provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Caspofungin Coupon - Caspofungin 50mg vial

caspofungin

Generic Cancidas
Used for Candidiasis, Thrush
Used for Candidiasis, Thrush

Caspofungin (Cancidas) is effective at treating fungal infections when you can't take other medications, but it has many side effects and can be expensive.

Last reviewed on March 30, 2021
basics-icon

What is Caspofungin (Cancidas)?

What is Caspofungin (Cancidas) used for?

  • Fungal infections in people with a fever and a low number of white blood cells

  • Candidemia (a fungal infection in your blood) and other infections caused by Candida

  • Candidiasis of the esophagus (thrush in the esophagus)

  • Invasive aspergillosis (a serious fungal infection affecting multiple areas of the body)

How Caspofungin (Cancidas) works

Caspofungin (Cancidas) is an antifungal medication. It works by slowing the growth of the fungus causing your infection.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCancidas
Drug ClassAntifungal
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$53.53(save 54.76%)
GoodRx discount
$24.22
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Caspofungin (Cancidas)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Fever (20%)
  • Diarrhea (14%)
  • Changes to liver blood tests (12-13%)
  • Low potassium (11%)
  • Chills (10%)
  • Headache (10%)
  • Nausea (9%)
  • Vomiting (8%)
  • Rash (8%)

Other Side Effects

  • Swelling of the arms or legs
  • Cough
  • Pneumonia
  • Redness
  • Low blood pressure

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reactions
  • Life-threatening skin reactions
  • Liver failure

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

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 or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

blue lips, fingernails, or skin

blurred vision

changes in skin color

chest pain

confusion

cough

cracked lips

decreased urine

diarrhea

difficult or troubled breathing

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

dry mouth

fever

headache

increased thirst

irregular heartbeat

irregular, fast, slow, or shallow breathing

loss of appetite

mood changes

muscle pain or cramps

nausea

nervousness

numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips

pain or redness at the injection site

pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg

pale skin

pounding in the ears

rapid weight gain

seizures

slow or fast heartbeat

sneezing

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips, tongue, or inside the mouth

sweating

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing with exertion

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain or loss

vomiting

Less common

Bloody urine

decreased frequency or amount of urine

increased blood pressure

lower back or side pain

weight gain

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Black, tarry stools

bladder pain

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

bloody nose

chest pain or discomfort

clay-colored stools

cloudy urine

constipation

dark urine

decreased appetite

depression

drowsiness

fever with or without chills

flushed, dry skin

frequent urge to urinate

fruit-like breath odor

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

incoherent speech

increased hunger

increased urination

indigestion

itching

light-colored stools

metallic taste

muscle spasms (tetany) or twitching seizures

muscle weakness

no blood pressure or pulse

noisy, rattling breathing

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

pinpoint red spots on the skin

rapid weight gain

rash

right upper abdominal or stomach pain and fullness

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

stomach pain, continuous

stomach pain or tenderness

stopping of heart

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

troubled breathing at rest

ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

unconsciousness

unexplained weight loss

unpleasant breath odor

vomiting of blood

weakness

weight loss

Some 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. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Flushing, redness of the skin

unusually warm skin

Incidence not known

Back pain

belching

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloated or feeling of fullness

bumps on the skin

difficulty in moving

dry, red, hot, or irritated skin

fear

flaking and falling off of the skin

heartburn

hives or welts

indigestion

joint or muscle pain

lack or loss of strength

muscle pain or stiffness

pressure in the stomach

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

redness of the skin

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

small red or purple spots on the skin

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

swelling of the abdominal or stomach area

trouble sleeping

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Caspofungin (Cancidas)

thumbs-up

Pros

Treats life-threatening infections

Works when other antifungals fail

Can be used if you have kidney problems

Has been used safely in children as young as 3 months old

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be given through an IV line over 1 hour

Usually only given in a hospital or by a trained home healthcare professional

Expensive without insurance

Many side effects

Hard on the liver

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Caspofungin (Cancidas)

pharmacist
  • Store your vials of caspofungin (Cancidas) in the fridge. Do not freeze the medication. The vials of caspofungin (Cancidas) are made of glass, so be careful handling them.

    • It takes 1 hour for your dose of caspofungin (Cancidas) to be given through an IV line. This helps lower the amount of discomfort you might feel where caspofungin (Cancidas) is being infused.

      • Don't drink alcohol while you're on caspofungin (Cancidas). Caspofungin (Cancidas) can cause liver damage and drinking alcohol raises your risk of this.

        • Chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common side effects from caspofungin (Cancidas). They tend to happen most right after you finish receiving your infusion but some people continue to experience these side effects several hours later. If these side effects stop you from being able to perform normal activities (grocery shopping, cleaning around the house, going to work), please speak with your healthcare provider on how to best manage them. There are medications you can take shortly before your dose of caspofungin (Cancidas) to help lessen these side effects.

          • Caspofungin (Cancidas) interacts with transplant medications like cyclosporine. This combination can lead to liver damage. Because continuing transplant medications is necessary to prevent problems, you will most likely need blood tests done to check your liver health while using caspofungin (Cancidas). It is possible you may need to stop caspofungin (Cancidas) and use something different if your liver blood tests start to show damage.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Caspofungin (Cancidas)

            Is caspofungin (Cancidas) an antibiotic?
            No. Caspofungin (Cancidas) is an antifungal medication. It treats infections caused by fungi. Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria.
            I always have nausea and vomiting right after I receive my dose of caspofungin (Cancidas). What can I do to help prevent that?
            There are several medications available that can help prevent or lessen nausea and vomiting caused by caspofungin (Cancidas). Dramamine and meclizine are two antinausea medications available over-the-counter. If these don't work well enough, you can ask your healthcare provider to prescribe something stronger like promethazine or ondansetron.
            Can I give caspofungin (Cancidas) to myself without a healthcare professional present?
            Typically, it is required for a healthcare professional to give your dose of caspofungin (Cancidas). This is done to help prevent accidental infections or other problems while the medication is infusing.
            Can caspofungin (Cancidas) be infused any faster than 1 hour?
            No, this is not recommended. People tend to have an excessive amount of infusion side effects (nausea, chills, vomiting) or pain around where the IV enters your body if caspofungin (Cancidas) is given faster than 1 hour.
            Can I take caspofungin (Cancidas) if I'm pregnant?
            Caspofungin (Cancidas) has not been studied much in pregnant women, but the current information available shows that it can cause harm to unborn babies. Use a birth control method you trust while taking caspofungin (Cancidas) to prevent pregnancy. Speak with your healthcare provider right away if you find out you are pregnant while taking caspofungin (Cancidas). Do not stop taking caspofungin (Cancidas) unless your provider tells you to do so.
            GoodRxEducationalIcon

            How to save using GoodRx

            Compare Prices
            1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
            Select your free coupon
            2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
            Show coupon to your pharmacist
            3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
            Get free couponLearn more
            warings-icon

            What are the risks and warnings for Caspofungin (Cancidas)?

            Caspofungin (Cancidas) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            ALLERGIC REACTIONS

            Severe allergic reactions to caspofungin (Cancidas) are possible, including life-threatening problems like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Call 911 if this happens and you are at home. A healthcare professional giving caspofungin (Cancidas) at home will have epinephrine with them in case of a sudden allergic reaction. If you notice hives, rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using caspofungin (Cancidas), call your healthcare provider right away.

            risk-warning

            SEVERE SKIN REACTIONS

            Very rarely, people have developed severe, potentially life-threatening skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), after starting caspofungin (Cancidas). These types of allergic rashes are painful and create blisters all over the body. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice a new or severe rash, a rash accompanied by a fever, unexplained blisters, or new sores inside your mouth.

            risk-warning

            LIVER FAILURE

            • Risk factors: History of liver problems | Current liver problems | People taking cyclosporine | Alcohol use

              Caspofungin (Cancidas) can cause severe liver damage or liver failure, which is life-threatening. Your risk of this is higher if you have or have had liver problems, if you take cyclosporine, or if you drink alcohol while using caspofungin (Cancidas). If you have any of these risk factors, you will have to have blood tests done while taking caspofungin (Cancidas) to make sure your liver stays healthy. If you experience unexplained stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, or yellowing of your skin or eyes, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Blood tests will need to be done to check your liver health.

              dosage

              Caspofungin (Cancidas) dosage forms

              The average cost for 50 vials of 50mg of Caspofungin (Cancidas) is $975.65 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
              vial
              Vial
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              50mg50 vials$975.65$19.51
              70mg1 vial$24.22$24.22

              Typical dosing for Caspofungin (Cancidas)

              Caspofungin (Cancidas) is usually given in a hospital or at home by a visiting nurse.

              • Fungal infections in people with a fever and a low number of white blood cells: Adults receive 70 mg of caspofungin (Cancidas) by IV infusion on the first day. After that, 50 mg of caspofungin (Cancidas) is given by IV infusion once a day. This dose can be raised back up to 70 mg if the 50 mg dose isn't working well enough. The dose for children between the age of 3 months and 17 years is based on their body surface area but should never be more than what the typical adult dose is. You will continue to receive caspofungin (Cancidas) by IV once a day until you have been symptom-free for at least 7 days or until your blood tests show no fungus for 14 days in a row.

              • Candidemia and other Candida infections: 70 mg of caspofungin (Cancidas) is given by IV infusion on the first day. After that, 50 mg of caspofungin (Cancidas) is given by IV infusion once a day. The dose for children between the age of 3 months and 17 years is based on their body surface area but should never be more than what the typical adult dose is. You will continue to receive caspofungin (Cancidas) by IV once a day until your blood tests show no fungus for at least 14 days in a row.

              • Thrush of the esophagus: 50 mg of caspofungin (Cancidas) is given by IV infusion once a day. The dose for children between the age of 3 months and 17 years is based on their body surface area but should never be more than what the typical adult dose is. You will continue to receive caspofungin (Cancidas) by IV once a day until you have been symptom-free for at least 7 to 14 days.

              • Invasive aspergillosis: 70 mg of caspofungin (Cancidas) is given by IV infusion on the first day. After that, 50 mg of caspofungin (Cancidas) is given by IV infusion once a day. The dose for children between the age of 3 months and 17 years is based on their body surface area but should never be more than what the typical adult dose is. The length of time you receive caspofungin (Cancidas) is different for everyone and depends on how fast your infection gets better.

              interactions

              Interactions between Caspofungin (Cancidas) and other drugs

              Caspofungin (Cancidas) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Caspofungin (Cancidas). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              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.

              drug-cost

              How much does Caspofungin (Cancidas) cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Caspofungin (Cancidas)?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Caspofungin (Cancidas). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Caspofungin (Cancidas)
              Used for:
              • Fungal infections in people with a fever and a low number of white blood cells

              • Candidemia (a fungal infection in your blood) and other infections caused by Candida

              • Candidiasis of the esophagus (thrush in the esophagus)

              • Invasive aspergillosis (a serious fungal infection affecting multiple areas of the body)

              $24.22 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              $76.70 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              • Fungal infections in people with a fever and a low number of white blood cells

              • Cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV

              • People with severe fungal infections caused by Aspergillus, Candida, or Cryptococcus who have already tried other antifungals or cannot take other antifungals

              • Black fever (visceral leishmaniasis)

              images

              Caspofungin (Cancidas) images

              white - Caspofungin Acetate 50mg Powder for Injection
              This medicine is White Vial.white - Caspofungin Acetate 50mg Powder for Injection
              white - Caspofungin Acetate 50mg Powder for Injection
              This medicine is White Vial.white - Caspofungin Acetate 50mg Powder for Injection

              Get savings updates for Caspofungin (Cancidas)

              Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Caspofungin (Cancidas) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

              By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

              Browse medications

              View All

              Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.