Caspofungin (Systemic)

Caspofungin (Systemic)

US Brand Names

• Cancidas

Description

Caspofungin (kas-poe-FUN-jin) is an antifungal. It is used to help the body overcome serious fungus infections.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Parenteral

• Injection (U.S.)

Special Considerations

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For caspofungin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to caspofungin. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy

Caspofungin has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that caspofungin causes birth defects or other problems. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding

It is not known whether caspofungin passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children

Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of caspofungin in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of caspofungin in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking caspofungin, it is especially important that your health care professional knows if you are taking any of the following:

• Cyclosporine (e.g., Sandimmune, Neoral)- Use of caspofungin with this medicine may increase the chance of liver problems

• Tacrolimus (e.g., Prograf)-Use of caspofungin may decrease the effects of tacrolimus by decreasing the amount of this medicine in the body; it may be necessary for your doctor to change your dose of tacrolimus

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of caspofungin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Liver disease, moderate to severe-Higher blood levels of caspofungin may result, increasing the chance of side effects

Administration

Dosing

The dose of caspofungin will be different for different patients. The following information includes only the average doses of caspofungin.

• For injection dosage form:

o Adults: At first, the dose is 70 milligrams (mg) injected into a vein. After that, the dose is 50 mg a day injected into a vein.

o Children: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Pain or redness at site of injection.

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

Less common

Fever; flushing or redness of skin; nausea; vomiting.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

March 19, 2001