Mesna is a cytoprotectant drug that belongs to the class of hemorrhagic cystitis inhibitors.  FDA-approved mesna initially on 1998 for the treatment of hemorrhagic cystitis.

Mesna is an intravenously administered drug. This medicine is used to reduce the risk of hemorrhagic cystitis (a condition that causes bladder inflammation and can result in serious bleeding) in people who receive ifosfamide (a medication used for treating cancer). It protects against some of the harmful effects of certain chemotherapy medications.

Mesna is available as an intravenous injection. The drug should be administered only by healthcare professionals experienced with cancer chemotherapy. Your physician will determine the dose and frequency of administration based on the type of cancer and severity of the disease. Do not self-administer the injection.

The common side effects of Mesna are chest pain, swelling in the face, feet, and hands, hair loss, excessive sweating, decreased potassium levels, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, anemia, changes in the blood count levels, backache, confusion, dizziness, headache, fever, tiredness. Other serious side effects include rash, and hypersensitivity reactions.

The medicine is intended to cause severe hypersensitivity reactions. Inform your physician if you face any symptoms of fever, swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue, trouble breathing or wheezing, itching, burning, skin rash or hives, skin redness, or swelling after taking this medicine. Skin rash and swelling in the skin have also been reported with the use of this medicine. This medicine is not indicated to use in neonates, premature and low-birth-weight infants.

Notify your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have severe liver and bladder problems. Female patients should use effective contraception during the treatment with this medicine in combination with other anticancer medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Do not take this injection if you are allergic to mesna or any other ingredients of this medicine. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, recent vaccinations, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with mesna and reduce their effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. Your healthcare professional may advise you to take certain blood tests to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of the therapy.

Store mesna in the refrigerator (20°C to 25°C). Do not freeze. keep the injection away from the reach of children and pets. If you have missed any dosing appointments, inform your doctor and schedule them immediately. Drink more fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems. Drink 1 to 2 liters of fluid each day. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Do not breastfeed during the treatment with this medicine and for 1 week after the last dose. Your physician may take regular lab tests to check for the effectiveness of the therapy and monitor you for any unwanted effects of the medicine.

1. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION - Mesna [revised on 2014] [cited 2023 Apr 6]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/019884s013lbl.pdf
2. 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
3. V Reddy, Winston NR; Mesna; NCBI Bookshelf; [Revised on Nov 2020] [Accessed on 06th April 2023], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556021/

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 can receive this treatment.