What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Mesnex (Mesna)
Also Known as Mesna
Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
Mesnex, also known as Mesna, is a medication used to protect patients from a side effect called hemorrhagic cystitis, which can occur after receiving the chemotherapy drug ifosfamide. Hemorrhagic cystitis is a condition that causes bleeding and inflammation in the bladder. Mesna is a synthetic compound that helps detoxify harmful substances in the urine. Doctors give Mesna along with ifosfamide to help it bind with a toxic substance called acrolein and other harmful byproducts created by the chemotherapy. By doing this, Mesna reduces the damaging effects these substances can have on the bladder.
Fact Table
Formula
C2H5NaO3S2
License
US FDA
Bioavailability
58% (oral)
Legal status
Prescription only (Rx)
Chemical Name
Sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate
Elimination half-life
0.36-1.17 hours
Dosage (Strength)
400 mg, 600 mg tablets; 100 mg/mL injection
Pregnancy
Consult a doctor (Category B)
Brands
Mesnex
Protein binding
69-75%
PubChem CID
5193
MedlinePlus
a682071
ChEBI
50677
ATC code
V03AF01
DrugBank
DB06782
KEGG
D02497
Routes of administration
Oral, intravenous (IV)
Directions
When administering Mesnex, it is important for healthcare professionals to follow specific guidelines for safety and effectiveness. Mesnex can be given in two main ways: as multiple IV injections or as a combination of an IV injection followed by oral tablets. The schedule for these doses should be repeated on each day that ifosfamide is given. If the dose of ifosfamide changes, the amount of Mesna should also be adjusted accordingly.
Ingredients
Mesna is the active ingredient in Mesnex.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using Mesnex if any of the following apply:
- Known hypersensitivity to Mesna or any of its components
- Allergies to thiol compounds, as Mesna is a synthetic sulfhydryl compound
Cautions
- Before starting treatment with Mesnex, be sure to inform your healthcare provider about the following:
- Any medical conditions you currently have
- Any allergies
- All medications you are currently taking
- Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Mesnex can cause serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Symptoms could range from fever and rash to more severe conditions like respiratory distress and acute renal impairment. These reactions can occur upon first exposure or after months of treatment. If you experience any related symptoms, stop using Mesnex immediately and seek medical care.
- There have been cases where Mesnex caused severe skin reactions, such as rashes that resemble Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. These reactions can be accompanied by symptoms like urticaria (hives), pruritus (itching), and angioedema. Should any skin reactions occur, discontinue Mesnex and seek urgent medical attention.
- Mesnex contains benzyl alcohol, which can be toxic and potentially fatal to premature babies and low-birth weight infants, causing symptoms like respiratory distress and "gasping syndrome." Avoid using Mesnex injections in these vulnerable populations. Mesnex tablets, which do not contain benzyl alcohol, are a safer alternative for these groups.
- Mesnex can interfere with certain laboratory tests. It may cause false-positive results in urine tests for ketone bodies and ascorbic acid, and falsely low results in tests measuring creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity. Be aware of these potential interferences when undergoing laboratory evaluations.
- If you have a history of reactions to thiol compounds, use Mesnex with caution. Hypersensitivity reactions have been noted, although it’s unclear if previous adverse reactions to thiols increase the risk with Mesnex.
Side Effects
Mesnex tablets may cause several side effects. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Patients might also experience fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Other possible effects are headache, hair loss, sleepiness, and reductions in white and red blood cell counts, as well as platelets, which can increase the risk of infections and bleeding.
Serious allergic reactions can occur with Mesnex, potentially as soon as the first dose or after multiple treatments. Emergency medical attention is important if you experience symptoms such as fever, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, blisters, peeling, joint or muscle aches, or if you feel faint or have a rapid heartbeat. In addition, Mesnex administered intravenously contains benzyl alcohol, which can be harmful or fatal to premature newborns and low-birth weight babies; thus, its use is advised against in these populations.
References
- Mesnex (Mesna) Product Monograph. Deerfield, IL: Baxter Healthcare Corporation; 2018.
- Mesnex (Mesna) Drug Label Information. Deerfield, IL: Baxter Healthcare Corporation; 2019.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 14961
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