Mesna

Mesna is a prescription medication used for the prevention of ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.

• Mesna is available under the following different brand names: Mesnex

Adult dosage

Injectable solution

• 100mg/mL

Tablet

• 400mg

Prevention of Ifosfamide Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis

• 240 mg/m² (if receiving 1.2 g/m² ifosfamide dose) IVP 15 minutes before & 4 & 8 hours after ifosfamide admin OR  
• 240 mg/m² (if receiving 1.2 g/m² ifosfamide dose) IVP 15 minutes before & 480 mg/m² of mesna tablets orally 2 & 6 hours after ifosfamide admin

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of Mesna include:

• nausea, 
• vomiting, 
• stomach pain,
• loss of appetite,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• weakness, 
• tiredness, 
• drowsiness,
• headache,
• hair loss, or
• fever, flu-like symptoms.

Serious side effects of Mesna include:

• fever, 
• nausea, 
• vomiting,
• joint or muscle pain,
• hives, 
• rash or redness, 
• skin pain or swelling,
• blisters or peeling of the skin,
• feeling light-headed, 
• trouble breathing,
• racing heartbeats,
• mouth sores, or swelling in the face or throat,
• chest pain, trouble breathing;
• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
• low red blood cells (anemia)–pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
• low potassium level–leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, or limp feeling.

Rare side effects of Mesna include:

• none 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.