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Brand Names: Cancidas

Generic Name: caspofungin (Pronunciation: KAS poe FUN jin)

• 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 is caspofungin (Cancidas)?

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 other than those listed in this medication guide.

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, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects include:

• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;
• increased sweating;
• mild nausea, diarrhea;
• skin rash or itching; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about caspofungin (Cancidas)?

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.

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.

Serious side effects of caspofungin include swelling or vein irritation, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, swelling in your hands or feet, muscle cramps, pounding or uneven heart beats, stomach pain with dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these side effects.