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Overview: Caspofungin is an intravenous (IV) medicine used to treat certain fungal infections. Common side effects include diarrhea and fever. Serious side effects are less likely, but may include severe skin reactions and liver damage. Tell your health care provider right away if you get a rash or feel unusually weak or tired while using caspofungin. 

Uses

What is caspofungin used for?

Caspofungin is an antifungal medicine commonly used to treat certain fungal infections, including the following. 

Caspofungin may not be the right drug for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Fungi in some locations may have developed resistance to caspofungin, which will make it not work as well.

Caspofungin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does caspofungin work (mechanism of action)?

Caspofungin is an antifungal medicine that kills certain types of fungi by disrupting their cell structure.

How is caspofungin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cancidas

Dosage forms and strengths

Caspofungin is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store caspofungin?

Caspofungin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store caspofungin at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of caspofungin?

The most common side effects of caspofungin are listed below. Side effects may vary based on the age of the person using the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea
  • Fever or chills
  • Rash
  • Increased liver function tests
  • Low potassium levels
  • Low blood pressure

There may be other side effects of caspofungin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of caspofungin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of caspofungin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Caspofungin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using caspofungin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Skin Reactions. Caspofungin can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, stop caspofungin and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using caspofungin. Keep all appointments, including for lab work, while you are using caspofungin. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)

Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use caspofungin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use caspofungin.

  • Caspofungin
  • Cancidas
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific caspofungin products they stock.

What should I know about caspofungin before using it?

Caspofungin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using caspofungin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if caspofungin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Caspofungin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using caspofungin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Caspofungin may harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if caspofungin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use caspofungin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does caspofungin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between caspofungin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect caspofungin, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infections.

Does caspofungin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using caspofungin.

  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune system
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Efavirenz or nevirapine, which are medicines for HIV
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • Dexamethasone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of caspofungin. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with caspofungin. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much caspofungin?

If you or someone else has used too much caspofungin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of caspofungin?

Caspofungin is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving caspofungin as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your caspofungin dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.