In the U.S.—

In Canada—

• Hemorrhagic cystitis prophylactic

Mesna ( MES-na) is used to reduce the harmful effects of some cancer medicines on the bladder.

Mesna is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:

Parenteral
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For mesna, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to mesna.

Pregnancy—Mesna has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether mesna passes into the breast milk. However, this medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—Although there is no specific information comparing use of mesna in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of mesna in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Dosing—

The dose of mesna will be different for different patients and must be determined by your doctor. Mesna is usually given by a doctor or nurse in the hospital. If you have any questions about the proper dose of mesna, ask your doctor.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if either of the following side effects occur:

• Rare
  • Skin rash or itching 
  
  

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• Less common
  • Diarrhea;  nausea or vomiting;  unpleasant taste 
  
  

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.