mesna

Generic Name: mesna
Other Brand Names: Mesnex

What is mesna?

Mesna is detoxifying agent. It reduces the harmful effects of certain metabolites (breakdown products) of the cancer chemotherapy medicine ifosfamide (Ifex).

Mesna is used to prevent bleeding in the bladder (hemorrhagic cystitis) during chemotherapy with ifosfamide (Ifex).

Mesna may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mesna?

Do not take mesna without first talking to your doctor if you have

  • had a previous allergic reaction to mesna or to another medicine that contains sulfur; or

  • an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or nephritis (a type of kidney problem).

You may not be able to take mesna, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Mesna is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take mesna without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether mesna passes into breast milk. Do not take mesna without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take mesna?

Take mesna exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.

If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking a dose of mesna, contact your healthcare provider.

Mesna is also available as an injection. Your healthcare provider will administer injectable mesna. If you are using injectable mesna at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions regarding preparation, administration, and storage of the medication.

It is important to drink at least one quart (4 cups) of liquid each day during treatment with mesna, whether it is taken by mouth or by injection.

A small number of patients who take mesna get blood in the urine (hematuria). Your doctor will check your urine each day that mesna is taken. Laboratory tests can detect blood in the urine that is not visible just by looking at it.

If you see blood in the urine or notice that it has a pink or red color, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Some foods or dyes may cause a red color in the urine, however it will be necessary to determine if the color is due to blood in the urine.

Store mesna at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of mesna?

Contact your healthcare provider if a dose of mesna is missed.

Where can I get more information about mesna?
Your pharmacist has information about mesna written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of mesna?

Seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

  • pink or red colored urine.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take mesna, and contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:

  • nausea or vomiting;

  • decreased appetite;

  • stomach pain;

  • diarrhea;

  • dizziness;

  • flushing;

  • fever;

  • sensitive skin or skin rash;

  • paleness of the skin;

  • sleepiness;

  • coughing or cold symptoms;

  • pain, redness, or irritation at the injection site;

  • swelling or water retention; or

  • low blood pressure.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about mesna?

It is important to drink at least one quart (4 cups) of liquid each day during treatment with mesna, whether it is taken by mouth or by injection.

If you see blood in the urine or notice that it has a pink or red color, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Some foods or dyes may cause a red color in the urine, however it will be necessary to determine if the color is due to blood in the urine.

What should I avoid while taking mesna?

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with mesna unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect mesna?

It is not known whether other medicines will interact with mesna. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products.

What happens if I have an overdose of mesna?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a mesna overdose may include diarrhea, tremor, seizures, shortness of breath, and bluish color of the skin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008