The U.S. FDA approved Caspofungin Acetate for fungal infections on December 30, 2004. This belongs to the medication class known as an antifungal.

Caspofungin Acetate is used in the treatment of candidemia, esophageal candidiasis, other Candida infections, and aspergillosis, which is a fungal infection in the lungs.

Caspofungin Acetate will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in a vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.

Common side effects of Caspofungin Acetate include:

• Inflammation of the vein
• Itching at the injection site
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea & vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Joint pain
• Fever & chills
• Decreased albumin (protein)
• Low potassium levels in the blood
• Decreased haemoglobin (oxygen-carrying substance)
• Decreased white blood cells

Serious side effects of Caspofungin Acetate include:

• Hypersensitivity (allergic reactions)
• Abnormal rise in liver enzymes

• Hypersensitivity (Allergic reactions): Rare severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur. Stop using caspofungin immediately if this happens. Other allergic symptoms like rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing may also require stopping the medication. Do not use caspofungin if allergic to it or any of its ingredients.
• Liver effects: Caspofungin can cause liver issues, including rare liver failure. Monitor liver function during treatment. Dosage may need adjustment if you have a history of liver problems.
• Liver enzyme changes with cyclosporine: If used with cyclosporine, liver function should be monitored. Inform your healthcare provider if taking cyclosporine, as additional blood tests may be needed.

Avoid taking this medicine if you have uncontrolled bleeding or severely impaired liver function. Notify your doctor if you have an increased risk of bleeding and recently had injections or infusions of other anticoagulants such as heparin. This medicine is not advised to use in children under 18 years old. Before taking the medicine, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding. Notify your doctor if you have or have had a history of any disease.

Patients with liver conditions should take Caspofungin Acetate cautiously and inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not double-dose the medicine to make up for a forgotten dose. It is important to note that Caspofungin may carry a risk of serious cutaneous adverse reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

Do not breastfeed while taking Caspofungin Acetate. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information.

1. Fresenius, U.S Food and drug administration, [ Revised on Dec 2016], [ Accessed on 15th June  2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/206110lbl.pdf
2. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antifungal drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 790.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.