Caduet

What is Caduet

Atorvastatin is in a class of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. Atorvastatin blocks the production of cholesterol (a type of fat) in the body.

Amlodipine is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine relaxes (widens) the blood vessels (veins and arteries), making it easier for the heart to pump and reducing its workload.

Caduet is used to treat high blood pressure or angina (chest pain) that occurs together with elevated levels of cholesterol or triglycerides.

Caduet may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Caduet

Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of atorvastatin and other similar drugs. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine, or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems.

Do not take Caduet without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease.

Alcohol and atorvastatin can both be damaging to the liver. Alcohol may also further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking amlodipine. Alcohol should be used only in moderation. Discuss with your doctor the amount of alcohol that you drink so that it can be determined if Caduet is an appropriate therapy for you.

Caduet may cause dizziness, especially when rising from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Also, use caution when driving or performing hazardous activities until you know how the medication affect you.

What you should find out before taking Caduet

Do not take Caduet without first talking to your doctor if you have liver disease.

Before taking Caduet, tell your doctor if you
- drink alcoholic beverages;
- have another disease of the heart or blood vessels such as sick sinus syndrome, aortic stenosis, heart failure, low blood pressure, or coronary artery disease; or
- have any other chronic or serious medical problems.

You may not be able to take Caduet, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Caduet is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Caduet is known to cause birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy. Do not take Caduet if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether Caduet passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should take Caduet

Take Caduet exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Caduet can be taken with or without food.

Caduet is usually taken once a day. Try to take your dose at the same time each day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your doctor may want to monitor your liver function with blood tests before starting treatment with Caduet, at twelve weeks after both the start of treatment and any increase in dose, and periodically (every 6 months) thereafter. Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor can determine how much monitoring you will require.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Caduet. 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.

Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. To realize beneficial effects from Caduet, avoid fatty, high-cholesterol foods.

Do not stop taking Caduet without first talking to your doctor. It may be necessary to continue to take the medication on a long-term basis.

Store Caduet at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an overdose of Caduet are not known.

Avoid while taking Caduet

Possible side effects of Caduet

Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of atorvastatin and other similar drugs. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or flulike symptoms, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine, or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Caduet and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- unusually fast or slow heartbeats;
- chest pain;
- severe dizziness or fainting; or
- moderate or severe swelling of the legs or ankles.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Caduet and talk to your doctor if you experience
- mild swelling or fluid retention;
- dizziness or drowsiness;
- nausea;
- flushing; or
- irregular or increased heart beats.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Caduet

Do not take Caduet without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral);
- gemfibrozil (Lopid), clofibrate (Atromid-S), or fenofibrate (Tricor);
- niacin (Nicolar, Nicobid, Slo-Niacin, others);
- erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, others) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);
- cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);
- hormonal birth control (pills, patches, or implants);
- an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
- other heart or blood pressure medicines.

You may not be able to take Caduet, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Caduet. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.