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Cancidas

Generic name: caspofunginKAS-poe-FUN-jin ]
Drug class: Echinocandins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 5, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Cancidas?

Cancidas is an antifungal medicine that fights infections caused by fungus.

Cancidas is used to treat fungal infections of the stomach, lungs, esophagus, or other internal body areas.

Cancidas may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cancidas side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Tell your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Cancidas if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

It is not known whether Cancidas will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using Cancidas. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How is Cancidas given?

Cancidas is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use Cancidas if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Cancidas must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. Use only the liquid diluent you have been given to mix with this medicine. Do not use liquids that contain dextrose or glucose.

Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Cancidas must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

Cancidas is usually given for at least 14 days. You may need to receive this medicine until it has been at least 7 days after your symptoms disappear, or 14 days after lab tests show that the infection has cleared.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.

You may be given other medications to help treat your infection. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Store Cancidas powder in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. You may take the powder out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature before mixing your medicine.

After mixing the powder with a diluent in an IV bag or bottle, you may store the mixture for up to 24 hours at room temperature, or up to 48 hours in a refrigerator.

ciprofloxacin, fluconazole, Augmentin, vancomycin, Diflucan, gentamicin, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, amphotericin b

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving Cancidas?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect Cancidas?

Other drugs may affect Cancidas, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Does Cancidas interact with my other drugs?

Enter other medications to view a detailed interaction report.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.