Drugs & Vitamins

Cancidas Active Ingredients: Caspofungin injection Representative Names: Cancidas What is caspofungin injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with caspofungin? What side effects may I notice from receiving caspofungin? What should I watch for while taking caspofungin? Where can I keep my medicine? What is caspofungin injection? (Back to top) CASPOFUNGIN (Cancidas®) is an antifungal type of antibiotic. It treats serious fungal infections throughout the body. Generic caspofungin injection is not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •liver disease •other chronic disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to caspofungin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Caspofungin injection is for infusion into a vein. Caspofungin is usually given in a hospital for severe infections. If you are to receive caspofungin at home, your health care provider will provide you with additional information regarding how you will receive this medicine. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. Your health care professional will give this medication to you, usually once every 24 hours. What drug(s) may interact with caspofungin? (Back to top) •carbamazepine •cyclosporine •dexamethasone •efavirenz •fosphenytoin •nelfinavir •nevirapine •phenytoin •rifabutin •rifampin •rifapentine •sirolimus •tacrolimus Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving caspofungin? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon: •shortness of breath, wheezing •swelling, fluid retention •tingling or numbness in the hands or feet More common: •abdominal pain •fever or chills •muscle cramps, pain •pain at the injection site •redness, or warmth of the face •skin rash, itching •unusual tiredness or weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •diarrhea •headache •nausea or vomiting What should I watch for while taking caspofungin? (Back to top) Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few days. During your treatment your health care provider will check your liver function and other tests to monitor your progress. If you take cyclosporine (examples: Sandimmune®, Neoral®), you may need testing of your liver function more frequently. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Caspofungin is usually given in a hospital. You may be given caspofungin to take home to complete your treatment. Keep medicine out of the reach of children. Store in a refrigerator between 2—8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F) as directed by the medication provider. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date as directed by your medication provider. Last Updated:04/24/2001 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.