Mesna tablets

What is this medication?

MESNA (MES na) is used to prevent bleeding from the bladder during treatment with ifosfamide. This medicine does not reduce the chance of getting other side effects of cancer chemotherapy.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mesnex

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•autoimmune disease like lupus, nephritis, or rheumatoid arthritis

•uncontrolled nausea and vomiting

•an unusual or allergic reaction to mesna, sulfur medicines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. For best results take this medicine at the exact times that your doctor tells you to. If you need to you may split tablets in half to get the right dose. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can and call your doctor. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your doctor will follow your condition closely while you are taking this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you see that your urine has turned a pink or red color.

It is important to drink at least a quart (4 cups) of fluids each day that you take this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

If you vomit within 2 hours of taking this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• blood in your urine or pink to red colored urine
• fever, chills, or sore throat
• flushing or redness to skin
• mouth sores
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• swelling of ankles, feet
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• aches and pains
• bad taste in mouth
• diarrhea
• dizzy, drowsy
• hair loss
• headache
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.