Mesna

(MES na)

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to mesna or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to lower the bad effects of some cancer drugs on the bladder.

How is this drug given?

• It may be taken by mouth.
• It may be mixed with water, milk, juice, or a carbonated drink.
• It may be given as a shot.
• This drug is given with your child's cancer drugs.
• This drug may be given with your child's cancer drugs and for 2 or more extra doses.
• This drug needs to be taken by your child exactly as told to you by your child's doctor.
• Have your child drink lots of noncaffeine liquids every day unless told to drink less liquid by your child's doctor.

How long does this drug take to work?

• The effects are seen the same day.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• If your child has an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• If your child throws up within 2 hours of taking mesna, talk with the doctor.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Bad taste in your child's mouth.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Belly pain.
• Low blood pressure.
• Irritation where the shot is given.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried or if any of the unwanted side effects happen after your child is given this drug.
• Tell your child's doctor if your child throws up within 2 hours of taking an oral dose. Dose may need to be repeated.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has blood in the urine.
• If your child is not able to pass urine.
• If your child has any bruising or bleeding.
• If your child has bad dizziness.
• If your child has very loose stools (diarrhea).
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Throw away any part of oral drug not used.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

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