|
What is Caduet?
Caduet contains a combination of atorvastatin and amlodipine. 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.
Caduet is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or chest pain (angina) that occurs with high cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Caduet may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Before taking Caduet
Do not take Caduet if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or atorvastatin (Lipitor), if you have liver disease, or if you are pregnant.
Before taking Caduet, tell your doctor if you have:
liver problems;
heart disease or congestive heart failure;
a serious illness or infection; or
if you take other heart or blood pressure medications.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Caduet.
In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use Caduet 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 Caduet. It is not known whether amlodipine or atorvastatin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Caduet without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Caduet?
Take Caduet exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
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.
Take the medicine with a full glass of water.
You may take this medication 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.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
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 Caduet.
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 Caduet at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
until
Allegra side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these 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. This condition can lead to kidney failure. Call your doctor at once if you have unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine.
Stop using Caduet 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;
chest pain;
feeling light-headed, fainting; or
swelling of your hands or feet.
Less serious Caduet 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. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Byetta?
Many drugs can interact with Caduet. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:
spironolactone (Aldomet, Aldactazide);
cimetidine (Tagamet);
antacids;
digoxin (Lanoxin);
gemfibrozil (Lopid) or fenofibrate (Antara, Lipofen, Lofibra, Tricor, Triglide);
niacin (Niacor, Nicolar, Nicobid, Niospan);
erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Erythrocin);
cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);
hormonal birth control (pills, patches, or implants);
itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
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 there may be other drugs that can interact with Caduet. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
|
