THERACYS

Drug Name: THERACYS

THERACYS DESCRIPTION:
BCG VACCINE - CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC (BCG vack-SEEN KEY-mow-thair-uh-PEW-tick)

COMMON THERACYS BRAND NAME(S):
Theracys

THERACYS SIDE EFFECTS:
Painful or difficult urination, frequent urination, cramps, pain or blood in the urine may occur 2 to 4 hours after being given THERACYS and may continue for 24 to 72 hours. If these symptoms continue or become bothersome, notify your MD. Inform your doctor if you experience any of the following after having THERACYS: fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, cough, skin rash, blood in the urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE THERACYS:
THERACYS: THERACYS is given by trained medical personnel. Using a special catheter (tube), the medication is put into the bladder. You should then lie on your back, stomach and each side for 15 minutes to make sure the medication reaches all areas of the bladder. Try to keep the medication in your bladder for at least 2 hours. Avoid urinating after it is given for as long as possible. THERACYS may be given every month or up to every 3 months.

THERACYS WARNING:
THERACYS could cause a serious infection, which would require additional treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop persistent fever, "flu-like" symptoms, or acute inflammation in the groin area.

THERACYS USES:
THERACYS is used in the treatment of bladder cancer.

THERACYS PRECAUTIONS:
Because THERACYS contains active virus, it is important to pour household bleach into the toilet after urinating and before flushing for up to 6 hours after receiving the medication. This will prevent the infection caused by the virus from spreading. THERACYS should not be given to pregnant women unless the risks outweigh the benefits. Discuss this with your doctor. It is not known if THERACYS appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Patients taking chemotherapy or steroids (prednisone-type drugs) should not get THERACYS, nor should patients with a fever or bladder infection. Tell your doctor if you are taking any antibiotics.

THERACYS OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include blood in urine, persistent sore throat, fever, or chills.

MISSED THERACYS DOSE:
Contact your doctor.

THERACYS STORAGE:
Refrigerate.