Drug Detail:Mesna (oral/injection) (Mesna (oral/injection) [ mez-nah ])
Generic Name: Mesna Tablets [ MES-na ]
Drug Class: Antineoplastic detoxifying agents
Uses of Mesna Tablets:
- It is used to lower the bad effects of some cancer drugs on the bladder.
- This medicine is used with ifosfamide. Talk with the doctor about the risks and side effects that may happen with ifosfamide.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Mesna Tablets?
- If you have an allergy to mesna or any other part of this medicine (mesna tablets).
- If you are allergic to this medicine (mesna tablets); any part of this medicine (mesna tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this medicine (mesna tablets) and for 1 week after your last dose.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (mesna tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Mesna Tablets?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (mesna tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have your urine checked as you have been told by your doctor.
- This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this medicine (mesna tablets).
- If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), some urine ketone tests may be wrong. Talk with your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (mesna tablets) while you are pregnant.
How is this medicine (Mesna Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (mesna tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Drink 4 to 8 cups (1 to 2 liters) of fluid per day unless your doctor has told you something else.
- Tell your doctor if you throw up within 2 hours of taking the oral drug. The dose may need to be repeated.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Call your doctor to find out what to do.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
- Flushing.
- Muscle or joint pain.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Feeling very tired or weak.
- Blood in the urine.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
- Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
- Dizziness or passing out.
- Flu-like signs.
- Fever or chills.
- Swollen gland.
- Very bad belly pain.
- A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
- If bright lights bother your eyes.
- Pain when passing urine.
- Anxiety.
- Feeling confused.
- A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
What are some other side effects of Mesna Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Hair loss.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Feeling sleepy.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Not hungry.
- Headache.
- Belly pain.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Nose or throat irritation.
- Gas.
- Back pain.
- Dry mouth.
- Sweating a lot.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Mesna Tablets?
- Store at room temperature.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (mesna tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.