Indications 

Caduet is a prescribed medication for managing hypertension and angina, as well as reducing the likelihood of stroke, heart attack, and other heart-related complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors. 

Caduet contains two active ingredients: amlodipine and atorvastatin. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that improves blood flow and eases heart function. On the other hand, atorvastatin is a “statin” drug that decreases the concentration of harmful cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the bloodstream while boosting the amount of beneficial cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Caduet and with each prescription refill, thoroughly review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor or pharmacist for any questions or concerns. 

A low-fat diet should be initiated by the doctor before prescribing Caduet, which should be maintained during treatment. Dosage of this medication may vary per individual based on their medical condition, treatment response, age, and concurrent medications. 

Typically, Caduet is taken once a day as prescribed by the doctor without regard to food intake. Tablets must be swallowed whole; do not break them. If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, consult with your doctor. 

For maximum efficacy, take this medication regularly around the same time(s) daily. Refrain from altering the prescribed dose or stop intake without consulting your doctor. 

Keep taking Caduet regardless of well-being, as individuals with high blood pressure or elevated levels of cholesterol/triglycerides typically do not experience symptoms of illness. 

Notify your physician if your condition fails to improve or deteriorates, such as if your blood pressure remains elevated or increases or if you experience more frequent chest pain. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the side effects associated with the use of Caduet. If any of them persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. 

Common Side Effects 

• Muscle or joint pain 
• Diarrhea 
• Nausea 
• Upset stomach 
• Swelling in the legs or ankles 

Serious Side Effects 

• Abnormal muscle movements, tremors, and muscle stiffness 
• Muscle weakness in the hips, shoulders, neck, and back 
• Difficulty lifting arms, climbing, or standing 
• Severe drowsiness or feeling like you might faint 
• Chest pain worsening or spreading to the jaw or arm, accompanied by nausea, sweating, or general malaise 
• Signs of liver problems: 
  • Stomach pain 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Fatigue 
  • Dark urine 
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the above-mentioned severe symptoms. 

Caduet can rarely cause skeletal muscle breakdown, leading to kidney failure. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, along with fever, unusual tiredness, or dark urine,  

Allergic Reactions 

In rare cases, Caduet may cause a severe allergic reaction. Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms of a severe allergic reaction: 

• Hives 
• Breathing difficulties 
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat 

This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Caduet. If you experience any other effects not listed above, inform your doctor promptly. 

Cautions 

Before taking Caduet, inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any known hypersensitivities, especially to amlodipine, atorvastatin, other medicines, or any ingredients present in Caduet tablets. 

To ensure Caduet is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically regarding any history of: 

• Liver disease 
• Kidney disease 
• Alcohol use 
• Structural heart problems such as aortic/mitral stenosis 

Caduet may interact with other medications, including daptomycin and gemfibrozil. To reduce the risk of such drug interactions, inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal products. 

Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are using cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen, as they may contain ingredients that can increase blood pressure. Seek advice on how to use them safely. 

Other medications can interfere with the elimination of Caduet from the body, which can impact its effectiveness. These medicines include: 

• Cyclosporine 
• Glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir 
• Telaprevir 
• Telithromycin 
• Ritonavir  
• Others 

When taking bile acid-binding resins like cholestyramine or colestipol, Caduet should be taken either one hour before or four hours after these medications to prevent any interaction that may hinder the complete absorption of Caduet. 

Avoid taking any red yeast rice products while on Caduet since some may contain lovastatin, a statin. Combining Caduet and red yeast rice products can heighten the risk of liver and muscle problems. 

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided while taking Caduet unless directed otherwise by a doctor, as it can increase the medication’s concentration in the bloodstream.  

To optimize the cholesterol-lowering effect of Caduet, avoid consuming foods high in fat or cholesterol and follow your cholesterol-lowering diet plan. 

Caduet is not intended for the immediate treatment of chest pain. Regular consumption is necessary to provide chest pain relief. For immediate chest pain treatment, other medications, such as nitroglycerin should be used as instructed by a physician. 

Caduet is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the potential risk of harm to the unborn fetus or causing congenital disabilities. Discontinue this medication immediately and inform your physician if you become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding while taking Caduet is not recommended due to potential risks to the infant.