CADUET

 

                  

 

Name              Trade Name                            Generic Name

 

                        Caduet                           Amlodipine/Atorvastatin

 

Use                  Coronary artery dual therapy for treatment of hypertension and cholesterol lowering.  Combination therapy is recommended for patients on stable doses of these medications.

 

Action             Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, relaxes or dilates the arteries of the heart and other arteries of the body.  Atorvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering medication, inhibits an enzyme needed to make cholesterol in the liver and it facilitates the removal of LDL, the bad cholesterol, from the blood.

 

Possible Side Effects

 

Every drug is capable of producing side effects.  Most patients experience no, or minor, side effects. 

 

Possible side effects related to amlodipine:

·        Common: Swollen ankles, lightheadedness with position changes

·         Rare: Rash, swollen gums, headache, upset stomach

 

Possible side effects related to atorvastatin:

·         Mild and temporary: Upset stomach, rash, fatigue, cold- or flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, headaches or dizziness

·         Serious: Muscle pain or brown urine; report immediately, particularly if accompanied by fever and/or weakness

 

Guidelines for Taking This Medication

 

·         May be taken without regard to food

 

·         Take your medication at bedtime

 

·         If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose

 

·         Do not stop this medication, unless directed by your doctor or nurse

 

·        Notify your doctor or nurse immediately if you develop swelling of ankles, rash, swelling of the gums, muscle pain or brown urine

 

·         To avoid lightheadedness, rise from a sitting or lying position slowly

 

·         Avoid over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy and diet medications except upon professional recommendation

 

·         Check your blood pressure regularly at home

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow-up Tests

 

·         Blood test periodically to evaluate lipid panel with AST and ALT to assess liver function

 

 

Special Instructions

 

·         Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication

 

·         Avoid substantial use of alcohol

 

·         Have lab tests done promptly when ordered to avoid risks

 

 

You should avoid atorvastatin if any of the following apply:

 

·         Active liver disease or unexplained elevated liver enzymes

·         Females who are pregnant, nursing or likely to conceive

·         Take an erythromycin-based antibiotic, ,

·         Take an immunosuppressant, such as cyclosporine

·         Take an azole-type antifungal medication

·         Take the antidepressant Serzone

 

Ver 12.