Mesnex Side Effects

Generic name: mesna

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 7, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Mesnex Side Effects associated with mesna. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Mesnex.

Applies to mesna: oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous solution

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects.

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. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. The most serious signs of this reaction are very fast or irregular breathing, gasping for breath, or fainting. Other signs may include: changes in facial skin color, very fast but irregular heartbeat or pulse, hive-like swellings on the skin, and puffiness or swellings of the eyelids or around the eyes. If these side effects occur, get emergency help at once.

Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. It may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Serious side effects of Mesnex

Along with its needed effects, mesna (the active ingredient contained in Mesnex) 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:

Other side effects of Mesnex

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:

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]

See also:

Further information

Mesnex 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