IS BCG Botox?

[Gaby7]

I wasn't sure if it was the same thing.

Thanks in advance for responding.

Gaby

[yvette]

BCG is linked to Tuberculosis
and
Botox is linked to Botulism

it is 2 different things

[Gaby7]

Thanks Yvette.

I wasn't sure when people were talking about botox instillations if this was the same as BCG. I wonder why there isn't a category for botox treatments?

Gaby

[liz2]

A category for Botox used in the bladder might be very interesting, since I understand trials are going on and that the trial in Pittsburg supposedly had a 70 percent success rate. It would be educational to learn more. Why can't we have a Botox "speaker"?

[Tina Nacho]

Hi Gaby:

I'm currently participating in the BCG trial at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. BCG or Bacillus Calmette Guerin, is a weakened form of cow tuberculosis bacteria and is currently FDA approved to treat bladder cancer. It's been around for years. It is theorized that BCG could possibly stimulate the immune system and cause regeneration of the mucosal lining that is damaged by IC. The results of the study should be released sometime in 2004.

Botox is the short expression of Botulinum Toxin and is a neurotoxin. It works by blocking neuromuscular transmissions and produces partial chemical denervation of the muscle resulting in a localized reduction in muscle activity.

Hope this helps to differentiate these two treatments.>Tina

(Sources for the above information include; 2002 PDR and BCG Research Consent Form by University of Maryland School of Medicine.)

[Gaby7]

Hi Tina,

Well I hope the BCG instills are going well for you. As a lay person, just your description of the two treatments makes me believe that botox would work better for pain relief. I mean a drug that relaxes muscles tissue and helps with nerve pain?

Although, the BCG treatments are probably more beneficial as a "cure" vs. a bandaid.

I don't know...... just some thoughts.

Gaby

[CinSin]

Hi Gaby,

When I first considered Botox as a treatment for frequency, urgency, nocturia, and especially pain I had exhausted all other conventional treatments. My frequency was 17+ times a day and 6 to 10 times at night for a total of 23+ times a day and the average being approximately 29 times. Now my frequency is between 8 to 12 times a day and 1 to 2 times at night for an average of 9 to 14 times. After the first injections it took me 7 months to go through the same amount of pain medication I use to take in 1 month. The second set of injections was a month ago (June 20) I have only taken pain medicine 2 times and that was for pelvic floor muscle spasms.

My symptoms were not as intense after the Botox wore off as they were prior to having the injections done. Good luck on whatever you choose to try in the future - Cindy

[Tina Nacho]

Hi Gaby:

BCG is not a cure for IC. It was found in an initial study of 18 patients that BCG lasts longer than other treatments, but still falls short of being labeled a long-term treatment. Some respond to BCG and others don't. While I haven't read any specific research regarding Botox as a treatment for IC, these treatments will most likely fall into the short-term treatments category as well, since its effects are not permanent, based on drug maker information.

Until they figure out what causes IC, I don't know how close we will get to a cure, but hang in there!>Tina

[CinSin]

I agree with Tina and that Botox is considered short-term therapy. It was made very clear to me that its effects only last 4 to 6 months. Hopefully all of these experimental treatments and/or short-term treatments will provide us enough relief until the cure is found. Cindy

[Ronald]

Cindy,I am a male and have had IC now for 10 years and I wish I could say that I only have to go to the toilet 29 times a day,I go 55 times a day and 14 times a night and am in constant pain. I am on Oxycodone for pain.I have had 5 BCGs but they dont last long, I will ask my Uro about Botox and see what he says.


Ronald lmao

[CinSin]

Ronald I am so sorry you are having such a hard time. I cannot imagine going to the restroom that often.

I hope that you find something that works for you soon, Cindy

[deborah b.]

HI GABY

HOW AER YOU FOR SURE THAT YOU ARE GETTING THE BCG? I AM TO IN A 3 YEAR TRAIL FOR THE BOTOX AND I HAD MY FIRST INJECTION IN MARCH 17TH AND IT IS STILL WORKING FOR ME. I WOULD NEVER DO THE BCG BECUASE MY DOCTOR BACK THEN WOULD ADVISE ME TO DO THE BCG. DEBORAH

[Peggy Anne]

I had the BCG intillations back in May and for the next two months, my frequency greatly improved. Now I am back to more frequent but worse, I feel like I have to go all the time, but I can't go. In the last 4 years I have never had that problem, does that sound like it is due to the BCG or just a symptom of IC. Anyway I have an appt next week and I might ask her about getting more BCG. If my bladder is not working now and won't let me go, I don't know if Botox would be good or not??
toilet (im putting this here so I can copy it, its so cute and appropriate!)

[deborah b.]

I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY COUPLE OF UROLGIST THAT BCG CAN MAKE YOUR BLADDER WORSE WITH IT. I THOUGHT ABOUT DOING IT A COUPLE YEARS AGO AND THEY TALKED ME OUT OF IT. I HOPE YOU START FEELING BETTER. DEBORAH kissing

[CinSin]

Peggy Anne, I thought about BCG but went with Botox instead. I am so glad I did. I know more people that has success with Botox then BCG. Good luck, Cindy