Cancidas ratings & reviews

Cancidas contains caspofungin acetate in the form of a salt and is an antifungal medication in the echinocandin class. It is available as a lyophilized powder for intravenous infusion, provided in vials with either 50 mg or 70 mg dosages. Key inactive ingredients include sucrose, mannitol, glacial acetic acid, and sodium hydroxide. Cancidas is intended to inhibit the synthesis of a component necessary for the fungal cell wall, though it will not treat viral or bacterial infections.

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 3 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to caspofungin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

• Carbamazepine
• Cyclosporine
• Dexamethasone
• Efavirenz
• Nevirapine
• Phenytoin
• Rifampin
• Tacrolimus

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.