Cancidas IV Warnings
Cancidas IV Uses
Caspofungin is used to treat a variety of serious fungal infections. It is often used in patients who cannot use or do not respond to other antifungal medications (e.g., amphotericin B, itraconazole). Caspofungin belongs to a class of drugs known as echinocandins. It works by stopping the growth of fungus.
How to use Cancidas IVFollow all directions for proper mixing with the correct IV fluids. Do not shake the container. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Caspofungin should not be mixed with or given at the same time as other IV medications. Do not mix caspofungin with solutions that contain dextrose (e.g., D5W). If you have questions about the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist.
This medication is given by infusion into a vein (IV) by a health care professional. It is given slowly over 1 hour, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. The dose and length of treatment depend on your condition and response to treatment. Continue using this medication for the full time prescribed. Stopping this medication too soon may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a return of your infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
Cancidas IV Side Effects
Nausea, diarrhea, fever, red/warm skin (flushing), headache, or irritation at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Cancidas IV Precautions
Before using caspofungin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Cancidas IV Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: carbamazepine, cyclosporine, dexamethasone, certain HIV medications (efavirenz, nevirapine), phenytoin, rifampin, tacrolimus.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Cancidas IV Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES:Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g. blood cultures, liver function tests) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE:If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE:Store the unmixed/powder vials in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze.
Once mixed, the vial is good for 1 hour at room temperature or refrigerated (less than 77 degrees F or 25 degrees C). Discard any unused portion of the vial.
After this product is mixed with IV fluids, the final product may be stored for up to 24 hours at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) or for 48 hours if refrigerated between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C).
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised October 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.
