Caspofungin injection

What is caspofungin injection?

CASPOFUNGIN (Cancidas®) is an antifungal type of antibiotic. It treats serious fungal infections throughout the body. Generic caspofungin injection is not available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive caspofungin?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease

• other chronic disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to caspofungin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Caspofungin injection is for infusion into a vein. Caspofungin is usually given in a hospital for severe infections. If you are to receive caspofungin at home, your health care provider will provide you with additional information regarding how you will receive this medicine.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. Your health care professional will give this medication to you, usually once every 24 hours.

What drug(s) may interact with caspofungin?

• carbamazepine

• cyclosporine

• dexamethasone

• efavirenz

• fosphenytoin

• nelfinavir

• nevirapine

• phenytoin

• rifabutin

• rifampin

• rifapentine

• sirolimus

• tacrolimus

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking caspofungin?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few days. During your treatment your health care provider will check your liver function and other tests to monitor your progress. If you take cyclosporine (examples: Sandimmune®, Neoral®), you may need testing of your liver function more frequently.

What side effects may I notice from receiving caspofungin?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:

• shortness of breath, wheezing

• swelling, fluid retention

• tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

More common:

• abdominal pain

• fever or chills

• muscle cramps, pain

• pain at the injection site

• redness, or warmth of the face

• skin rash, itching

• unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• headache

• nausea or vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Caspofungin is usually given in a hospital. You may be given caspofungin to take home to complete your treatment. Keep medicine out of the reach of children.

Store in a refrigerator between 2—8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F) as directed by the medication provider. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date as directed by your medication provider.