What is Caduet (Amlodipine Atorvastatin)?

Atorvastatin is in a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or “statins.” Atorvastatin blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.

Amlodipine is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine relaxes the blood vessels, improving blood flow and making it easier for the heart to pump.

The combination of amlodipine and atorvastatin is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or chest pain (angina) that occurs with high cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Amlodipine and atorvastatin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Caduet (Amlodipine Atorvastatin)?

Amlodipine and atorvastatin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or atorvastatin (Lipitor), if you have liver disease, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Before taking amlodipine and atorvastatin, tell your doctor if you have liver problems, heart disease, congestive heart failure, a serious illness or infection, or if you are taking other heart or blood pressure medications.

In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

This medication is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage. Alcohol can also further lower blood pressure and can increase some of the side effects of amlodipine and atorvastatin.

Amlodipine and atorvastatin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Caduet (Amlodipine Atorvastatin)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or atorvastatin (Lipitor), if you have liver disease, or if you are pregnant.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:

• liver problems
• heart disease, congestive heart failure, or recent stroke
• a serious illness or infection; or
• if you take other heart or blood pressure medications

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use amlodipine and atorvastatin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

It is not known whether amlodipine and atorvastatin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking amlodipine and atorvastatin.

Caduet Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Caduet (Amlodipine Atorvastatin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• slow, fast, uneven, or pounding heartbeats
• feeling light-headed, fainting; or
• swelling of your hands or feet

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness
• warmth or tingly feeling
• mild stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, upset stomach
• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm
• mild itching or skin rash; or
• drowsiness

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Caduet Interactions

What other drugs affect Caduet (Amlodipine Atorvastatin)?

Many drugs can interact with amlodipine and atorvastatin. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

• spironolactone (Aldomet, Aldactazide)
• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• antacids
• gemfibrozil (Lopid) or fenofibrate (Antara, Lipofen, Lofibra, Tricor, Triglide)
• niacin (Niacor, Nicolar, Nicobid, Niaspan)
• cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid)
• hormonal birth control (pills, patches, or implants)
• an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin), or rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rifamate)
• antifungal medication such as clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or voriconazole (Vfend)
• HIV medications such as efavirenz (Sustiva), lopinavir (Kaletra), ritonavir (Norvir), or saquinavir (Invirase) especially if used together
• drugs that weaken your immune system such as cancer medicine or steroids, cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf), sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf), and others; or
• other cholesterol-lowering medicines such as lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), pravastatin (Pravachol), fluvastatin (Lescol), or atorvastatin (Lipitor)

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with amlodipine and atorvastatin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Caduet (Amlodipine Atorvastatin)?

Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. This medication will not be as effective in treating your condition if you do not follow the diet plan recommended by your doctor.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage. Alcohol can also further lower blood pressure and can increase some of the side effects of amlodipine and atorvastatin.

Amlodipine and atorvastatin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with amlodipine and atorvastatin. The interaction could lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Caduet Dosage

How should I take Caduet (Amlodipine Atorvastatin)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

This medication is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

You may take this medication with or without food. Amlodipine and atorvastatin is usually taken once a day. Try to take your dose at the same time each day. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

You may need to stop using the medication if you have an injury, serious infection or illness, seizures, metabolic disorders, or any type of surgery. Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking amlodipine and atorvastatin.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Caduet (Amlodipine Atorvastatin)?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, and warmth, redness, or tingling under your skin.

What happens if I miss a dose of Caduet (Amlodipine Atorvastatin)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com