Caspofungin

The Basics

What is Caspofungin?

Used to treat Aspergillus and Candida infection.

Brand names for Caspofungin

Cancidas

How Caspofungin is classified

Antifungal Agents

Caspofungin During Pregnancy

Caspofungin pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Caspofungin while pregnant

Based on animal data, CANCIDAS may cause fetal harm. There are insufficient human data to establish whether there is a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes with CANCIDAS use in pregnant women. In animal studies, caspofungin caused embryofetal toxicity, including increased resorptions, increased peri-implantation loss, and incomplete ossification at multiple fetal sites when administered intravenously to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses up to 0.8 and 2 times the clinical dose, respectively (see Data). Advise patients of the potential risk to the fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Taking Caspofungin While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Caspofungin?

No information is available on the clinical use of caspofungin during breastfeeding. Caspofungin is indicated for use in infants over 3 months of age and it is poorly absorbed orally, so it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, no published experience exists with caspofungin during breastfeeding, therefore an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

No information is available on the clinical use of caspofungin during breastfeeding. Caspofungin is indicated for use in infants over 3 months of age and it is poorly absorbed orally, so it is not likely to reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, no published experience exists with caspofungin during breastfeeding, therefore an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Possible effects of Caspofungin on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Caspofungin

Fluconazole, Miconazole.