Caspofungin (Injection)

Introduction

Caspofungin (kas-poe-FUN-jin)

Treats infections caused by fungus.

Brand Name(s)

Cancidas

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have an allergy to caspofungin.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for about 1 hour.
• In most cases, this medicine is given for at least 2 weeks, but may be continued for longer. Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

• Make sure your doctor knows if you also use tacrolimus, cyclosporine, Neoral®, Prograf®, or Sandimmune®.
• Tell your doctor if you are also using efavirenz, nevirapine, rifampin, Rifadin®, Rifater®, Rimactane®, Sustiva®, or Viramune®.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you use medicines such as carbamazepine, dexamethasone, phenytoin, Decadron®, Dilantin®, or Tegretol®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease.

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.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, or muscle cramps.
• Fast or slow heartbeat.
• Fever or chills.
• Light-headedness or fainting.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Tremors, shaking, or 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:

• Headache or body aches.
• Mild skin rash.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or pain in your upper stomach.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Trouble sleeping.