Protects the bladder from damage that may be caused by some cancer medicines.
Brand Names:
Mesnex
Contraindications:
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to mesna or related medicines (such as thimerosal, spironolactone, Purinethol®, Tapazole®, Aldactone®).
Uses:
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Drink at least 1 quart (32 ounces) of liquid every day to pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys and bladder working well and help prevent problems.
If you vomit within 2 hours after you take this medicine, call your doctor.
Never share your medicine with anyone.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can, then call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage:
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®).
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an autoimmune disorder (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).
You may still have bladder problems while taking this medicine. Your doctor will need to test your morning urine before you receive your cancer treatments. If you have pink or red urine, tell your doctor right away.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fever
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Back pain
Headache
Joint pain
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, gas
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest
