Drug Notes

Caspofungin (Into a vein)

Caspofungin (kas-poe-FUN-jin)

Treats fungal infections.

Brand Name(s):

Cancidas

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for about 1 hour.
• This medicine is usually given for at least 2 weeks. Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how caspofungin works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • Carbamazepine
  • Cyclosporine
  • Dexamethasone
  • Efavirenz
  • Nevirapine
  • Phenytoin
  • Rifampin
  • Tacrolimus

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps
• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Tremors, sweating
• Trouble breathing or breathing too fast
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild skin rash
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017