Mesna



Mesnex®







Mesna

(MES na)

U.S. Brand Names
Mesnex®
Canadian Brand Names
Mesnex®; Uromitexan
Mexican Brand Names
Uromitexan; Ziken®
Pharmacologic Category
Antidote
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to mesna or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to decrease the bad effects of some cancer medications on the bladder.
How does it work?
  • Mesna binds with some cancer medicines in the bladder to decrease their harmful effects.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine may be taken by mouth.
  • This medicine may be mixed with water, milk, juice or a carbonated beverage.
  • This medicine may be given as an injection.
  • This medicine is given with your cancer medicine.
  • This medicine may be given with your cancer medicine and in 2 additional doses.
  • This medicine must be taken exactly as directed.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Call healthcare provider for instructions.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Abnormal taste. This is usually reversible.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Coughing.
  • Swelling.
  • Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.
What should I monitor?
  • Tell healthcare provider if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of oral use. Dose may need to be repeated.
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • For the occurrence of side effects.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Unable to pass urine.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: