Mesna
Brand Names
Mesnex® (There may be other brand names for this medication)
How is it Administered?
Mesna can be injected into a vein or the liquid can be mixed in juice and taken by mouth.
What is it Used For?
Mesna can be injected into a vein or the liquid can be mixed in juice and taken by mouth. It is also available as a pill, but it is suggested the pill be taken with a very strong-tasting liquid.
How Does Mesna Work?
Mesna is in a class of drugs called chemoprotentives because its purpose is to protect or minimize serious side effects of some chemotherapy drugs. They do not prevent all chemotherapy side effects, and they can have side effects of their own, so you and you doctor will need to discuss the risks of benefits specific to your circumstances.
Mesna is not active in your blood; it becomes active in your kidneys. It is then carried into the bladder. In the bladder, it provides protection from, or at least a reduction of, the toxic effects of the by- products of two chemotherapy drugs: ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide.
