BCG VACCINE (TICE STRAIN)

BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUERIN VACCINE (buh SIL us cal MET gey RAHN vak SEEN) reduces the risk of tuberculosis (TB). It does not treat TB. It is still possible to get TB after receiving this vaccine, but the symptoms may be less severe or not last as long. It works by helping your immune system learn how to fight off a future infection.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

This vaccine is injected into the skin. It is given by your care team.
Keep the site dry and loosely covered for 24 hours.
Talk to your care team to see which vaccines are right for you. Some vaccines should not be used in all age groups.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Medications that lower your body's ability to fight infection
-Some medications for cancer
-Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Other live virus vaccines
-Tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD)

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Visit your care team for regular health checks. It is common to have flu-like symptoms for 24 to 48 hours after vaccination. Talk to your care team right away if you have a fever of 39.4 degrees C (103 degrees F) or higher or if a skin reaction at the vaccination site lasts more than 2 to 3 days.
After you get the vaccine, keep the vaccination site dry and loosely covered for the first 24 hours. Keep the site clean until the skin reaction is gone.
Small red bumps may appear on the skin around the vaccination site 10 to 14 days after you get this vaccine. These bumps may get larger over the next 4 to 6 weeks. Then, they may become dry and flaky and slowly fade. There is usually no mark left from the vaccine after 6 months.
This vaccine contains live bacteria. Infection of others is possible. It is not likely to make you sick. In rare cases, the vaccine can cause an infection that spreads through the body. The most common infection is a bone infection. It may occur 4 months to 2 years after vaccination.
Before you receive this vaccine, talk to your care team if you have an acute illness. Vaccines can be given to people with mild acute illness, such as the common cold or diarrhea. Discuss with your care team the risks and benefits of receiving this vaccine during a moderate to severe illness. Your care team may choose to wait to give you the vaccine when you feel better.
If you need to be tested for tuberculosis, tell your care team that you have had this vaccine. This vaccine may affect the result of some tests.
Report any side effects to your care team or to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) website at https://vaers.hhs.gov. This is only for reporting side effects; VAERS staff do not give medical advice.

This does not apply.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue
-Hardening or thickening of tissue at injection site
-Itching
-Small, pus-filled bumps on the skin near the injection site
-Swollen lymph nodes

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

This vaccine is only given by your care team. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.