Mesnex

Mesnex is a detoxifying agent. It works by preventing and reducing the harmful effects of chemotherapy (cancer medicines) on the bladder.

It is available in the form of solution only with your doctor’s prescription.

Before using Mesnex, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Allergy

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children

There are no adequate studies done which prove its safety and efficacy in children. However, it should not be used in infants or newborns as it may cause some serious fatal side effects.

Elderly

This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults. However, it should be used with caution if you have age-related kidney problems.

Pregnancy

It is a category B drug. It is safe in pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies which prove that Mesna passes into breast milk. It is better not to use it during breastfeeding. If you are using Mesna while nursing, discuss it with your doctor for possible risk factors.

Drug Interactions

Mesna may interact with other drugs.

Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He may want to change the dosage or drug.

For example,

• Warfarin

Other Medical Problem

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

• If you have a history of allergic reaction to thiol compound.

To use Mesnex properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. It is injected into your vein through a needle by a doctor or nurse or other trained health professional.

Mesnex has a fixed dosing schedule. It may be given in every 4 or 8 hours after receiving ifosfamide. Be sure to drink enough fluids while taking Mesnex. Drink 4 to 8 cups (1 to 2 liters) of liquid per day unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Before using Mesnex, there are some precautions you must take. Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits. He may do a urine test to check if the medicine working properly or not.

Mesna can cause anaphylactic reactions.

Inform your doctor immediately if you start having:

• rash
• itching
• fainting
• palpitation
• trouble breathing
• swelling of hand face and mouth

It may cause a serious skin reaction.

Inform your doctor right away if you notice any:

• blistering
• peeling, or loosening of the skin
• chills
• cough
• diarrhea
• fever
• itching
• joint or muscle pain or red skin lesions

It should not be used in premature or low birth infants as it contains benzyl alcohol which may cause some fatal effects in newborns.

If you notice any side effects of Mesnex, immediately make an appointment with your doctor. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent:

Most common are:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Hair loss
• Headache
• Injection site reaction
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Tiredness
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Less common are:

• Black, tarry stools
• Bleeding gums
• Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet.
• Blood in the urine or stools
• Chest pain
• Chills
• Convulsions

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.