Cancidas (Caspofungin Acetate) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

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Cancidas

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CANCIDAS
(caspofungin acetate) for Injection, for Intravenous Use

DRUG DESCRIPTION

CANCIDAS (caspofungin acetate) is a sterile, lyophilized product for intravenous (IV) infusion that contains a semisynthetic lipopeptide (echinocandin) compound synthesized from a fermentation product of Glarea lozoyensis.

CANCIDAS (caspofungin acetate) is an echinocandin that inhibits the synthesis of β (1,3)-D-glucan, an integral component of the fungal cell wall.

CANCIDAS (caspofungin acetate) is 1-[(4R,5S)-5-[(2-aminoethyl)amino]-N2-(10,12-dimethyl-1oxotetradecyl)-4-hydroxy-L-ornithine]-5-[(3R)-3-hydroxy-L-ornithine] pneumocandin B0 diacetate (salt). CANCIDAS (caspofungin acetate) 50 mg also contains: 39 mg sucrose, 26 mg mannitol, glacial acetic acid, and sodium hydroxide. CANCIDAS (caspofungin acetate) 70 mg also contains 54 mg sucrose, 36 mg mannitol, glacial acetic acid, and sodium hydroxide. Caspofungin acetate is a hygroscopic, white to off-white powder. It is freely soluble in water and methanol, and slightly soluble in ethanol. The pH of a saturated aqueous solution of caspofungin acetate is approximately 6.6. The empirical formula is C₅₂H₈₈N₁₀O₁₅•2C₂H₄O₂ and the formula weight is 1213.42. The structural formula is:

CANCIDAS (caspofungin acetate) Structural Formula Illustration

What are the possible side effects of caspofungin (Cancidas)?

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 right away if you have any of these serious side effects:

pain, swelling, or vein irritation where the medicine is injected;
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,...

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What are the precautions when taking caspofungin acetate (Cancidas)?

Before using caspofungin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 12/2/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.