HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
These highlights do not include all the information needed to use cancidas safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for cancidas.
cancidas (caspofungin acetate)  injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution for intravenous use
Initial U.S. Approval: 2001
 
RECENT MAJOR CHANGES
Indications and Usage ( 1)                                                               07/2008
Dosage and Administration,

     Recommended Dosing in Pediatric Patients
       (>3 months of age) ( 2.3)                                                            07/2008
     Preparation of CANCIDAS for Infusion ( 2.6)                          07/2008

     Special Considerations for Pediatric Patients
       >3 Months of Age ( 2.6)                                                             07/2008

INDICATIONS AND USAGE
CANCIDAS® is an echinocandin antifungal drug that is indicated in adults and pediatric patients (3 months and older) for:

Empirical therapy for presumed fungal infections in febrile, neutropenic patients. ( 1.1)
Treatment of Candidemia and the following Candida infections: intra-abdominal abscesses, peritonitis and pleural space infections. ( 1.2)
Treatment of Esophageal Candidiasis. ( 1.3)
Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis in patients who are refractory to or intolerant of other therapies (i.e., amphotericin B, lipid formulations of amphotericin B, and/or itraconazole). ( 1.4)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
For All Patients ( 2.1):

Administer by slow intravenous infusion (IV) over approximately 1 hour. Not for IV bolus administration.
Do not mix or co-infuse CANCIDAS with other medications. Do not use diluents containing dextrose (α-D-glucose).
Adults [≥18 years of age] ( 2.2):

Administer a single 70-mg loading dose on Day 1, followed by 50 mg daily for all indications except esophageal candidiasis. 
For esophageal candidiasis, use 50 mg daily with no loading dose.
Pediatric Patients [3 months to 17 years of