How does this medicine work?
Mesna (mez-na) protects the bladder from the effects of the chemotherapy medicines cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide.
How should I give it?
Mesna is given by mouth or IV, with and after cyclophosphamide or ifosfamide.
If your child is taking the medicine by mouth, the taste may be improved by mixing it with fruit drinks (such as grape, apple, tomato, or orange juice), cola, or chocolate milk.
What should I do if a dose is missed?
If one dose is missed, call the clinic to determine how the dose should be made up.
If your child throws up within 30 minutes after receiving a dose, give it again. If your child vomits after 30 minutes, do not repeat the dose. Call the oncology clinic if more than one dose is missed or vomited.
Are there any precautions about food or other medicines?
Mesna can be given with or without food.
Your child should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine.
Check with the doctor, before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.
What are the side effects?
Common
- unpleasant taste in the mouth
Occasional
- diarrhea
- abdominal (belly) pain
Rare
- mild nausea
- skin sensitivity
- headache
- low blood pressure
- limb and joint pain