Generic Name: caspofungin (KAS poe FUN jin)
Brand Names: Cancidas
What is Cancidas (caspofungin)?
Caspofungin is an antibiotic that fights infections caused by fungus.
Caspofungin is used to treat fungal infections that involve the stomach, lungs, esophagus, or other internal body areas.
Caspofungin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Cancidas (caspofungin)?
You should not use caspofungin if you are allergic to it.
Before receiving caspofungin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, or if you have recently had a kidney, heart, or liver transplant.
Use caspofungin for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated.
You may be given other medications to treat your infection. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving Cancidas (caspofungin)?
You should not use caspofungin if you are allergic to it.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:
liver disease; or
if you have recently had a kidney, heart, or liver transplant.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether caspofungin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether caspofungin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is caspofungin given?
Caspofungin is injected into a vein through an IV. Caspofungin must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.
You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.
Caspofungin is usually given for at least 14 days. You may need to receive this medication until it has been at least 7 days after your symptoms disappear, or 14 days after lab tests show that the infection has cleared.
Use caspofungin for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated.
You may be given other medications to treat your infection. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.
Caspofungin is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.
Use only the liquid diluent that you have been given to mix with caspofungin. Liquids that contain dextrose or glucose should never be mixed with caspofungin.
Use a disposable needle only once. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Store caspofungin powder in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may take the powder out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature before mixing your medicine.
After mixing caspofungin with a diluent, you may store the mixture for up to 24 hours at room temperature, or up to 48 hours in a refrigerator.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since caspofungin is usually given by a healthcare professional, it is not likely that you will miss a dose. If you are using the injections at home and you miss a dose, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while receiving Cancidas (caspofungin)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Cancidas (caspofungin) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
pain, swelling, or vein irritation around the IV needle;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
swelling in your hands or feet;
weakness, muscle cramps, pounding or uneven heart beats; or
nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects include:
vomiting, diarrhea;
mild skin rash or itching;
headache;
dizziness, feeling light-headed; or
flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Cancidas (caspofungin)?
The following drugs can interact with caspofungin. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf);
tacrolimus (Prograf);
rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane);
efavirenz (Sustiva);
nevirapine (Viramune);
phenytoin (Dilantin);
dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol); or
carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with caspofungin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Cancidas resources
- Cancidas Side Effects (in more detail)
- Cancidas Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Cancidas Drug Interactions
- Cancidas Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Cancidas - Add your own review/rating
- Cancidas Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Cancidas Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Cancidas Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Cancidas MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Cancidas with other medications
- Aspergillosis, Invasive
- Candida Infections, Systemic
- Esophageal Candidiasis
- Febrile Neutropenia
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about caspofungin.
See also: Cancidas side effects (in more detail)
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