MESNA belongs to a class of medication known as 'cytoprotectant' primarily used to prevent Hemorrhagic cystitis (a condition that causes bleeding in the urine due to the effect of anticancer agents (Ifosfamide). Our body breaks down the anticancer agent (Ifosfamide) to form a chemical (acrolein) that can harm and irritate the bladder. MESNA reduces the risk of inflammation and bleeding in the bladder due to other anti-cancer medications.
MESNA contains 'Mesna', a chemo-protectant medicine that works by altering the breakdown of anti-cancer agents (Ifosfamide) found in the urine, thereby making it less toxic. Besides this, MESNA also protects the bladder from the harmful side effect of certain anticancer agents (like ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide) known as hemorrhagic cystitis (bleeding in the bladder).
MESNA parenteral preparation. It will be administered to your vein by a trained healthcare professional, hence do not self-administer. In some cases, this medicine may cause certain side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck, and trunk), lethargy, rash, diarrhea, light-headedness, abdominal pain, flu-like symptoms, fever, and injection site reactions. Most of these side effects of MESNA do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
If you are allergic to MESNA or any of its constituents, you should avoid using it. In order to prevent conception in women of childbearing age, an effective birth control method should be used. Your doctor may advise routine urine and blood tests while you take MESNA to check your CBC (blood cell count). Because of various underlying clinical disorders, including thrombocytopenia, MESNA is contraindicated for usage in hematuria. While taking MESNA, consuming 1-2 litres of liquids daily is advisable. Due to significant adverse effects, this medication should be avoided by those who are pregnant or nursing; thus, see your doctor before using it.
Ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.
MESNA belongs to a class of medication known as 'chemoprotectant' primarily used to prevent bleeding into the urine by a particular anticancer medicine known as ifosfamide (ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis). It also reduces the risk of inflammation and bleeding in the bladder receiving any anti-cancer medication. It contains Mesna, which works by reacting chemically with the urotoxic ifosfamide (anti-cancer medicines) metabolites, resulting in their detoxification. In addition, it binds to other urotoxic metabolites and inhibits their effects on the bladder.
Do not take MESNA if you are allergic to MESNA or any of its ingredients. MESNA injection or infusion should be done under the supervision of a doctor only. An effective birth control measure should be taken to avoid pregnancy in women of childbearing age. Also, maintain a minimum of 6 months gap between the last dose of MESNA taken and your next pregnancy. Regular urine and blood test should be done while taking $nma to monitor your CBC (blood cell count). MESNA is not indicated for use in hematuria due to other underlying pathological conditions like thrombocytopenia. Drinking at least 1 litre of fluid daily while taking MESNA is important. MESNA is known to cause blurry vision and dizziness, so do not drive or operate machinery.
Drug-Disease Interaction: MESNA is known to interact in patients with an autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis (pain and inflammation in the joints), systemic lupus erythematosus (a severe form of lupus in which pain and fatigue occur in joints), or nephritis (a type of kidney problem).
Drug-Food Interaction: Inform your doctor about all vitamins, and minerals you are taking.
Drug-Drug Interaction: MESNA is known to interact with anticoagulants (anisindione, dicumarol, warfarin).
MESNA if taken along with alcohol may increase drowsiness, so it should not be taken along with alcohol.
MESNA is a category B pregnancy medicines. It has not shown any harm to the baby but should only be taken if a doctor prescribes you.
MESNA should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it is known to pass through the breast milk and harm the baby. Maintain a gap of 1 week after stopping MESNA before breastfeeding.
MESNA is known to cause blurred vision and drowsiness. So, do not drive or operate machinery which requires concentration.
Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before receiving MESNA. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before administering it to you.
Let your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before using MESNA. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
The safety and efficacy of MESNA have not been established in children. Moreover, MESNA contains benzyl alcohol, which is known to cause a gasping syndrome in children.
Ifosfamide-induced Hemorrhagic cystitis: It is a condition that causes bleeding in the urine due to the effect of anticancer agents (Ifosfamide). It occurs when an individual undergoes planned chemotherapy (for cancer treatment). During chemotherapy, an anticancer medication called 'ifosfamide' causes inflammation and bleeding of the bladder, which is passed into the urine. The colour of urine may vary from pink to red in colour.