Therapeutic ClassificationsAntifungal
Pharmacologic ClassificationsGlucan Synthesis Inhibitor
QUICK LINKS
- Overview
- Proper Use
- Before Using
- Allergies
- Pediatric
- Geriatric
- Pregnancy
- Breast Feeding
- Drug Interactions
- Other Interactions
- Other Medical Problems
- Precautions
- Chemical Classifications
OverviewTOP
Caspofungin is an antifungal medicine. It is used to help the body overcome serious fungus infections, including Candida and Aspergillosis infections. It is also used to treat serious fungus infections when other medicines (e.g., amphotericin B, itraconazole) have failed.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Proper UseTOP
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins. The medicine must be injected slowly, so the needle will remain in place for about 1 hour.
Before UsingTOP
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 this medicine, the following should be considered:
AllergiesTOP
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
PediatricTOP
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of caspofungin in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children below 3 months of age.
GeriatricTOP
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of caspofungin in the elderly.
PregnancyTOP
| Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| All Trimesters | C | Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. |
Breast FeedingTOP
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug InteractionsTOP
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 receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Carbamazepine
- Dexamethasone
- Efavirenz
- Fosphenytoin
- Nevirapine
- Phenytoin
- Rifampin
Other InteractionsTOP
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical ProblemsTOP
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Liver disease, moderate to severe (e.g. hepatitis, liver failure)—Higher blood levels of caspofungin may result, increasing the chance of side effects.
PrecautionsTOP
It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child while you are taking this medicine to make sure the medicine has worked properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have any symptoms of liver problems including dark-colored urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach, or yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash; itching; hoarseness; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving this medicine.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
