Caspofungin

What is caspofungin?

Caspofungin is a type of medicine called an antifungal. It is used to prevent or treat infections caused by certain types of fungi (such as Aspergillus or Candida). Serious fungal infections may be more common in people whose immune system does not work well (immunocompromised patients).

You may hear caspofungin called by its brand name, Cancidas. Caspofungin comes as a liquid that is injected into a vein (intravenously).

Before your child receives caspofungin

Tell your child’s doctor or health-care provider if your child has:

• an allergy to caspofungin or any ingredient in this medicine

Talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist if your child has any of the following conditions. Precautions may need to be taken with this medicine if your child has:

• liver problems

How is caspofungin given?

Your child’s first dose of caspofungin will likely be given in the hospital or in clinic. A nurse will use a medication pump to give your child caspofungin intravenously.

How long does caspofungin take to work?

The time it takes for caspofungin to start working depends on why your child is receiving caspofungin. Serious fungal infections may require treatment for a longer period of time. The doctor will decide how long your child should receive caspofungin based on your child’s medical condition, lab results and response to caspofungin.

What are the possible side effects of caspofungin?

Your child may experience some of these side effects while they receive caspofungin. Check with your child’s doctor if your child continues to have any of these side effects, if they do not go away or if they bother your child:

• pain, redness or swelling at the needle site
• headache
• watery bowel movements (diarrhea)
• fever
• chills

The following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. If your child has any of these side effects, tell the nurse or doctor immediately:

• signs of an allergic reaction, including wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, itching, bad cough, blue skin colour, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• rash or hives (red raised spots on the skin)
• yellowing of the eyes and/or skin, dark urine or stomach pain (signs of liver problems)

What safety measures should you take when your child is receiving caspofungin?

There are some medicines that should not be taken together with caspofungin. In some cases the dose of caspofungin or the other medicine may need to be adjusted. It is important that you tell your doctor and pharmacist if your child takes any other medications (prescription, over the counter and herbal) including:

• cyclosporine
• rifampin
• tacrolimus

What other important information should you know about caspofungin?

• The doctor will check your child’s blood on a regular basis while they are receiving caspofungin.
• Keep a list of all medications your child is on and show the list to the doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not share your child’s medicine with others and do not give anyone else’s medicine to your child.
• Do not keep any medicines that are out of date. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to throw away outdated or leftover medicines.
  

Keep caspofungin out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much caspofungin, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.