Yes, there has been a shortage of BCG over the last few months. We have heard that it is starting to be available again, and many urology practices are saving it for people such as your husband who are part-way through their schedule of treatments.
BCG is a biological preparation which is subject to the "behavior" of the bacteria growing and things can go wrong causing the production to slow or stop for a period of time. There is only one supplier (a subsidiary of Merck) which means that when slowdowns occur there is no alternative.
Your husband should stay in touch with his urologist to see when his supply of BCG is resumed. Since your husband has received 4 doses his immune system should have been stimulated to fight the bladder cancer. It will be even better when he gets the rest of his treatments, but he already should have some effect.
Sara Anne
Diagnosis 2-08 Small papillary TCC; CIS
BCG; BCG maintenance
Vice-President, American Bladder Cancer Society
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