Mesna (MES-na)

Lowers the risk of inflammation and bleeding of the bladder in patients who receive ifosfamide (cancer medicine).

Brand Name(s):

Mesnex

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems. Drink 1 to 2 liters of fluid each day.
• Call your doctor if you vomit within 2 hours after you take this medicine.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine is used together with ifosfamide. Ifosfamide can harm your unborn baby while you are pregnant. It may also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine in combination with ifosfamide and for 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine or ifosfamide and for 1 week after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergic reaction to thiol compounds (including amifostine).
• This medicine may cause serious skin reactions.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, fast or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Red or pink urine
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain
• Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
• Loss or thinning of hair
• Unusual drowsiness or tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088