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Caduet |
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What is Caduet and why is it prescribed? Caduet is a combination of two drugs, amlodipine (also known as Norvasc) and atorvastatin (also known as Lipitor). Caduet is for individuals that need both medications. Amlodipine is used to treat high blood pressure and angina. Amlodipine is a type of medication that dilates blood vessels and slows the heart to reduce blood pressure and the pain of angina. Atorvastatin is a drug used to lower cholesterol. Atorvastatin works by helping to clear harmful LDL cholesterol out of the blood and by limiting the body's ability to form new cholesterol. Caduet must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Caduet helps keep high blood pressure and high cholesterol under control. In order to get the full benefits of Caduet, you should follow any diet, exercise, and weight loss program prescribed by your doctor. How should you take Caduet? Follow your doctors directions for taking Caduet. Even if your symptoms get better, you should still take Caduet exactly as prescribed. Your dosage will be tailored depending on how much of each individual component is needed. Your doctor might also instruct you to take atorvastatin or amlodipine separately while you are taking Caduet. Caduet can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Make sure to store Caduet at room temperature. Are there any Caduet side effects? Caduet side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Clinical trials have shown no side effect specific to Caduet. Side effects are similar to those reported with amlodipine and atorvastatin. Amlodipine side effects may include dizziness, fatigue, flushing, fluid retention and swelling, headache, as well as palpitations (fluttery or throbbing heartbeat). Atorvastatin side effects may include abdominal pain, constipation, gas, and indigestion. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Caduet? If Caduet is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Caduet with Antacids (such as Maalox TC Suspension), Cimetidine, Colestipol (Colestid), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Erythromycin (E.E.S., Erythrocin, others), Fluconazole (Diflucan), Gemfibrozil (Lopid), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Niacin (Niaspan, Niacor, Slo-Niacin), Oral contraceptives, or Spironolactone (Aldactone). Are there any special warnings about Caduet? There is a slight chance of liver damage from the atorvastatin contained in Caduet. Your doctor may order a blood test to check your liver function before you start taking the drug, again at 12 weeks after you begin therapy or your dosage is increased, and periodically thereafter. If the tests reveal a problem, you may have to stop using Caduet. Drugs like atorvastatin, one of the ingredients in Caduet, have occasionally been known to damage muscle tissue. Tell you doctor immediately if you notice any unexplained muscle tenderness, weakness, or pain, especially if you also have a fever or feel sick. Your doctor may want to do a blood test to check for signs of muscle damage. Check with your doctor before you stop taking Caduet. You may need to reduce Caduet slowly. Your doctor will prescribe Caduet with caution if you have certain heart conditions or liver disease. Make sure your doctor is aware of all your medical problems before you start using Caduet. Although very rare, if you have severe heart disease, you might experience an increase in frequency and duration of angina attacks, or even have a heart attack, when you are starting on Caduet or when your dosage is increased. |
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