Caduet

What is Caduet?

Caduet is a combination of amlodipine and atorvastatin. Atorvastatin belongs to a class of drugs known as HMG coa reducetase inhibiters, or "statins." Atorvastatin lowers the levels of "bad cholesterol" (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), triglycerides, and cholesterol in the blood. It increases levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). Amlodipine works as a calcium channel-blocking agent. Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow, making it easier for your heart to pump. Caduet can be used to treat high pressure (hypertension), chest pain (angina), and reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other complications for people with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart diseases, or other risk factors. Caduet can be used by adults and children over 10 years of age.

Warnings

If you have liver problems, you should avoid caduet. Amlodipine or atorvastatin may harm an unborn child or cause birth defects. You should not take this medication if you're pregnant.Do not breastfeed while taking Caduet. Tell your doctor before taking Caduet if you've ever had liver, kidney, heart, diabetes, or thyroid disorders, or if you consume more than two alcoholic drinks daily. Caduet may cause kidney failure in rare cases. This condition is more common in older adults, people with kidney disease, and those who are hypothyroid (underactive thyroid) or have poorly controlled hypothyroidism.Avoid foods high in cholesterol or fat. Caduet won't be as effective at lowering cholesterol if you don't follow a diet that lowers cholesterol. Caduet can have unwanted or harmful effects. Inform your doctor of all medications you take, including those you stop taking or start using.

Before you take this drug

Caduet should not be used if you have an allergy to amlodipine or atorvastatin.

• You have liver disease.
• You are pregnant or nursing.

Caduets can cause harm to an unborn child. Use effective contraceptive methods while taking this medication in order to avoid pregnancy and its possible risks. Stop taking the medicine immediately if you become pregnant and inform your doctor.

Do not breastfeed your baby while taking Caduet.

Make an appointment to speak to your physician regarding any of the following issues:

• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Diabetes;
• A thyroid disorder,
• If you consume more than two alcoholic drinks daily, then that could pose serious health concerns.

Atorvastatin may cause muscle breakdown, leading to renal failure. It is more common in women, older adults, or those with kidney disease, hypothyroidism, or poorly controlled hyperthyroidism.When used in conjunction with Caduet, certain other drugs may increase the risk of serious muscular problems. If you take one or more of these drugs, your physician may need to alter your treatment plan accordingly.

• Colchicine;
• Cyclosporine;
• Medicines that contain niacin
• An antibacterial: clarithromycin and erythromycin.
• Antifungal medicine: itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole;
• Certain cholesterol medications gemfibrozil Fenofibric Acid Fenofibrate
• Antiviral medication to treat hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS: boceprevir (saquinavir), darunavir (fosamprenavir), lopinavir (nelfinavir), ritonavir (ritonavir), saquinavir (saquinavir), telaprevir, or tipranavir.

How to take Caduet?

Adhere to all instructions found on your prescription label and read any medication guides or instruction sheets provided with your medicine. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Take this medication at the same time every day, whether you eat or not. Caduet tablets should not be broken.If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, speak up. Telling a physician may help provide solutions and can save lives.

If you:

• Uncontrolled seizures;
• An electrolyte imbalance can occur when you have high or low potassium in your blood.
• Low blood pressure.
• A severe infection or illness
• Surgery or an emergency medical situation.

Medical tests will be required frequently. Caduet may be needed on a regular basis. Even if you are feeling fine, continue to take this medication. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are often symptomless.Caduet only forms part of an overall treatment programme that includes exercise, diet, and weight management. You should closely monitor your diet, medications, and exercise regimens.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.

Details on dosage

Adult dosage of Caduet:

Initial dose: amlodipine (5 mg) and atorvastatin (10 to 20 mg), orally, once daily.
Maximum dose: amlodipine (10 mg) and atorvastatin (80 mg) orally, once per day.
Comments:
Amlodipine 2.5mg orally, once daily, can be given to small adults, the elderly, or fragile patients.
Amlodipine is required by most patients with coronary artery diseases. It should be taken orally, once a day.
Patients who need to reduce LDL by more than 45% can start taking atorvastatin oral 40 mg once daily.
Amlodipine may be adjusted after 1 to 2 weeks, and atorvastatin after 2 to 4 weeks.
Atorvastatin was not studied in cases where the main lipoprotein abnormality was an elevation of chylomicrons.

Adult dosage of Caduet:

Initial dose: amlodipine (5 mg) and atorvastatin (10 to 20 mg), orally, once daily.
Maximum dose: amlodipine (10 mg) and atorvastatin (80 mg) orally, once per day.
Comments:
Amlodipine 2.5mg orally, once daily, can be given to small adults, the elderly, or fragile patients.
Amlodipine is required by most patients with coronary artery diseases. It should be taken orally, once a day.
Patients who need to reduce LDL by more than 45% can start taking atorvastatin oral 40 mg once daily.
Amlodipine may be adjusted after 1 to 2 weeks, and atorvastatin after 2 to 4 weeks.
Atorvastatin was not studied in cases where the main lipoprotein abnormality was an elevation of chylomicrons.

Adult dosage of Caduet:

Initial dose: amlodipine (5 mg) and atorvastatin (10 to 20 mg), orally, once daily.
Maximum dose: amlodipine (10 mg) and atorvastatin (80 mg) orally, once per day.
Comments:
Amlodipine 2.5mg orally, once daily, can be given to small adults, the elderly, or fragile patients.
Amlodipine is required by most patients with coronary artery diseases. It should be taken orally, once a day.
Patients who need to reduce LDL by more than 45% can start taking atorvastatin oral 40 mg once daily.
Amlodipine may be adjusted after 1 to 2 weeks, and atorvastatin after 2 to 4 weeks.
Atorvastatin was not studied in cases where the main lipoprotein abnormality was an elevation of chylomicrons.

Adult dose for coronary artery disease:

Initial dose: amlodipine (5 mg) and atorvastatin (10 to 20 mg), orally, once daily.
Maximum dose: amlodipine (10 mg) and atorvastatin (80 mg) orally, once per day.
Comments:
Amlodipine 2.5mg orally, once daily, can be given to small adults, the elderly, or fragile patients.
Amlodipine is required by most patients with coronary artery diseases. It should be taken orally, once a day.
Patients who need to reduce LDL by more than 45% can start taking atorvastatin oral 40 mg once daily.
Amlodipine may be adjusted after 1 to 2 weeks, and atorvastatin after 2 to 4 weeks.
Atorvastatin was not studied in cases where the main lipoprotein abnormality was an elevation of chylomicrons.

Adult dose for prevention of cardiovascular disease:

Initial dose: amlodipine (5 mg) and atorvastatin (10 to 20 mg), orally, once daily.
Maximum dose: amlodipine (10 mg) and atorvastatin (80 mg) orally, once per day.
Comments:
Amlodipine 2.5mg orally, once daily, can be given to small adults, the elderly, or fragile patients.
Amlodipine is required by most patients with coronary artery diseases. It should be taken orally, once a day.
Patients who need to reduce LDL by more than 45% can start taking atorvastatin oral 40 mg once daily.
Amlodipine may be adjusted after 1 to 2 weeks, and atorvastatin after 2 to 4 weeks.
Atorvastatin was not studied in cases where the main lipoprotein abnormality was an elevation of chylomicrons.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If you forget a dose, take it immediately. If there's been any delay between taking an unscheduled pill and your scheduled dosing time, do so as soon as you remember it.Skip the missed dose when your next dose is less than 12 hours away. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect being poisoned and/or need urgent medical help.

What should be avoided?

Do not stop taking nitroglycerin if you are also taking Caduet.Caduet is less effective if you avoid foods that are high in cholesterol or fat.Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase triglyceride and liver damage risks. Caduet can have some side effects that are exacerbated by alcohol.Grapefruit can interact with this medication and cause unwanted side effects. Grapefruit products should be avoided.

Side effects of Caduet

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, please seek emergency medical attention.In rare instances, atorvastatin may cause a condition resulting in the breakdown of skeletal muscles, which can lead to kidney failure. If you experience unexplained weakness, muscle tenderness, or pain, call your doctor immediately, especially if there is a fever, unusual fatigue, or dark urine.

If you experience:

• Muscle stiffness, tremors, and abnormal muscle movements
• You may experience muscle weakness in the hips, shoulders, and neck.
• Having difficulty standing or climbing or lifting your arms;
• Severe sleepiness that seems imminent; feeling as if one might pass out;
• Nausea; sweating; general feeling of ill health
• Liver disorders: upper stomach pains, fatigue, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes)

Caduets can cause a variety of side effects.

• Muscle or joint pain
• Diarrhoea;
• Nausea, upset stomach,
• Swelling in the legs or ankles.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching out to the FDA with any adverse events is easy at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Other drugs may increase your risk of serious muscle problems. Notify your doctor of all medications you use, even those you take only occasionally. Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:

• Antibiotic or antifungal medicines;
• Birth-control pills
• Cholesterol-lowering medication;
• Antiviral medicines to treat Hepatitis C or HIV/AIDS
• Heart medication
• Medicine to prevent rejection of organ transplants

This list is incomplete. Amlodipine, atorvastatin, and other drugs can interact, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products. This list does not encompass all possible interactions among drugs.