Drug Info:
Mesna injection
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What is mesna injection?
MESNA (Mesnex®) is used to prevent bleeding from the bladder during ifosfamide or cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. Generic mesna injections are available.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or nephritis
• uncontrolled nausea and vomiting
• an unusual or allergic reaction to mesna, benzyl alcohol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Mesna is usually given as an injection or infusion into your vein during and after treatment with ifosfamide or cyclophosphamide. Mesna injection is administered by a health care professional at a hospital or clinic. Mesna injection may also be mixed with fruit juice, milk or carbonated colas and be taken by mouth. If you are taking mesna by mouth, follow the instructions of your health care professional and the prescription exactly.Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If mesna is given by injection or infusion, this does not apply. However if you are taking mesna by mouth, it is very important to take all of your doses at the correct times to prevent serious side effects from your chemotherapy. If you vomit mesna within 2 hours of taking the dose by mouth, you should contact your health care provider to see if you should take another dose. If you miss a dose, take the next dose as soon as possible and contact your health care provider.What drug(s) may interact with mesna?
There are no significant drug interactions with mesna.Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking mesna?
The chemotherapy will may make you feel generally unwell. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop.It is important to drink at least a quart (4 cups) of liquid a day whenever you take mesna.
Mesna injection smells like sulfur (rotten eggs) and may cause some people to develop nausea and/or vomiting. If you develop vomiting and are unable to take mesna injection by mouth, call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible.
What side effects may I notice from receiving mesna?
Most side effects are caused not by mesna, but by the chemotherapy or other medicines taken with mesna.Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• blood in your urine or pink to red colored urine
• fever, chills, or sore throat
• mouth sores
• rash, itching or hives
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness, or weakness
• vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• bad taste in mouth
• soft stools
• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. Mesna may be kept at room temperature, 75 degrees F (24 degrees C).Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
