What you need to know about your BCG treatment - WCMICS

The BCG needs to stay in your bladder for 2 hours. During this time you will be lying
down. You will be asked to change your position, from back, R) side, tummy, L) side so
that the BCG covers all sides of your bladder. After 2 hours the BCG is drained from
your bladder and the catheter removed. You will be asked to try and pass urine before
you can go home. When you are feeling okay you may go home.
When your treatment is finished the nurse will give you a symptom scoring sheet for
you to fill in before your next treatment. This is to keep a record of what happens to you
over the next week before you come back to the hospital. The urology nurse will contact
you the day after your treatment (Wednesday) and discuss any symptoms you may have
experienced.
What happens with my next treatment?
Before leaving the hospital you will be given your next appointment date and time.
You will also receive a phone call Monday (the day before) your next treatment is due,
to check your urinary symptoms and your urine test (MSU) results. This will determine
if you can have your treatment the following day.
What should I do when I get home following treatments?
For the rest of the day after your BCG treatment you should:
• Sit on the toilet when you pass urine;
• Pour 2 cups of bleach into the toilet after passing urine. Leave it for 15minutes
before flushing then flush twice (2);
• Wash your hands, penis, vagina, with soap and water after passing urine;
• Wash any clothing that has had urine spilled on it in hot soapy water;
• Soak any damp pads in bleach and seal in a plastic bag before throwing into
rubbish;
• Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to help flush out your bladder;
• Do not have sexual intercourse for 48 hours (2 days) after your treatment;
• Condoms should be used while having sexual intercourse during your course of
BCG and for 6 weeks after your treatment finishes.
What are the side effects I might expect?
• Mild discomfort when you pass urine;
• Passing urine more often than usual (frequency);
• Increased effort holding onto to your urine (urgency);
• You may feel more tired than usual and have a loss in appetite;
• Mild flu like symptoms and a low grade temperature.
What side effects should I report straight away?
• Fever and chills;
• A temperature of 38.5 C or higher;
• Joint pain and muscle aches;
• Vomiting or feeling sick;
• Passing blood in your urine;
• Severe pain when passing urine;
• A skin rash or cough.