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Bacillus of calmette and guerin vaccine, live (Injection)

Brand Name(s):

BCG Vaccine

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You or your child should not receive this shot if you have a weak immune system for any reason. You should not receive this shot if you have an allergy to BCG vaccine. You or your child should not receive this shot if you have a disease known as HIV or AIDS. You should not receive this shot if you have a severe skin disease or skin infection.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
This medicine can be given to a baby, a young child, or an adult.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had a bad reaction to BCG vaccine.
Make sure your doctor knows if you or your child have a disease that weakens the immune system.
Tell your doctor about any person that you live with who has a weak immune system.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Extreme fussiness, crying, or discomfort in a young child.
High fever, chills, or vomiting.
Infection, swelling, or severe pain where the shot was given.
Severe headache, drowsiness, or body aches.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Large red sore on your skin where the shot was given.
Mild fever or a very sore arm that lasts more than a few days.
Pain in your joints.
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under the skin where the shot was given.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor:

Reviewed last on: 1/4/2010

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