Before your treatment
You will be required to have a urine test before you start treatment. This is because you cannot be given this treatment if you have a urinary tract infection or if you have blood in your urine
Do not drink fluids for four to six hours before, and during your treatment. This is important as it will prevent the drug from being diluted while it is in your bladder and will help you keep the drug in your bladder for the full two hours.
If you are on diuretics (fluid tablets)
- do not take your fluid tablets if your treatment is in the morning, take them after your treatment; or
- take your fluid tablets early in the morning if you are having treatment in the afternoon.
During your treatment
A urinary catheter (a flexible tube that drains urine) is inserted into your bladder. A local anaesthetic gel is used to reduce any discomfort during the insertion. After urine has drained into the catheter bag the drug solution is administered through the urinary catheter into your bladder.
The urinary catheter is then either removed from your bladder at that time or left in place until the treatment has finished. To keep the drug in contact with your bladder, you will be asked not to pass urine for two hours. You may also be asked to turn onto your left hand side, then the right hand side and to stand up, to allow the drug to coat the entire surface of your bladder.
After your treatment
The medication can remain in your bladder in the days following the procedure. After your treatment pass urine sitting down, close the lid and double flush, wash your hands thoroughly with soapy water. If you spill urine on your skin wash the area with soapy water.
Drink plenty of fluids in the first twenty-four hours after your treatment and especially if you are experiencing side effects such as irritation to the bladder. Aim to drink 2 -3 litres unless contraindicated, tea, coffee, caffeinated soft drinks may increase bladder irritation and should be avoided. Discomfort may be present when passing urine for 3 - 4 hours after the procedure and can last for a few days. You can take some paracetamol or a urine alkaliniser medication, ask your doctor or nurse about this.