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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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This information is about a drug called mesna, which is used to protect the bladder and kidneys from the effects of the chemotherapy drugs ifosfamide| (Mitoxana®) and cyclophosphamide|. Mesna is not a chemotherapy drug.
Some people who are given ifosfamide chemotherapy may get blood in their urine (haematuria). This can also happen with higher doses of cyclophosphamide chemotherapy, but is less common. Both drugs can cause irritation and bleeding from the lining of the bladder and the kidneys. Mesna helps prevent this by protecting your bladder and kidneys.
Mesna is always given with ifosfamide, but it's normally only given with higher doses of cyclophosphamide. While you are having this treatment, your urine is closely monitored and tested for any signs of blood. If you have blood in your urine, you will be given extra mesna. Drinking as much water as possible can help flush through the chemotherapy.
Mesna is a clear fluid. It is also available as a tablet.
Mesna is usually given in a drip (infusion) of sterile saline (salt water) in combination with your chemotherapy. The infusion will be given through a find tube (cannula) inserted into a vein.
Some people have mesna and chemotherapy given through a fine, plastic tube inserted under the skin and into a vein near their collarbone (central line|). It may also be passed through a vein in their arm (PICC line|). Your doctor or nurse will explain more about this to you.
Mesna can also be given as tablets. If you are given tablets, it's important to take them as directed by your doctor.
It is often difficult to distinguish the side effects that may be due to the mesna from those that may be due to the chemotherapy. Side effects from mesna are rare but may include:
Your doctor can prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent, or greatly reduce, nausea and vomiting|. These are normally given both in the drip with the treatment and as tablets. If the sickness isn't controlled, or if it continues, tell your doctor; they can prescribe other anti‑sickness drugs that may be more effective.
Some anti‑sickness drugs may cause constipation|. Let your doctor or nurse know if this is a problem.
This is common. You may notice that food tastes different|. Normal taste usually comes back after treatment finishes.
Your doctor or nurse can give you tablets to help relieve this.
This can normally be easily controlled with medicine, but let your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids (2–3 litres a day) if you have diarrhoea|.
Fatigue| is also a common side effect of chemotherapy. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.
Your doctor can give you painkillers to help relieve this pain|.
Mesna can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your doctor can give you medicine to help with this.
This section is based on our mesna fact sheet, which has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
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If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.