Caduet contains a combination of amlodipine and atorvastatin. Atorvastatin belongs to a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." Atorvastatin reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL).
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. Amlodipine relaxes the blood vessels, improving blood flow and making it easier for the heart to pump.
Caduet is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or chest pain (angina), and to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
Caduet is used in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.
Important information
Caduet can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant.
You should not use Caduet if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or atorvastatin (Lipitor), or if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Before taking Caduet, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder, or if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.
In rare cases, Caduet can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Caduet will not be as effective in lowering your cholesterol if you do not follow a cholesterol-lowering diet plan.
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Caduet. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Caduet.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Caduet if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or atorvastatin (Lipitor), or:
To make sure Caduet is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
Atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use. Certain other drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems, and it is very important that your doctor knows if you are using any of them:
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colchicine;
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cyclosporine;
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medicines that contain niacin (Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin, and others);
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an antibiotic - clarithromycin, erythromycin;
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antifungal medicine - itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole;
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certain cholesterol medications - gemfibrozil, fenofibric acid, fenofibrate; or
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antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS - boceprevir, darunavir, fosamprenavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, tipranavir.
Caduet can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
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 using Caduet.
How should I take Caduet?
Take Caduet exactly as prescribed by your doctor Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Caduet is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.
Do not break a Caduet tablet. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the pill.
You may need to stop using Caduet for a short time if you have:
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uncontrolled seizures;
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an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);
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severely low blood pressure;
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a severe infection or illness; or
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surgery or a medical emergency.
While using Caduet, you may need frequent blood tests. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.
Caduet 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 need to take Caduet on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol. 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 miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is less than 12 hours away. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Caduet?
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 can raise triglyceride levels and may increase your risk of liver damage. Alcohol can also further lower blood pressure and can increase some of the side effects of Caduet.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with atorvastatin and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking Caduet.
Caduet side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Caduet: 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 unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Stop using Caduet and call your doctor at once if you have:
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muscle stiffness, tremors, abnormal muscle movements;
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severe drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out;
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worsening chest pain, or chest pain spreading to the arm or jaw, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; or
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liver problems - nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common Caduet side effects may include:
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Caduet?
Many drugs can interact with amlodpine and atorvastatin. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
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sildenafil (Viagra);
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birth control pills;
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an antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
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heart medication;
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medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection; or
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any other "statin" medication - atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin.
This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with amlodipine and atorvastatin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.
