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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or atorvastatin (Lipitor), if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:

• history of liver disease;
• history of kidney disease;
• heart disease;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.

In rare cases, amlodipine and atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use. Certain other drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems, and it is very important that your doctor knows if you are using any of them:

• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);
• gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), or fenofibrate (Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, Lofibra, Tricor, Triglide);
• antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin);
• antifungal medications such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal);
• HIV medications such as ritonavir (Norvir), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), saquinavir (Invirase), and others; or
• medicines that contain niacin (Advicor, Niaspan, Niacor, Simcor, Slo-Niacin, and others).

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not take amlodipine and atorvastatin if you are pregnant.Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy while you are taking amlodipine and atorvastatin.

Amlodipine and atorvastatin may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while you are taking amlodipine and atorvastatin.

How should I take amlodipine and atorvastatin (Caduet)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Amlodipine and atorvastatin is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Do not break an amlodipine and atorvastatin tablet. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the pill.

You may need to stop using amlodipine and atorvastatin for a short time if you have:

• uncontrolled seizures;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low potassium levels in your blood);
• severely low blood pressure;
• a severe infection or illness; or
• surgery or a medical emergency.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

Amlodipine and atorvastatin 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.

You may need to take amlodipine and atorvastatin on a long-term basis for the treatment of high cholesterol. 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 at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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