Ifosfamide, Mesna are alkylating agents and hemorrhagic cystitis inhibitors which was approved for its medical use in the year 1998.

Ifosfamide, Mesna are indicated for the treatment of bladder inflammation, hemorrhagic cystitis and cancers in the soft tissues, germ cell, pancreas and cervix.

It will be given to you by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic setting trained in cancer chemotherapy. Ifosfamide, Mesna is given as an intravenous infusion drip (into your vein). Do not self-administer the injection. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease severity, body weight, and other factors. Your doctor will give you certain medications to lessen the chance of getting side effects from the  Ifosfamide, Mesna treatment.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Ifosfamide, Mesna  are hair loss, fever, liver toxicity and infections. Other serious side effects include immune system suppression, hypersensitivity reaction, rash, nerve toxicity, urinary problems, lung problems, and kidney problems.

If you had an allergic reaction to Ifosfamide, Mesna or any of its components, it should not be used. This medicine may cause severe bone marrow suppression which results in low white blood cell count or low platelet count due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. You should wait for three months before starting the treatment with this drug, if you have received a live virus vaccine such as measles, mumps, rubella, or chickenpox. It is advised to use this drug with caution in severe kidney or liver diseased individuals. Talk to your doctor if you take any other medications or before using over-the-counter medicines or herbal products. Your doctor will evaluate the risk of interaction with this medication. To prevent bladder toxicity, ifosfamide, mesna should be given with extensive hydration consisting of at least 2 liters of oral or intravenous fluid per day.

Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or plan to have a baby. It is unsafe to use this drug during pregnancy as it causes harm to an unborn fetus. Your health care practitioner will conduct a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Ifosfamide, Mesna. Discuss with your doctor effective birth control methods and utilise them for at least two weeks following the last dose. Breastfeeding should be avoided during the treatment with this drug as it may pass into breast milk in small amounts. It's important to avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this injection because this can lead to increased levels of the drug in your body and a higher risk of side effects. If you miss a dose of this drug and it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, you should skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. It is not recommended to take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

This injection may cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Female patients with reproductive potential should use effective contraception during the treatment. Male patients with female partners with reproductive potential should use effective birth control methods during the treatment and for at least 5 months after their last dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment with this injection. Your doctor may advise you to take certain tests to check for the effectiveness of the therapy.  Ifosfamide, Mesna may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, so it is important to avoid driving. Since this drug causes bladder problems, it is advised to drink extra fluids to help prevent further problems.

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2. Teva Parenteral Medicines, Inc., [Revised on Feb 2020] [Accessed on 17th Dec 2021], https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=14f535d7-4593-4cee-94fb-54ee239d95d2&type=display
3. Boehringer-Ingelheim, Mesna  [Revised on March 2014] [ Accessed on 06 April 2023], https://docs.boehringer-ingelheim.com/Prescribing%20Information/PIs/Ben%20Venue_Bedford%20Labs/55390-045-01%20MSN%201G/5539004501
4. Edward Chu, Cancer Chemotherapy, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 948-976
5. Bertram.G.Katzung, Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Cancer Chemotherapy, 14th edition, 2017, 953.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.