What is the most important information I should know about mesna?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is mesna?
Mesna is a detoxifying agent. It reduces the harmful effects of the cancer medicine ifosfamide (Ifex).
Mesna is used to prevent bleeding in the bladder (hemorrhagic cystitis) during chemotherapy with ifosfamide (Ifex).
Mesna will not prevent other side effects caused by ifosfamide.
Mesna may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using mesna?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to mesna or similar medicines.
To make sure mesna is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- an allergy to any medicine that contains sulfur;
- an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis; or
- if you are being treated with a cancer medicine called cyclophosphamide.
FDA pregnancy category B. Mesna is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether mesna passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
How is mesna given?
Before and during your treatment with mesna, you may need frequent urine tests.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Oral mesna is taken by mouth. Mesna injection is injected into a vein through an IV. Mesna is usually given in a series of 3 injections, or as a single injection followed by 2 oral doses.
A healthcare provider will give you the injection at the same time you receive ifosfamide. Oral mesna is usually taken 2 and 6 hours after you receive ifosfamide. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions carefully.
Call your doctor if you vomit within 2 hours after taking oral mesna. You may need to take another oral dose or receive a mesna injection.
Drink at least 1 quart (32 ounces) of liquid each day while you are using mesna.
Call your doctor if you have red or pink urine. This may be a sign that your mesna dose needs to be changed.
This medication can cause false results with certain urine tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using mesna.
Store mesna tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of mesna.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using mesna?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of mesna?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- chest pain, trouble breathing;
- easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
-
anemia (low red blood cells) --pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
-
low potassium --confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
- constipation;
- weakness, tired feeling;
- headache, dizziness;
- increased sweating; or
- fever, chills, sore throat, cough, flu symptoms.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect mesna?
Other drugs may interact with mesna, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about mesna.
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.
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