Caspofungin is an antifungal medication used to treat a wide variety of fungal infections. According to Drugs.com, it breaks the cell walls of the fungus, subsequently destroying it. Typically, caspofungin is an injection provided at your doctor's office or clinic. In some instances, you can inject caspofungin yourself after instruction.
Prevalent Side Effects
Casofungin can frequently cause nausea, vomiting, chills and diarrhea. It can also cause a fever, headache, stomach discomfort and cough, according to Drugs.com. These symptoms are rather minor but can become concerning if they continue. Call your doctor when these side effects become distressing.
Rare Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, caspofungin's less-prevalent side effects are weight gain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) and hypertension (increased blood pressure). It can also cause decreased urination, bloody urine and lower back pain.
Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com warns that caspofungin can cause extreme fatigue, tachycardia (fast heartbeat), bradycardia (slower heartbeat) and an irregular heartbeat. It also causes abnormal bleeding or bruising, trouble breathing and swelling. Caspofungin can affect your mental state and cause depression, confusion and anxiety. Other serious side effects include dizziness and fainting. These are all potentially lethal side effects that warrant rapid attention. Go to your emergency room if you develop these side effects.
Other Physical Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, caspofungin can also cause anemia (low red blood cells), sepsis (blood infection), hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) and urinary tract infections. It can also cause bloody urine, kidney failure, epistaxis (nosebleeds) and flushing.
Contraindications
Avoid caspofungin if you are allergic to it. Harmful side effects, such as problems breathing, hives and puffiness of your face, throat and tongue, can result.
Use caution when you combine caspofungin with cyclosporine. In a clinical study of patients receiving 70mg of caspofungin for 10 days, the National Library of Medicine states that 75 percent of patients developed increased liver enzymes (natural chemicals made in the liver that help indicate liver damage).
Tell your doctor whether you are breastfeeding or pregnant or if you are anticipating becoming pregnant. It is unclear whether caspofungin can pass to your baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but it is important to be cautious.
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