This is an automatically translated article.
Mesna is a medicine used to protect the bladder from the side effects of some chemotherapy drugs. Drugs used by injection or orally. Patients need to follow the doctor's instructions to get the best results.
1. What is Mesna?
Mesna is not a cancer treatment, but a therapeutic drug. Mesna is a chemoprotectant used to protect the bladder from the harmful side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs. That condition is called hemorrhagic cystitis.
Mesna drug is prepared in 2 forms: Infusion form and tablet form.
2. How to use and instructions for using Mesna
Mesna is given into the patient's body by intravenous injection or orally if the drug is in pill form. The drug may be given before, after, or at the same time as chemotherapy. The dose for each patient depends on the patient's body size and the dose of chemotherapy the patient is receiving.
Patients should contact their doctor immediately if vomiting occurs within two hours of taking mesna tablets or if they miss a dose. It is recommended to drink 1-2 liters of water per day while taking this medicine.
If you are taking oral mesna, it is important to make sure you take the correct amount each time your doctor has prescribed it. Before each dose of medication, the patient should check that what is being taken matches what is prescribed by the doctor in the prescription.
Intravenous Mesna contains small amounts of alcohol, which may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness and blurred vision, may impair your ability to drive.
Patients need to notify the doctor when experiencing burning or urgent urination. If you are taking any blood thinners such as coumadin, aspirin, plavix, etc., you need to tell your doctor because these drugs put you at a higher risk of bleeding.
While taking the drug, drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages.
3. Possible side effects when taking Mesna
Most of the side effects people experience when taking Mesna are due to the chemotherapy drug it is used for. Here are some of the most common and most important side effects associated with Mesna pills.
Patients may experience nausea or vomiting while taking Mesna:
Some patients report an unpleasant taste or nausea when taking Mesna tablets. Patients should notify their doctor so they can be prescribed medication to help control nausea and vomiting. In addition, changing the diet also helps to improve this condition. Things that can worsen symptoms should be avoided, such as foods that are heavy or greasy, fatty, spicy, or acidic such as lemons, tomatoes, and oranges. Important but less common side effects caused by Mesna:
Mesna causing an allergic reaction: Some patients have had an allergic reaction while taking this medicine. It can be mild or to the point of anaphylaxis. Symptoms of a reaction include: itching, flushing, burning, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing. Serious skin reactions, such as rash and progressing to vesicles, may occur in a small number of patients. Stevens Johnson syndrome: This is a rare but serious allergic reaction that affects the skin and mucous membranes. The syndrome usually begins as a painful rash or blisters and can progress to severe skin damage and, in some cases, death.
4. Mesna and fertility problems of drug users
The fetus when exposed to Mesna drug can cause birth defects. Therefore, you should not become pregnant or become a father while using Mesna for treatment.
Effective birth control is essential during a patient's treatment. Even if the menstrual cycle stops or is believed to be no sperm production, it is still possible to conceive and become pregnant.
Women who are breastfeeding should not take Mesna, because it will affect the baby.
Mesna is a drug that doctors trust to protect the bladder from the side effects of chemotherapy drugs in cancer patients. The drug can be taken by injection or orally depending on the prescription prescribed by the doctor. Patients need to strictly follow the instructions for using the drug, use the drug at the right dose and time to limit the side effects that the drug causes.
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