How does it work?

BCG vaccine contains a weakened form of the organism that causes cattle tuberculosis (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin). It stimulates the body's immune response without causing the disease. Many infectious diseases occur only once in a lifetime. This is because the body produces antibodies in response to the disease. These remain in the body and repel any future attack with the same organism. Protection against many infections can be provided artificially by means of vaccines derived from altered forms of infecting organisms. These vaccines stimulate the immune system in the same way as genuine infection. Some vaccines remain effective for a lifetime while others have to be updated after a few years. This vaccine stimulates the production of a specific type of antibody which provides immunity against tuberculosis. The percutaneous BCG vaccine is used to vaccinate neonates, infants and very young children.

What is it used for?

Prevention of tuberculosis

Warning!

No further vaccination should be given for at least three months into the same arm as the BCG vaccine, because of the risk of regional lymphadenitis (swollen, painful lymph nodes).

Use with caution in

No known conditions

Not to be used in

Cancer

Fever (pyrexia)

HIV infection

Infections of the skin

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

People who are receiving preventative anti-tuberculous treatment

People whose immune systems have a decreased ability to fight infection and disease, eg due to diseases such as leukaemia, lymphoma, HIV infection or immunodeficiency syndromes

Positive reaction to tuberculin

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not intended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Nausea

Sweating

Fever (pyrexia)

Dizziness

An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Swollen glands (lymph nodes)

Local pain and swelling at the site of injection

Occasionally an excessive reponse occurs and a disharging ulcer results.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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