We explain the most common side effects of mesna here. But we don’t include rarer ones. For more detailed information you can visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) at www.medicines.org.uk.
It is often difficult to know which side effects may be from mesna and which ones may be from the chemotherapy. Always tell your doctor or nurse about the side effects you have. Your nurse will give you telephone numbers for the hospital. You can call them if you feel unwell or need advice any time of day or night. Save these numbers in your phone or keep them somewhere safe.
Side effects from mesna may include:
Allergic reactions
Rarely, mesna may cause an allergic reaction. Your nurse will check you for this. If you have a reaction, they will treat it quickly. Allergic reactions are most common with the first few doses. A reaction is usually mild. Rarely, it can be more severe.
Signs of an allergic reaction can include:
- faster heartbeat
- swelling in your face
- skin reactions
- breathlessness
- pain in your back, tummy or chest
- a rash or bruising on your skin
- flu-like symptoms such as a headache, feeling flushed, having a fever, chills or dizziness.
Tell your nurse straight away if you notice any of these symptoms.
Rarely, people may have a reaction some time after treatment. If you develop any of these symptoms or feel unwell after you get home, contact the hospital straight away for advice.
Feeling or being sick
Your doctor can prescribe very effective anti-sickness drugs (anti-emetics) to help prevent or reduce sickness. If you are sick after taking mesna by mouth, contact the hospital for advice. It’s important you don’t miss a dose of mesna so that your bladder lining is protected.
Taste changes
You may get a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth or find that food tastes different. This should go away when your treatment finishes. Try using herbs and spices (unless you have a sore mouth or ulcers) or strong-flavoured sauces to give your food more flavour. Sucking boiled sweets or chewing gum can sometimes help get rid of a bitter or metallic taste. Your nurse can give you more advice.
Headache
Mesna may cause headaches. If this happens, let your doctor or nurse know. They can give you painkillers.
Tummy pain
You may get pain or discomfort in your tummy (abdomen), feel bloated or wind. Your doctor can prescribe drugs to help improve these symptoms. Tell them if the pain doesn’t improve or gets worse.
Diarrhoea
Your doctor can prescribe drugs to control diarrhoea. Let them know if it is severe or if it doesn’t get better. Make sure you drink at least two litres (three and a half pints) of fluids every day if you have diarrhoea.
Tiredness
Feeling very tired is a common side effect. It’s often worse towards the end of treatment and for some weeks after it’s finished. Try to pace yourself and get as much rest as you need. It helps to balance this with some gentle exercise, such as short walks. If you feel sleepy, don’t drive or operate machinery.
Limb and joint pain
You may get pain in your joints or limbs for a few days after treatment. Tell your doctor if this happens so they can prescribe painkillers. Let them know if the pain does not get better. Try to get plenty of rest. Taking regular warm baths may help.
Skin changes
Mesna may affect your skin. Your doctor or nurse can tell you what to expect. If your skin feels dry, try using an unperfumed moisturising cream every day. Mesna can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Always tell your doctor or nurse about any skin changes. They can give you advice and may prescribe creams or medicines to help. Any changes to your skin are usually temporary and improve when treatment finishes.
Mood and behaviour changes
Occasionally, mesna can affect your mood. You may feel irritable and have mood swings. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of these side effects. They may make some changes to your treatment if the side effects become a problem.
