Generic Name: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

Pronunciation: N/A

Abbreviation: N/A

Other Market Name: N/A

Drug Class: Immunotherapy Medications

Company: Merck/Organon Teknika

Approval Status: Approved

Generic Version Available: No

Experimental Code: N/A


Drug Indication

TICE is BCG bacteria approved to treat early-stage bladder (urothelial) cancer and prevent recurrence.


General Info

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is a weakened bacterium similar to the one that causes tuberculosis; it is used as a tuberculosis vaccine in some countries. When placed inside the bladder (known as intravesical therapy), it attaches to the lining and stimulate an immune response against cancer, but experts do not know exactly how it works.

Several studies have shown that BCG slows disease progression and helps prevent recurrence of bladder cancer.


Dosage

Dosing Info: TICE is a solution inserted into the bladder with a catheter. It is left in place for two hours and then expelled in the urine. It is sometimes used with interferon.


Side Effects

Common side effects include bladder irritation, painful urination and flu-like symptoms. Because it contains live bacteria, there is a risk of transmission to others and a possibility that BCG could spread outside the bladder and cause a serious infection.


For More Info: https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/t/tice_bcg/ticebcg_pi.pdf

Co-Pay Program Info: https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/t/tice_bcg/ticebcg_pi.pdf

Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/t/tice_bcg/ticebcg_pi.pdf

Last Reviewed: September 19, 2018