Mesna
WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Mesna is used to reduce the risk of hemorrhagic cystitis (a condition that causes inflammation of the bladder and can result in serious bleeding) in people who receive ifosfamide (a medication used for the treatment of cancer). Mesna is in a class of medications called cytoprotectants. It works by protecting the bladder against some of the harmful effects of certain chemotherapy medications.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Mesna comes as a tablet to take by mouth. The first dose of mesna is usually given as an injection into your vein at the same time as you receive your chemotherapy treatment. After that, your doctor may choose to continue your treatment with mesna tablets. It is usually given 2 and 6 hours after your chemotherapy treatment. Take mesna exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you vomit less than 2 hours after you take a dose of mesna tablets, call your doctor right away.
Drink at least 1 quart (4 cups; about 1 liter) of liquid daily while you are taking mesna tablets.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?
Mesna is also sometimes used to reduce the risk of hemorrhagic cystitis in people who receive the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before taking mesna,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to mesna, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in mesna tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an autoimmune disorder (conditions in which the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body and causes pain, swelling, and damage) such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or nephritis (a type of kidney problem).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Call your doctor right away for more instructions. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- pink or red colored urine
- blood in urine
- swelling of the face, arms, or legs
- hives
- rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- chest pain
- fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Mesna may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking mesna.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
Brand Name(s): Mesnex®Sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: January 15, 2017.