What is Mesna? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

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Mesna overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Mesnex, PremierPro Rx Mesna, PremierPro Rx Mesna

Generic Names:

  • Mesna

Uses:

  • Lowers the risk of inflammation and bleeding of the bladder in patients who receive ifosfamide (cancer medicine).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Hemorrhagic Cystitis Inhibitor

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Mesna used for?

Mesnex is an antineoplastic detoxifying agent used to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy. It prevents hemorrhagic cystitis that is caused by the use of ifosfamide, a chemotherapeutic drug. Mesnex forms a protective lining in the bladder to protect it from damage by ifosfamide. It may be used to treat other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. Mesnex is available as a tablet and injection.

What form(s) does Mesna come in?

  • Injectable

What are common Mesna dosages?

  • Vial 10ML of 100MG/ML

Mesna images - What does Mesna look like?

  • Mesna
    10ml of 100mg/ml vial

How to take Mesna

  • Missed dose: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems. Drink 1 to 2 liters of fluid each day.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems. Drink 1 to 2 liters of fluid each day.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Missed dose: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Mesna

Mesna contraindications - Who shouldn't take Mesna?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to mesna. This medicine contains benzyl alcohol and should not be given to premature or low-birth weight babies.

Mesna warnings

  • This medicine is used together with ifosfamide. Ifosfamide can harm your unborn baby while you are pregnant. It may also cause birth defects if the father is receiving it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine in combination with ifosfamide and for 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 1 week after the last dose.

  • Tell your doctor if you have a history of an allergic reaction to thiol compounds (including amifostine).

  • This medicine may cause serious skin reactions.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Mesna interactions & what to avoid when taking Mesna

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of an allergic reaction to thiol compounds.

  • This medicine may cause serious skin reactions.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Mesna side effects - How does Mesna make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Red or pink urine

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, fast or uneven heartbeat

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

  • Loss or thinning of hair

  • Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting

  • Unusual drowsiness or tiredness

  • Diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain

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