Uses of Mesna

Mesna is used to protect bladder and kidneys from cancer chemotherapy involving cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide as an anticancer medicine.

Mesna is also used to reduce the risk of bleeding from bladder when Ifosfamide is used as a chemotherapy drug in affected individuals.

Therapeutic Category

Mesna: Cytoprotective agents

How Mesna works

Mesna works by protecting the lining of bladder and kidney from by-products of cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide which gets formed in the body after its administration as a chemotherapy medicine in affected individuals.

Common side effects of Mesna

• Headaches
• Dizziness, constipation, diarrhoea
• Flu, sore throat, cough
• Fever

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• Chest pain, rash, and/or itching

Health Tips for Mesna

• Mesna will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse into a vein as an intravenous infusion. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
• Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are important to monitor your progress and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Avoid consumption of alcohol and certain drugs while taking Mesna as it may increase its side effects.
• Drink plenty of fluids while taking mesna, as this can help flush out your urinary system and reduce the risk of bladder irritation.
• Before receiving Mesna, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine such as Oxazaphosphorine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide (anticancer medicines), Cytostatics (used to block growth of cancer cells) Ex. adriamycin, methotrexate, vincristine.
• Mesna is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.