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Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

Information about Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Uses

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin is used to prevent prevention of chickenpox, tuberculosis, prevention of Mumps, Yellow fever, prevention of diarrhea due to rotavirus, prevention of Measles, prevention of Rubella, prevention of tuberculosis, prevention of Japanese Encephalitis and early-stage bladder cancer.

How Bacillus Calmette-Guerin works

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin belongs to a class of medications called vaccines. It triggers body’s natural defense system and prevents tuberculosis infection.

Common side effects of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Sakshi Sharma

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Betina Chandolia

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Lalit Kanodia

MBA, MD Pharmacology

Written By

Dr. Love Sharma

PhD (Pharmacology), PGDPRA

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Written By

Dr. Love Sharma

PhD (Pharmacology), PGDPRA

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Radhika Dua

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Sakshi Sharma

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Love Sharma

PhD (Pharmacology), PGDPRA

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Love Sharma

PhD (Pharmacology), PGDPRA

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Written By

Dr. Radhika Dua

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Sakshi Sharma

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Written By

Dr. Sakshi Sharma

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

28 Mar 2025 | 06:30 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

Expert advice for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin is effective in protecting babies and young children against tuberculosis (TB).
It is given by an injection into the skin of upper arm.
It generally causes some slight pain and scarring at the site of the injection. Inform your doctor if the sore becomes infected.
Make sure that your baby is not given another injection in the same arm as BCG for at least three months afterwards.

Frequently asked questions for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

Q. What is the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin and why is it given?

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, is a vaccine given for the prevention of tuberculosis (TB) disease. It is given to prevent childhood tuberculous meningitis and miliary disease, in many countries with a high prevalence of TB to ensure protection against the disease.

Q. When should you get Bacillus Calmette-Guerin?

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin should be given if you live in close contact with or around someone who has Tuberculosis (TB). It contains bacteria similar to TB bacteria, that have been modified to reduce the risk of infection, yet stimulating the immune system sufficiently to ensure protection against TB. This way Bacillus Calmette-Guerin will help your body develop immunity against TB. However, it will not treat you if you have an active TB infection.

Q. What are the side effects of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin?

The most common side effects of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin are injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, and redness. However, these are usually not bothersome and resolve in sometime. But, if they don’t or if you have any other concerns, consult your doctor.

Q. At what age should Bacillus Calmette-Guerin be given?

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin is recommended for the prevention of TB in infants as soon as after birth and may be given to children who are younger than 12 months old. However, it may be given to children older than 12 months and to adults too.

Q. How is Bacillus Calmette-Guerin given?

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin is given intradermally (under the skin) by a trained healthcare professional or a doctor only and should not be self-administered. Usually it is given to infants as soon as possible after birth, but it may be given at a later age too. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor.