What is Mesna?
Mesna can be used to stop bleeding from the bladder during chemotherapy (ifosfamide or Ifex). Mesna does not reduce the side effects of ifosfamide. Mesna can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Mesna
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical assistance immediately:
- Fever, nausea, vomiting, joint or muscle pain;
- Hives, redness or rash, pain, swelling, or blisters on the skin
- Feeling lightheaded and having trouble breathing
- Racing heartbeats;
- You may have mouth sores or swelling of the face or throat.
Mesna can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Chest pain and difficulty breathing
- Easy bruising and bleeding (nosebleeds or bleeding gums);
- Low red blood cell (anemia): pale skin, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness, or feeling short of breath; cold hands and/or feet.
- Low potassium level—leg cramps constipation, increased thirst or urination, numbness, tingling or limp feeling, muscle weakness, or leg cramps
Some of the common side effects associated with mesna include:
- Vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite are all symptoms that can be associated with stomach pain.
- Diarrhea, constipation;
- Weakness, tiredness, and drowsiness;
- Headache;
- Hair loss;
- Fever and flu-like symptoms.
There may be other side effects. For advice about side effects, call your physician. Alternatively, report them by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Mesna, Mesnex
Warnings
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention: hives or rashes, hives or rash, pain in joints or muscles, muscle or joint pain, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, sores on your mouth or throat, and blisters.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to mesna or benzyl alcohol, then do not use it. Inform your doctor of any allergies you may have to medicines. Ifosfamide, which is used by either the mother or father of the unborn child, can cause harm to the baby.
- You may be required to take a pregnancy test if you're female before you begin this treatment. You should use birth control during your treatment with ifosfamide and at least six months afterward.
- Use effective birth control if you're a male. If your partner can get pregnant, Continue to use birth control at least three months after the last dose of ifosfamide.
- If you become pregnant while using ifosfamide, tell your doctor immediately.
You should not breastfeed for 1 week following your last dose of mesna, ifosfamide, or both. Mesna injectable may contain an ingredient that can have serious adverse effects on premature babies or those with low birth weight. Mesna tablets do not have this ingredient. Mesna should not be administered to an infant who is premature or has a low birth weight.
How to take Mesna?
You may require frequent urine tests before and during the treatment of mesna. Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all the directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Mesna is injected into the vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare professional at the same time you are receiving ifosfamide. Take oral mesna between 2 and 6 hours after receiving ifosfamide. Mesna can be given in 3 separate injections separated by 4 hours, or as one injection followed up with 2 oral doses 2 hours and 6 hours later. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions. If you vomit after 2 hours of taking mesna, call your doctor. You may have to receive another dose or a mesna shot. If you notice that your urine is red or pink, tell your doctor. It may indicate that you need to change your dose of ifosfamide. While using the mesna, you should drink at least 32 to 64 ounces of liquid per day. Tell your doctor that you are using mesna. Inform any doctors who treat you that you use mesna. Keep mesna at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed a mesna dosage, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Mesna can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
