Brand Names: Caduet

Generic Name: amlodipine and atorvastatin (Pronunciation: am LOE di peen and a TORE va sta tin)

• What is amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet)?
• What are the possible side effects of amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet)?
• What is the most important information I should know about amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet)?
• How should I take amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Caduet)?
• What happens if I overdose (Caduet)?
• What should I avoid while taking amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet)?
• What other drugs will affect amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet)?

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.

Caduet 10-10 mg

oval, blue, imprinted with Pfizer, CDT 101

Caduet 10-20 mg

oval, blue, imprinted with Pfizer, CDT 102

Caduet 10-80 mg

oval, blue, imprinted with Pfizer, CDT 108

Caduet 5-10 mg

oval, white, imprinted with Pfizer, CDT 051

Caduet 5-20 mg

oval, white, imprinted with Pfizer, CDT 052

Caduet 5-40 mg

oval, white, imprinted with Pfizer, CDT 054

Caduet 5-80 mg

oval, white, imprinted with Pfizer, CDT 058

What are the possible side effects of amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet)?

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. 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 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;
• chest pain;
• 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. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet)?

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or atorvastatin (Lipitor), or if you have liver disease.

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. 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.

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. Both alcohol and atorvastatin can be damaging to the liver. Alcohol can also further lower blood pressure and can increase some of the side effects of amlodipine and atorvastatin.

Amlodipine and atorvastatin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and 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.