SII-ONCO-BCG 40MG/ML WHITETO OFFWHITE PELLET WITH SOME POWDER FOR INTRAVESICAL INSTILLATION
BCG FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY B.P
What it does
BCG is a vaccine used to help protect against tuberculosis (TB), a serious infectious disease that affects the lungs and other parts of the body.
Commonly used for: tuberculosis (TB), tuberculosis prevention
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:38 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:03
About bcg
BCG is a vaccine used to help protect against tuberculosis (TB), a serious infectious disease that affects the lungs and other parts of the body.
What it treats
- tuberculosis (TB)
- tuberculosis prevention
How it works
BCG works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight off the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.
Who it's for
BCG is recommended for people who are at high risk of tuberculosis, especially in regions where TB is common.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps the immune system fight diseases, especially certain types of cancer.
What it treats
- cancer (various types)
- allergies
- autoimmune diseases
How it works
It boosts or modifies the body's immune response to help it recognize and attack abnormal cells or allergens.
Who it's for
This treatment is for patients with specific cancers, severe allergies, or autoimmune disorders.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: immunotherapy
Immunotherapy refers to a range of treatments that harness and enhance the innate powers of the immune system to fight diseases, particularly cancer. It includes various approaches such as monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and cellular therapies. Immunotherapy aims to improve the body's natural immune response against cancer cells, promoting the recognition and destruction of these cells while minimizing damage to normal tissues.
Indications
- Malignant tumors
- Melanoma
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Certain blood cancers
- Allergies and autoimmune diseases (in some cases)
Dosage
Children: Dosing for paediatric patients is
Adults: Dosing for immunotherapy varies widely based on the specific agent used. It is essential to refer to the specific treatment guidelines or the BNF for dosing recommendations.
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of immunotherapy varies depending on the specific type of treatment. For monoclonal antibodies, they can target specific antigens on tumor cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system. Checkpoint inhibitors block proteins that inhibit immune responses, thus 'releasing the brakes' on T-cells to enhance their ability to attack cancer cells. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and combat cancerous cells, while CAR T-cell therapy involves modifying a patient's T-cells to better target and kill cancer cells.
Pharmacodynamics
Immunotherapy enhances the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy tumor cells. It can lead to durable responses, as the immune system retains memory of cancer antigens, potentially leading to long-term remission. However, the response can vary significantly among individuals, influenced by the tumor microenvironment and the patient's overall immune status.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of immunotherapy agents can differ widely based on the specific treatment used. Monoclonal antibodies generally have a long half-life, allowing for less frequent dosing. Their distribution is influenced by the size of the molecule and the presence of binding proteins. Checkpoint inhibitors can also have prolonged effects due to their ability to modulate immune responses. Each agent's absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion characteristics must be studied on a case-by-case basis.
Adverse effects
- Allergic reactions
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skin rash
- Anaphylaxis
- Autoimmune reactions
Precautions
- Monitor for signs of allergic reactions
- Assess for pre-existing autoimmune diseases
- Consider potential interactions with other immunosuppressive therapies
Pregnancy
Immunotherapy may carry risks during pregnancy; consult healthcare professionals for individualized assessment.
Breast-feeding
Consult healthcare professionals as some immunotherapies may affect lactation.
Storage
Store at recommended temperatures, protect from light, and follow specific storage instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Formulations
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Cytokines
- Cancer vaccines
- Checkpoint inhibitors
- Cellular therapies
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.