mesna (oral/injection)

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

What is mesna?

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

Mesna may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using mesna?

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicine.

• If you are a woman, you may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment with ifosfamide. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using ifosfamide and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose of ifosfamide.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using ifosfamide.

Mesna injection contains an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in premature or low-birthweight babies. Mesna tablets do not contain this ingredient. Mesna injection should not be given to a premature or low birth weight infant.

How is mesna given?

Before and during treatment with mesna, you may need frequent urine tests.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Mesna injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection at the same time you receive ifosfamide.

Oral mesna is taken by mouth, usually 2 and 6 hours after you receive ifosfamide.

Mesna is given either in a series of 3 injections spaced 4 hours apart, or as a single injection followed by 2 oral doses spaced 2 and 6 hours later.

Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Tell your doctor if you have red or pink colored urine. This may be a sign that your ifosfamide dose needs to be changed.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using mesna.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

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?

• fever, nausea, vomiting, joint or muscle pain;
• hives, rash or redness, skin pain or swelling, blisters or peeling;
• feeling light-headed, trouble breathing;
• racing heartbeats; or
• mouth sores, or swelling in your face or throat.

• chest pain, trouble breathing;
• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
• low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
• low potassium level --leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• weakness, tiredness, drowsiness;
• headache;
• hair loss; or
• fever, flu-like 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 affect mesna, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about mesna.