TheraCys Side Effects

Generic name: bcg

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 31, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about TheraCys Side Effects associated with bcg. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name TheraCys.

Applies to bcg: intravesical powder for suspension.

Precautions

While you are being treated with BCG, and for 6 to 12 weeks after you stop treatment with it, avoid contact with people who have tuberculosis. If you think you have been exposed to someone with tuberculosis, tell your doctor.

While you are being treated with BCG and for a few weeks after you stop treatment with it, do not have any immunizations (vaccinations) without your doctor's approval.

Serious side effects of TheraCys

Along with its needed effects, bcg (the active ingredient contained in TheraCys) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking bcg:

Other side effects of TheraCys

Some side effects of bcg may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, Check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

• cough
• fever

For healthcare professionals

Applies to bcg: intravesical powder for reconstitution, percutaneous powder for injection.

Genitourinary adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Dysuria (60%), increased urgency/frequency (40%), drug induced cystitis (30%), bacterial cystitis (27%), hematuria (27%), pollakiuria
• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection, urinary incontinence, micturition urgency, urine analysis abnormal, bladder cramps, hemorrhage cystitis, urinary retention
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bladder constriction, pyuria, ureteric obstruction
• Rare (0.01 to less than 0.1%): Epididymitis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Orchitis, balanoposthitis, prostatitis, vulvovaginal discomfort^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Malaise/fatigue/lethargy (19%), fever without infection (13%), influenza-like illness, pyrexia, rigors
• Common (1% to 10%): Chills
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Reiter's syndrome, chest pain, peripheral edema, prostate specific antigen increased, weight decreased, BCG osteomyelitis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, vertigo
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Dysesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, somnolence, headache^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia, leukopenia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Lymphadenopathy
• Frequency not reported: Axillary or cervical lymphadenopathy, regional suppurative lymphadenitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Dyspepsia, flatulence^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tuberculosis infections
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Disseminated BCG infection^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Skin rash, sweats
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rashes, eruptions and exanthema not otherwise classified
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Lupus vulgaris, alopecia, hyperhidrosis, granuloma^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Pneumonitis
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Cough
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pharyngitis, bronchitis, dyspnea, rhinitis^[Ref]

Renal

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Renal failure acute^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, arthritis, myalgia
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Back pain^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Allergic symptoms^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatitis, hepatic enzyme increased^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hypotension^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Confusional state^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Anorexia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Conjunctivitis^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Injection site reactions: Induration, pustule formation, ulceration, caseous lesions, purulent draining, tenderness, itching, papules^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Does the BCG vaccine for TB help with COVID-19 (coronavirus)?

Further information

TheraCys side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer