Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The display and use of drug information on this site is subject to express terms of use (click here). By continuing to view the drug information, you agree to abide such terms of use.

Mesna IV Uses and How to Use


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: MESNA - INJECTION
Pronounced: (MES-na)

Mesna IV Uses

This medication is used to reduce the risk of bleeding in the bladder (hemorrhagic cystitis), which is a very serious side effect of treatment with a cancer chemotherapy drug called ifosfamide. Mesna helps to protect the lining of the bladder against damage from ifosfamide. The body breaks down ifosfamide to form a product that can harm the bladder, and mesna works by making this product less harmful. However, mesna does not change ifosfamide's anti-cancer effects.

How To Use Mesna IV

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Dosage is based on your body size and your dose of ifosfamide (or cyclophosphamide).

While using this medication, drink at least a quart (4 cups or 1 liter) of liquid each day unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Doing so will also help to reduce the bladder side effects from ifosfamide.

Mesna is very effective in reducing the risk of hemorrhagic cystitis in most patients. However, it may not work in a small number of patients. Therefore, tell your doctor immediately if you notice that your urine is pink, red, or bloody.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised September 2011 Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank, Inc.