MESNA: 4,892 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

MESNEX is a detoxifying agent to inhibit the hemorrhagic cystitis induced by ifosfamide. The active ingredient, mesna, is a synthetic sulfhydryl compound designated as sodium-2-mercaptoethane sulfonate with a molecular formula of C 2 H 5 NaO 3 S 2 and a molecular weight of 164.18. Its structural formula is as follows: HS–CH 2 –CH 2 SO 3 –Na + MESNEX (mesna) injection is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, aqueous solution of clear and colorless appearance in clear glass multidose vials for intravenous administration. MESNEX injection contains 100 mg/mL mesna, 0.25 mg/mL edetate disodium and sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment.

Mesnex

Injection multidose vials also contain 10.4 mg/mL of benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The solution has a pH range of 7.5-8.5. MESNEX (mesna) tablets are white, oblong, scored biconvex film-coated tablets with the imprint M4. They contain 400 mg mesna. The excipients are calcium phosphate, cornstarch, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, povidone, simethicone, and titanium dioxide.

1.

Indications And Usage

Mesna injection is indicated as a prophylactic agent in reducing the incidence of ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. Limitation of Use: Mesna injection is not indicated to reduce the risk of hematuria due to other pathological conditions such as thrombocytopenia. Mesna injection is a cytoprotective agent indicated as a prophylactic agent in reducing the incidence of ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. ( 1 ) Limitation of Use: Mesna injection is not indicated to reduce the risk of hematuria due to other pathological conditions such as thrombocytopenia. ( 1 )

AND ADMINISTRATION Mesna Injection may be given on a fractionated dosing schedule of three bolus intravenous injections or a single bolus injection followed by two oral administrations of mesna tablets as outlined below. The dosing schedule should be repeated on each day that ifosfamide is administered. When the dosage of ifosfamide is adjusted, the ratio of mesna to ifosfamide should be maintained. ( 2 )

Intravenous Dosing

Schedule: 0 Hours 4 Hours 8 Hours Ifosfamide 1.2 g/m 2 -­ -­ Mesna injection 240 mg/m 2 240 mg/m 2 240 mg/m 2 Intravenous and Oral Dosing Schedule: 0 Hours 2 Hours 6 Hours Ifosfamide 1.2 g/m 2 -­ -­ Mesna injection 240 mg/m 2 -­ -­ Mesna tablets -­ 480 mg/m 2 480 mg/m 2 Maintain sufficient urinary output, as required for ifosfamide treatment, and monitor urine for the presence of hematuria. ( 2.3 )

2.1 Intravenous Dosing Mesna Injection may be given on a fractionated dosing schedule of three bolus intravenous injections as outlined below.

Mesna

Injection is given as intravenous bolus injections in a dosage equal to 20% of the ifosfamide dosage weight by weight (w/w) at the time of ifosfamide administration and 4 and 8 hours after each dose of ifosfamide. The total daily dose of Mesna Injection is 60% of the ifosfamide dose. The recommended dosing schedule is outlined below in Table 1 .

Table

1.

Recommended Intravenous Dosing Schedule

0 Hours 4 Hours 8 Hours Ifosfamide 1.2 g/m 2 - - Mesna injection 1 240 mg/m 2 240 mg/m 2 240 mg/m 2 1 The dosing schedule should be repeated on each day that ifosfamide is administered. When the dosage of ifosfamide is increased or decreased, the ratio of Mesna Injection to ifosfamide should be maintained.

2.2 Intravenous and Oral Dosing Mesna Injection may be given on a fractionated dosing schedule of a single bolus injection followed by two oral administrations of mesna tablets as outlined below.

Mesna

Injection is given as intravenous bolus injections in a dosage equal to 20% of the ifosfamide dosage (w/w) at the time of ifosfamide administration. Mesna tablets are given orally in a dosage equal to 40% of the ifosfamide dose 2 and 6 hours after each dose of ifosfamide. The total daily dose of mesna is 100% of the ifosfamide dose. The recommended dosing schedule is outlined in Table 2 .

Table

2.

Recommended

Intravenous and Oral Dosing Schedule 0 Hours 2 Hours 6 Hours Ifosfamide 1.2 g/m 2 - - Mesna injection 1 240 mg/m 2 - - Mesna tablets - 480 mg/m 2 480 mg/m 2 1 The dosing schedule should be repeated on each day that ifosfamide is administered. When the dosage of ifosfamide is increased or decreased, the ratio of mesna to ifosfamide should be maintained. The efficacy and safety of this ratio of intravenous and oral mesna has not been established as being effective for daily doses of ifosfamide higher than 2 g/m 2 . Patients who vomit within two hours of taking oral mesna should repeat the dose or receive intravenous Mesna Injection.

2.3 Monitoring for Hematuria Maintain adequate hydration and sufficient urinary output, as required for ifosfamide treatment, and monitor urine for the presence of hematuria. If severe hematuria develops when Mesna Injection is given according to the recommended dosage schedule, dosage reductions or discontinuation of ifosfamide therapy may be required.

2.4 Preparation for Intravenous Administration and Stability Preparation Determine the volume of Mesna Injection for the intended dose. Dilute the volume of Mesna Injection for the dose in any of the following fluids to obtain a final concentration of 20 mg/mL: 5% Dextrose Injection, USP 5% Dextrose and 0.2% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP 5% Dextrose and 0.33% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP 5% Dextrose and 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP Stability The Mesna Injection multiple dose vials may be stored and used for up to 8 days after initial puncture. Store diluted solutions at 25°C (77°F). Use diluted solutions within 24 hours. Do not mix Mesna Injection with epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, carboplatin, and nitrogen mustard. The benzyl alcohol contained in Mesna Injection vials can reduce the stability of ifosfamide. Ifosfamide and Mesna Injection may be mixed in the same bag provided the final concentration of ifosfamide does not exceed 50 mg/mL. Higher concentrations of ifosfamide may not be compatible with Mesna Injection and may reduce the stability of ifosfamide. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Any solutions which are discolored, hazy, or contain visible particulate matter should not be used.

Mesna is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to mesna or to any of the excipients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Known hypersensitivity to mesna or to any of the excipients in mesna tablets and MESNEX injection, including benzyl alcohol. ( 4 )

6.

Adverse Reactions

The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling.

Hypersensitivity

Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]

Dermatological

Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]

Benzyl Alcohol

Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]

Laboratory Test

Interferences [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Use in Patients with a History of Adverse Reactions to Thiol Compounds [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] The most common adverse reactions (> 10%) when mesna injection is given with ifosfamide are nausea, vomiting, constipation, leukopenia, fatigue, fever, anorexia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, granulocytopenia, diarrhea, asthenia, abdominal pain, headache, alopecia, and somnolence. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eugia US LLC at 1-866-850-2876, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Mesna injection adverse reaction data are available from four Phase 1 studies in which single intravenous doses of 600 to 1,200 mg mesna injection without concurrent chemotherapy were administered to a total of 53 healthy volunteers and single oral doses of 600 to 2,400 mg of MESNEX tablets were administered to a total of 82 healthy volunteers. The most frequently reported side effects (observed in two or more healthy volunteers) for healthy volunteers receiving single doses of mesna injection alone were headache, injection site reactions, flushing, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, somnolence, diarrhea, anorexia, fever, pharyngitis, hyperesthesia, influenza-like symptoms, and coughing. In two Phase 1 multiple-dose studies where healthy volunteers received MESNEX tablets alone or intravenous mesna followed by repeated doses of MESNEX tablets, flatulence and rhinitis were reported. In addition, constipation was reported by healthy volunteers who had received repeated doses of intravenous mesna injection. Additional adverse reactions in healthy volunteers receiving mesna injection alone included injection site reactions, abdominal pain/colic, epigastric pain/burning, mucosal irritation, lightheadedness, back pain, arthralgia, myalgia, conjunctivitis, nasal congestion, rigors, paresthesia, photophobia, fatigue, lymphadenopathy, extremity pain, malaise, chest pain, dysuria, pleuritic pain, dry mouth, dyspnea, and hyperhidrosis. In healthy volunteers, mesna was commonly associated with a rapid (within 24 hours) decrease in lymphocyte count, which was generally reversible within one week of administration. Because mesna is used in combination with ifosfamide or ifosfamide-containing chemotherapy regimens, it is difficult to distinguish the adverse reactions which may be due to mesna from those caused by the concomitantly administered cytotoxic agents. Adverse reactions reasonably associated with mesna administered intravenously and orally in four controlled studies in which patients received ifosfamide or ifosfamide-containing regimens are presented in Table 3 .

Table

3: Adverse Reactions in ≥5% of Patients Receiving Mesna in combination with Ifosfamide-containing Regimens Mesna Regimen Intravenous-Intravenous-Intravenous 1 Intravenous-Oral-Oral 1 1 Intravenous dosing of ifosfamide and mesna followed by either intravenous or oral doses of mesna according to the applicable dosage schedule [see Dosage and Administration (2) ]. N exposed 119 (100.0%) 119 (100%) Incidence of AEs 101 (84.9%) 106 (89.1%)

Nausea

65 (54.6) 64 (53.8)

Vomiting

35 (29.4) 45 (37.8)

Constipation

28 (23.5) 21 (17.6)

Leukopenia

25 (21.0) 21 (17.6)

Fatigue

24 (20.2) 24 (20.2)

Fever

24 (20.2) 18 (15.1)

Anorexia

21 (17.6) 19 (16.0)

Thrombocytopenia

21 (17.6) 16 (13.4)

Anemia

20 (16.8) 21 (17.6)

Granulocytopenia

16 (13.4) 15 (12.6)

Asthenia

15 (12.6) 21 (17.6)

Abdominal Pain

14 (11.8) 18 (15.1)

Alopecia

12 (10.1) 13 (10.9)

Dyspnea

11 (9.2) 11 (9.2)

Chest Pain

10 (8.4) 11 (9.2)

Hypokalemia

10 (8.4) 11 (9.2)

Diarrhea

9 (7.6) 17 (14.3)

Dizziness

9 (7.6) 5 (4.2)

Headache

9 (7.6) 13 (10.9)

Pain

9 (7.6) 10 (8.4)

Sweating Increased

9 (7.6) 2 (1.7)

Back Pain

8 (6.7) 6 (5.0)

Hematuria

8 (6.7) 7 (5.9)

Injection Site Reaction

8 (6.7) 10 (8.4)

Edema

8 (6.7) 9 (7.6)

Edema Peripheral

8 (6.7) 8 (6.7)

Somnolence

8 (6.7) 12 (10.1)

Anxiety

7 (5.9) 4 (3.4)

Confusion

7 (5.9) 6 (5.0)

Face Edema

6 (5.0) 5 (4.2)

Insomnia

6 (5.0) 11 (9.2)

Coughing

5 (4.2) 10 (8.4)

Dyspepsia

4 (3.4) 6 (5.0)

Hypotension

4 (3.4) 6 (5.0)

Pallor

4 (3.4) 6 (5.0)

Dehydration

3 (2.5) 7 (5.9)

Pneumonia

2 (1.7) 8 (6.7)

Tachycardia

1 (0.8) 7 (5.9)

Flushing

1 (0.8) 6 (5.0)

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been reported in the postmarketing experience of patients receiving mesna injection in combination with ifosfamide or similar drugs, making it difficult to distinguish the adverse reactions which may be due to mesna injection from those caused by the concomitantly administered cytotoxic agents. Because these reactions are reported from a population of unknown size, precise estimates of frequency cannot be made. Cardiovascular : Hypertension Gastrointestinal : Dysgeusia Hepatobiliary : Hepatitis Nervous System : Convulsion Respiratory : Hemoptysis

5.

Warnings And Precautions

Hypersensitivity reactions: Anaphylactic reactions have been reported. Less severe hypersensitivity reactions may also occur. Monitor patients. If a reaction occurs, discontinue mesna injection and provide supportive care. ( 5.1 ) Dermatologic toxicity: Skin rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis have occurred. Skin rash, urticaria, and angioedema have also been seen. Monitor patients. If a reaction occurs, discontinue mesna injection and provide supportive care. ( 5.2 ) Benzyl alcohol toxicity: Serious and fatal adverse reactions can occur in premature neonates and low-birth weight infants treated with benzyl alcohol-preserved drugs, including mesna injection. Avoid use in premature neonates and low-birth weight infants. ( 5.3 ) Laboratory test alterations: False positive tests for urinary ketones and interference with enzymatic CPK activity tests have been seen. ( 5.4 )

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Mesna injection may cause systemic hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. These reactions may include fever, cardiovascular symptoms (hypotension, tachycardia), acute renal impairment, hypoxia, respiratory distress, urticaria, angioedema, laboratory signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation, hematological abnormalities, increased liver enzymes, nausea, vomiting, arthralgia, and myalgia. These reactions may occur with the first exposure or after several months of exposure. Monitor for signs or symptoms. Discontinue mesna injection and provide supportive care.

5.2 Dermatologic Toxicity Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms and bullous and ulcerative skin and mucosal reactions, consistent with Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis have occurred. Mesna injection may cause skin and mucosal reactions characterized by urticaria, rash, erythema, pruritus, burning sensation, angioedema, periorbital edema, flushing and stomatitis. These reactions may occur with the first exposure or after several months of exposure. Discontinue mesna injection and provide supportive care.

5.3 Benzyl Alcohol Toxicity Serious adverse reactions including fatal reactions and the “gasping syndrome” occurred in premature neonates and low-birth weight infants who received benzyl alcohol dosages of 99 to 234 mg/kg/day (blood levels of benzyl alcohol were 0.61 to 1.378 mmol/L). Symptoms associated with “gasping syndrome” and other potential adverse reactions include gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, hematological abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Premature neonates and low-birth weight infants may be more likely to develop these reactions because they may be less able to metabolize benzyl alcohol. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which toxicity may occur is not known. Mesna injection contains 10.4 mg/mL of the preservative benzyl alcohol. Avoid use of mesna injection in premature neonates and low-birth weight infants. MESNEX tablets do not contain benzyl alcohol <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ]</span> .

5.4 Laboratory Test Interferences False-Positive Urine Tests for Ketone Bodies A false positive test for urinary ketones may arise in patients treated with mesna when using nitroprusside sodium-based urine tests (including dipstick tests). The addition of glacial acetic acid can be used to differentiate between a false positive result (cherry-red color that fades) and a true positive result (red-violet color that intensifies). False-Negative Tests for Enzymatic CPK Activity Mesna may interfere with enzymatic creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) activity tests that use a thiol compound (e.g., N-acetylcysteine) for CPK reactiviation. This may result in a falsely low CPK level. False-Positive Tests for Ascorbic Acid Mesna may cause false-positive reactions in Tillman’s reagent-based urine screening tests for ascorbic acid.

5.5 Use in Patients with a History of Adverse Reactions to Thiol Compounds Mesna is a thiol compound, i.e., a sulfhydryl (SH) group-containing organic compound. Hypersensitivity reactions to mesna and to amifostine, another thiol compound, have been reported. It is not clear whether patients who experienced an adverse reaction to a thiol compound are at increased risk for a hypersensitivity reaction to mesna.

INTERACTIONS No clinical drug interaction studies have been conducted with mesna injection.