Oncovac Vaccine

Oncovac Vaccine is administered by a healthcare professional. It is instilled directly into the bladder through the urethra. For it to be effective, you should complete the course of the vaccine. You should not discontinue even if you get better until the course is completed.

Some common side effects of this medicines include difficulty in urination, urinary tract infection, and fever. These are usually mild and go away with time. However, if they persist or get worse, you should let your doctor know.

Before receiving the vaccine, you should let your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any vaccine. Also tell your doctor if you have any problems with your heart, kidneys, or liver. Some other medicines may react with this vaccine, so let your doctor know of all the medication you are taking. Pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctors first before receiving this vaccine.

Treatment of Early-stage bladder cancer

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Oncovac Vaccine is a type of bacteria. It works by activating the cells in the immune system which helps destroy cancer cells lining the bladder.

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Oncovac Vaccine helps treat bladder cancer and also prevents cancer from coming back after bladder surgery.

It is put into your bladder through a tube by a doctor or nurse.

Do not drink any liquid 4 hours before or 2 hours after you get this medicine.

You will be asked to urinate immediately before and 2 hours after Oncovac Vaccine is given to you.

Inform your doctor if you are also taking medicines for tuberculosis, other medications such as antibiotics or those that affect the immune system.

Q. What is Oncovac Vaccine used for?

Oncovac Vaccine is a medicine used to treat early stage bladder cancer. It is made from a weakened strain of Mycobacterium bovis, a vaccine for tuberculosis. Oncovac Vaccine stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells and this stops the cancer from growing as well as spreading to other unaffected parts.

Q. What are the side effects of using Oncovac Vaccine?

Oncovac Vaccine can cause side effects like difficulty in urination, urinary tract infection, and fever. It also commonly causes a burning feeling in the bladder, the need to urinate often, and even blood in the urine.

Q. Are there any serious side effects of Oncovac Vaccine?

Usually, you may have a fever as one of the common side effects of Oncovac Vaccine. But if the fever is prolonged with a temperature of or above 101 degrees, or if you have chills, rash, prolonged cough, specific joint pain, or if any of these symptoms last longer than 48 hours, then you should contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may prescribe some medications to relieve these side effects and may also suggest ways to cope up with them.

Q. Can Oncovac Vaccine cause blood in the urine?

Yes, causes some irritation to the bladder and may cause bleeding that may give your urine a reddish color. Drink as much fluids as you can to keep your urine clear and to prevent blood clots from forming in the bladder. Usually, this bleeding resolves after sometime. But, if it does not or if it bothers you, consult your doctor.

Q. Is it safe to have an intercourse while on treatment with Oncovac Vaccine?

No, one should refrain from having unprotected sexual intercourse while on treatment with Oncovac Vaccine. In fact, men must wear a condom for the entire six-week treatment and women must avoid any vaginal contact for an additional six weeks after treatment too. This is to ensure safety of the other partner, because Oncovac Vaccine does not contain dead but weakened bacteria. So, it may affect the unaffected individuals and therefore is advised not to indulge in sexual contact.

In Treatment of Early-stage bladder cancer

Oncovac Vaccine helps to treat early stage bladder cancer. It kills the cancer cells by stimulating the immune system of our body. It prevents progression of the disease to advanced stages of cancer and also reduces the chances of recurrence of the cancer. It is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse directly into your bladder through a catheter. It should not be self-administered.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Fever

Urinary tract infection

Difficulty in urination

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Oncovac Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Oncovac Vaccine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding:UNSAFE

Oncovac Vaccine is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.

Driving:SAFE

Oncovac Vaccine does not usually affect your ability to drive.

Kidney:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Oncovac Vaccine in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

Liver:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

There is limited information available on the use of Oncovac Vaccine in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

Sinha A, Singh S. Immunization and Immunodeficiency. In: Paul VK, Bagga A, editors. Ghai Essential Pediatrics. 8th ed. New Delhi: CBS Publisher’s & Distributors Pvt Ltd.; 2013. pp. 190-91.

CiplaMed. Onco-BCG Injection. view

Serum Institute of India. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin strain. view