DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Mesna Tablets (MES-na)
Brand Name: Mesnex

Mesnex is used for:

Preventing or reducing the harmful effects of chemotherapy on the bladder.

Mesnex is an uroprotectant. It works by protecting the bladder wall from the harmful effects of chemotherapy.

Do NOT use Mesnex if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Mesnex or other thiol compounds

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Mesnex:

Some medical conditions may interact with Mesnex. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have an autoimmune disorder (eg, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) or kidney problems (eg, nephritis)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Mesnex.

However, no specific interactions with Mesnex are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Mesnex may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Mesnex:

Use Mesnex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Mesnex may be taken with or without food.
• Drink at least 1 quart (4 cups/1 L) of liquid per day.
• If you vomit within 2 hours of taking Mesnex, contact your doctor right away.
• If you miss a dose of Mesnex, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Mesnex.

Important safety information:

• Mesnex may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Mesnex. Using Mesnex alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Tell your doctor if your urine turns a pink or red color.
• Certain prescription medicines and foods, such as red beets, may also cause your urine to change colors. A lab test of your urine will show if the source of the color is due to one of these causes.
• Diabetes patients - Mesnex may cause incorrect test results with some urine glucose tests. Check with your doctor before you adjust your dose of your diabetes medicine or change your diet.
• LAB TESTS, including urine tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Mesnex with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Mesnex, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Mesnex during pregnancy. It is unknown if Mesnex is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Mesnex.

Possible side effects of Mesnex:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Bad taste in mouth; cold symptoms (coughing, sore throat); constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; fever; fluid retention; flushing; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; pain in arms or legs; paleness; stomach pain; tiredness; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty swallowing or breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, hands, eyes, face, throat, or tongue); blood in the urine (pink or red urine); chest pain; difficulty swallowing; fast heartbeat; hoarseness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Mesnex:

Store Mesnex between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Mesnex out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Mesnex, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Mesnex is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Mesnex. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.