Mesna

About Mesna

This belongs to the group of medicines known as uroprotectants.

Mesna is used to prevent the side effects caused by the medicines cyclophosphamide or ifosfamide. These are used to treat a wide range of cancers and can cause damage to the bladder. Mesna works by stopping the damaging action of these medicines and so protects the bladder from harm.

Mesna is available in tablet and injection form.

The brand available is: Uromitexan.

Before Taking Mesna

Before taking Mesna make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Mesna

• Take Mesna exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Mesna occasionally causes you to feel or be sick. It is important to keep taking this medicine at regular dosage times even if you begin to feel unwell
• If you are sick shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or wait until the next dose is due.
• If you have been prescribed the ampoules for oral administration they should be taken in a flavoured drink such as orange juice or cola, once mixed it can be stored in a fridge for up to 24 hours in a sealed container.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Mesna contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Mesna.
• You must keep your regular appointments with the doctor or hospital so your progress can be checked.
• If you have diabetes this medicine may change the results of urine tests for ketones. Check with your doctor if your urine test results have changed significantly.
• This medicine may cause you to feel dizzy when standing up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Mesna.

Can Mesna cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, headache, diarrhoea, stomach pain, tiredness, limb and joint pain, depression, irritability, rash.

Important: if you notice any unusual bleeding, bruising, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of the face or increased heart rate contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Mesna

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from food, direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 23/02/2005