Caduet is made up of two main active ingredients; amlodipine and atorvastatin. They belong to a drug class called statins (also called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors).  You can purchase this medication as just the two main ingredients, sold as amlodipine/atorvastatin, or you can buy it as its brand name. We carry many strengths of this medication, these strengths include, 10mg/10mg, 10mg/20mg, 10mg/40mg, 10mg/80mg, 5mg/10mg, 5mg/20mg, 5mg/40mg, and 5mg/80mg. You can purchase the generic alternative in the common strength of 5mg/10mg.

Caduet is used to help treat high blood pressure (hypertension) as well as chest pain (angina), lowering the risk of heart attacks, kidney problems, strokes and other complications in the heart caused by other diseases such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. This medication works best in combination with a healthy life style.

Amlodipine and atorvastatin both have important roles that help treat hypertension (and the other conditions previously listed). Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, it helps in preventing angina and hypertension by easing the strain of the heart and widening blood vessels to allow easier blood flow. Atorvastatin reduces the amount of bad cholesterol and fats while also increasing the good ones.

Before taking this medication, ensure you understand the directions given to you by your doctor and follow them correctly. Instructions from your doctor can be found on the prescription bottle.

This tablet is to be taken by mouth, with food or without food, once a day.

Take this product either 1 hour prior or 4 hours following any medications you may already take to lower cholesterol.

Ensure you get the full benefit by not missing doses. Take the tablet at the same time everyday and use a pillbox to create a routine to avoid missing doses.

Tell your doctor about all drug allergies you have. Include all medications you are currently taking. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medications, herbal remedies and vitamins. This includes your dentist and doctors performing surgery.

Make sure to tell your doctor about conditions you have had liver or kidney disease, structural heart problems, and if you use alcohol. You may have to limit alcohol consumption while using Caduet.

Atorvastatin in Caduet can cause a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure (Rhabdomyolysis).

Avoid standing up too quickly to reduce the chance of lightheadedness.

Elderly patients may have an increased chance of side effects and may have a higher sensitivity.

Do not use this product if you are pregnant. Use birth control while using this medication as if you get pregnant, it could harm the baby. It also passes into breast milk; avoid breastfeeding.

Side effects are not always present in everyone. Others are more sensitive to side effects while they could be mild for others. If side effects ever become too much to handle, contact your doctor right away.

Side effects of Caduet may include:

muscle or joint pain;

diarrhea;

nausea, upset stomach; or

swelling in your legs or ankles.

Serious but rare side effects may include:

muscle stiffness, tremors, abnormal muscle movements;

severe drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out; or

worsening chest pain, or chest pain spreading to the arm or jaw, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling.

Signs to watch out for:

Liver problems: upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

What other drugs will affect this one?

Other drugs that affect Caduet: antibiotic or antifungal medicine; birth control pills; cholesterol-lowering medication; heart medication; or medicine to treat HIV or AIDS.

What consists of a “healthy lifestyle” in order to achieve full effectiveness of Caduet?

Here are 7 lifestyle changes you can make to help improve your condition:

• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy diet
• Reduce sodium in your diet
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
• Quit smoking
• Cut back on caffeine
• Reduce your stress

What is the age requirement to take Caduet?

Anyone who is 10 years old or older can take Caduet.

What does this medication look like?

Caduet tablets are oval and are blue or white, depending on what strength you take. They usually come in a white and blue box, but it can vary. If you order the generic version, the appearance may also vary.