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In this Article

• What is caspofungin (Cancidas)?
• What are the possible side effects of caspofungin (Cancidas)?
• What is the most important information I should know about caspofungin (Cancidas)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving caspofungin (Cancidas)?
• How is caspofungin given (Cancidas)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Cancidas)?
• What happens if I overdose (Cancidas)?
• What should I avoid while receiving caspofungin (Cancidas)?
• What other drugs will affect caspofungin (Cancidas)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving caspofungin (Cancidas)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to caspofungin.

Before receiving caspofungin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease. You may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

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 (Cancidas)?

Caspofungin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take at least 1 hour to complete.

Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving 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.

Caspofungin comes in a powder form 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 each disposable needle and syringe only one time. Throw away used needles and syringes 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.

You should 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 of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Store caspofungin powder in the refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze. You may allow the powder to reach room temperature before mixing your medicine with the diluent. Then place the vial back in the refrigerator.

After mixing caspofungin with the liquid, give the injection as soon as possible.