Type of medicine: cytoprotective agent
Generic and brand names: mesna, injection; mesna, oral; Mesnex; Mesnex Tablets
This medicine is used to help protect the urinary system during cancer chemotherapy. It helps prevent a condition called hemorrhagic cystitis that may be caused by some chemotherapy drugs.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment with this medicine.
If you have the tablets, take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the oral medicine or are unable to swallow the tablet, talk with your healthcare provider.
Injections of this medicine are usually given by your healthcare provider. You must have 3 or more doses of this medicine every time you have chemotherapy. Sometimes you can give yourself these shots or have someone at home give them to you. Carefully read and follow the directions that come in the package of medicine for preparing and storing the shots. Be sure you know how and when to have shots and how much medicine to use.
Do not miss any doses of this medicine. If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: diarrhea, tremors, seizures, bluish skin color, shortness of breath.
Drink extra water (at least 4 glasses per day) while you are receiving this medicine.
You need regular urine tests to find low levels of blood in the urine that you cannot see just by looking at it. If you notice that your urine has turned a pink or red color, call your healthcare provider right away.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Because this medicine is given with more potent cancer chemotherapy drugs, any side effects may be due to the anticancer drugs rather than this one. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Urinating very often; blood in your urine; pain or burning when urinating; unusual bruising or bleeding; severe nausea or vomiting; severe stomach pain; fainting.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, tiredness, headache, leg pain, injection site pain, flushing, loss of appetite, dizziness, fever, sore throat, back pain, joint pain.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store the tablets at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
