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 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 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.