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Cancidas

Drug class: echinocandins.
Generic name: caspofungin.

What is Cancidas?

Cancidas is an antifungal medication that combats infections caused by fungus. Cancidas treats fungal infections in the stomach, lungs, or esophagus. Cancidas can also be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Cancidas

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to your skin (fever or sore throat, pain in the eyes, or skin irritation), or if your skin has rashes that are red or purple and cause blistering or peeling, seek emergency medical attention.

If you:

  • Pain, swelling, or vein irritation around an IV needle
  • Flu symptoms include fever, chills, and body aches.
  • You may experience swelling in your hands or feet.
  • Weakness, muscle cramps, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
  • Low potassium--resulting in confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst and increased urine output; leg discomfort; muscle weakness or limpness can occur as symptoms;
  • Liver problems: nausea; itching; tiredness; lack of appetite; dark urine; and clay-coloured stools. Jaundice.

Side effects that are common include:

  • Diarrhea;
  • Fever, chills;
  • Abnormal liver function tests
  • Skin rash
  • Dizziness, feeling light-headed.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Warnings

Please read all instructions included on your medication package or label before beginning taking it.Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.

Before you take this drug

Cancidas should not be used if you have an allergy to it.

Share with your doctor information related to any of the following:

  • Liver disease
  • An allergic reaction is a serious condition.

Cancidas is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor that you are expecting. Cancidas may cause problems if breast-feeding is being done. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.

How to take Cancidas?

Cancidas can be given by infusion directly into the vein. Your healthcare provider may give you your initial dose and teach you how to take the medication appropriately.

Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. Cancidas should not be used if you do not understand the instructions. Should you have any concerns or inquiries, don't hesitate to consult either your pharmacist or doctor.

Before using cancidas, they must be mixed in a liquid. Only use the liquid you were given to mix this medicine with. Use only liquids that do not contain dextrose or glucose.

Only prepare your injection when you're ready to administer it. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed colour, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist.

Cancidas should be administered slowly, and IV infusions can take up to an hour. Cancidas should be taken for at least fourteen days. This medicine may be needed for at least seven days after symptoms have disappeared or until lab tests confirm that the infection is cleared.

Even if you feel better quickly, continue to take this medication for the entire prescribed time. You can get resistant to infections if you skip doses.

Other medications may be prescribed to treat your infection. Continue to use these medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.

Store Cancidas powder in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not freeze. You can store the mix for up to 48 hours in the refrigerator or up to 24 hours at room temperature after mixing the powder and diluent.

What happens if I miss the dose?

In case of missed dose, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to receive instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.

Interaction with other drug

Cancidas may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your physician of any and all medications you are currently taking as well as those you plan to start or stop taking in order to make an accurate assessment.