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

When should I call the clinic?

Call hematology helpline 982403210 if:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • bloody urine

What else do I need to know?

All caregivers should wear gloves when handling urine, stool, and vomit while your child is receiving the chemotherapy and for 48 hours afterward. Urine, stool, and vomit can be safely disposed of in septic tanks and the sewer system.

Any clothing or bed linens that are contaminated with urine, stool, or vomit should be washed separately from other laundry in hot water and detergent. Anyone handling the contaminated laundry should wear gloves.

You and your child should know the names of all the medicines he or she is taking. Share this information with anyone involved in your child’s care.

Always make sure you have enough medicine on hand as the pharmacy may need 2 or 3 days to refill the prescription. Check the label for the expiration date. Flush outdated medicines down the toilet instead of putting them in the garbage.

Store all medicines in their original container and away from direct sunlight or heat. Do not store in humid places, such as the bathroom. Keep them out of children’s reach, locked up if possible.

If too much or the wrong kind of chemotherapy medicine is taken, call the oncology clinic right away. If your child is unconscious or has a seizure, call 112.

Questions?

This sheet is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call:

Hematology Clinic
3rd floor, Kedar
Opp.Krupa Petrol Pump,
Parimal Garden, Ambawadi
Clinic: 07926463219
Whattsapp: 8238065890