Caspofungin

Generic name: caspofungin [ KAS-poe-FUN-jin ]
Brand name: Cancidas
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (50 mg; 70 mg)
Drug class: Echinocandins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 5, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is caspofungin?

Caspofungin is an antifungal medicine that fights infections caused by fungus.

Caspofungin is used to treat fungal infections of the stomach, lungs, esophagus, or other internal body areas.

Caspofungin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Caspofungin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Tell your doctor at once if you have:

• 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 heartbeats;

• low potassium--confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or

• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects include:

• diarrhea;

• fever, chills;

• abnormal liver function tests;

• skin rash; or

• dizziness, feeling light-headed.

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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use caspofungin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease; or

• an allergic reaction.

It is not known whether caspofungin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using caspofungin. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How is caspofungin given?

Caspofungin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use caspofungin if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Caspofungin must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Use only the liquid diluent you have been given to mix with caspofungin. Do not use liquids that contain dextrose or glucose.

Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Caspofungin must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

Caspofungin is usually given for at least 14 days. You may need to receive this medicine 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 this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.

You may be given other medications to help treat your infection. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it 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 the powder with a diluent in an IV bag or bottle, 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?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a 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 caspofungin?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect caspofungin?

Other drugs may affect caspofungin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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