be administered at the same time as other common vaccines.
- Serious side effects to the BCG vaccine are rare, but could occur.
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Vaccine, BCG injection
What is BCG Vaccine, USP? BCG VACCINE, USP (TICE ® BCG) is a vaccine that helps prevent tuberculosis infection. Generic BCG vaccines are not available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive BCG vaccine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- fever or infection
- active tuberculosis or a positive skin test for tuberculosis
- an immune deficiency (natural or due to cancer chemotherapy, radiation, or steroid therapy)
- infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS
- an unusual or allergic reaction to vaccines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
BCG vaccine is injected into the skin of the arm using a small, pointed disk. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital, clinic or prescriber's office.
The use of this vaccine must be officially recorded. Federal law requires that the manufacturer's name and lot number; the name, address, and phone number of the person giving the vaccine; and the date of administration be recorded in the patient's permanent medical record. Your health care professional will give you some written information about the vaccine, you should read this information.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What drug(s) may interact with BCG vaccine?
- corticosteroids
- medicines that suppress your immune function
- medicine to treat tuberculosis
BCG vaccine may or may not be administered at the same time as other common vaccines. In some cases more than one type of vaccine may be given to you at the same time, but at different sites on the body. Ask your health care provider if you have questions regarding your vaccination schedules.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
