mesna Health Article

Generic name(s):

mesna

Brand name(s):

Mesnex

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 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.

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?

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

What happens if I overdose?

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.

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.