Mesna Injection
Generic name: Mesna Injection [ MES-na ]
Brand name: Mesnex
Drug class: Antineoplastic detoxifying agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 12, 2024.
Uses of Mesna Injection:
- 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 Injection?
- If you have an allergy to mesna or any other part of mesna injection.
- If you are allergic to mesna injection; any part of mesna injection; 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 mesna injection and for 1 week after your last dose.
- If the patient is a newborn or infant. This medicine has benzyl alcohol in it. Benzyl alcohol may cause severe and sometimes deadly side effects in newborns or infants. Do not give mesna injection to a newborn or infant.
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 mesna injection 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 Injection?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take mesna injection. 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 mesna injection.
- 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 mesna injection while you are pregnant.
How is this medicine (Mesna Injection) best taken?
Use mesna injection 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.
- This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.
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.
Related/similar drugs
What are some other side effects of Mesna Injection?
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.
- Irritation where the shot is given.
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 Injection?
- If you need to store mesna injection at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.
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.
- 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.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about mesna injection, 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.
More about mesna
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: antineoplastic detoxifying agents
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
- Mesna oral/injection drug information
- Mesna (Intravenous) (Advanced Reading)
- Mesna (Oral) (Advanced Reading)
- Mesna Tablets
Other brands
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.