Mesna Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 18, 2025.

Applies to mesna: oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous solution

Serious side effects of mesna

Along with its needed effects, mesna may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking mesna:

More common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• blood in the urine
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• decreased urination
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fainting
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• increased thirst
• lightheadedness
• loss of appetite
• mood changes
• muscle pain or cramps
• nausea
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• painful or difficult urination
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• rapid breathing
• rapid weight gain
• seizures
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• sunken eyes
• swelling
• swollen glands
• tightness in the chest
• trouble breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight gain or loss
• vomiting
• wrinkled skin

Less common side effects

• blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• sweating

Incidence not known

• coughing or spitting up blood
• dark urine
• general tiredness and weakness
• headache
• light-colored stools
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• slow or fast
• upper right abdominal or stomach pain
• yellow eyes and skin

Other side effects of mesna

Some side effects of mesna may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• diarrhea
• difficulty having a bowel movement
• hair loss
• lack or loss of strength
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• stomach pain
• weight loss

Less common side effects

• back pain
• belching
• feeling of warmth
• heartburn
• increased sweating
• indigestion
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• stomach discomfort or upset
• trouble sleeping

Incidence not known

• change or loss of taste

For healthcare professionals

Applies to mesna: injectable solution, intravenous kit, oral tablet.

Gastrointestinal adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (65%), vomiting (35%), constipation (28%), anorexia (21%), abdominal pain/colic (14%), diarrhea
• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia, dehydration, anorexia, mucosal irritation, flatulence, burning pain (substernal/epigastric), gingival bleeding
• Frequency not reported: Dry mouth, bad taste
• Postmarketing reports: Dysgeusia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very common (10% or more): Leukopenia (25%), thrombocytopenia (21%), anemia (20%), granulocytopenia (16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Lymphadenopathy
• Frequency not reported: Activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged
• Postmarketing reports: Decrease in lymphocyte count (generally reversible within one week)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Lightheadedness, lethargy/drowsiness
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache, pain, somnolence, paresthesia, hyperesthesia, syncope, hypoesthesia, attention disturbance
• Postmarketing reports: Convulsion^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Chest pain (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, tachycardia, palpitations
• Postmarketing reports: Hypertension^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, arthralgia, myalgia, pain in extremity, pain in jaw
• Frequency not reported: Rigors^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypokalemia (10%)^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Acute renal failure^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (24%), fever (24%), asthenia (15%), flushing
• Common (1% to 10%): Edema, peripheral edema, facial edema, pallor, insomnia, nightmares
• Frequency not reported: Fever, malaise^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Alopecia (12%), rash
• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperhidrosis, pruritus
• Frequency not reported: Erythema multiforme, drug rash, ulcerations and/or bullae/blistering, angioedema, urticaria, burning sensation, erythema^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Hematuria, dysuria^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pneumonia
• Frequency not reported: Influenza-like symptoms^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Infusion site pruritus, infusion site rash

Common (1% to 10%: Infusion site pain, infusion site erythema, infusion site urticaria, infusion site swelling^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctivitis, photophobia, blurred vision^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, confusion^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, nasal congestion, pleuritic pain, bronchospasm, laryngeal discomfort, epistaxis
• Frequency not reported: Pharyngitis, rhinitis, respiratory distress, hypoxia
• Postmarketing reports: Hemoptysis^[Ref]

Further information

Mesna side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer