Maintenance Treatment

>The Importance of Maintenance Treatment with TICE® BCG (For Intravesical Use)

At the end of your first six weeks of treatment, you will be evaluated by your doctor, who may prescribe either continuation treatment  -- an additional six weeks of once-a-week treatment -- or maintenance therapy. Maintenance therapy is the same treatment performed once a month for at least 6 to 12 months. Many doctors consider maintenance therapy necessary because bladder cancer tends to return. And, if it does, it often has no symptoms until it is fairly far along in growth.

If your doctor wants you to continue therapy, it is important to keep a positive attitude. Remind yourself that Tice BCG® is generally an effective therapy. If you do find yourself getting discouraged, be sure to talk to your doctor or nurse about how you feel. He or she may be able to help you with any unwanted effects or discomforts you may be experiencing.

>And it’s always important to know that…

• Smoking doubles the risk of having bladder cancer or of having a recurrence. If you smoke, ask your doctor for help in stopping.
  
• Some industrial materials can put workers at an increased risk for bladder cancer. If you work with dyes, leather, rubber, textiles, paint, or petroleum, tell your doctor.
  

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