bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine, an active immunizing agent prepared from an attenuated bacille Calmette-Guérin strain of Mycobacterium bovis. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed most commonly for immunization against tuberculosis. It is instilled intravesically to treat carcinoma in situ of the urinary bladder in certain situations. It is seldom administered in the United States as an immunizing agent but is often given in many countries to infants, caregivers, etc., who are at high risk for intimate and prolonged exposure to people with active tuberculosis. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Hypogammaglobulinemia, immunosuppression, or concomitant use of corticosteroids or isoniazid prohibits its use. It is not given after a vaccination for smallpox, nor is it given to patients with a positive tuberculin reaction or a burn. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the most serious adverse reactions are anaphylaxis and disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis. Pain, inflammation, and granuloma may develop at the site of injection.
