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INDICATIONS
Amlodipine and atorvastatin(Caduet) is used to treat patients who require treatment for both high blood pressure or chest pain and high cholesterol. This medicine contains 2 medicines, amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure or chest pain (angina) and atorvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (also known as a "statin") used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. Reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels may help prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
DIRECTIONS
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at the same time you take this medicine. Store this medicine at room temperature at 77 degrees f (25 degrees c) in a tightly-closed container away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees f (15 and 30 degrees c) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. It is important to continue taking this medicine even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure or high cholesterol do not feel sick. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness, headache, nausea, stomach upset or pain, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and flushing. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience swelling of your feet or legs; unexplained weight gain; tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; a fast or irregular heartbeat; worsening chest pain (attacks are more frequent, more severe, or last longer); yellowing of eyes or skin; dark urine; a change in the amount of your urine; or pale stools. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience joint pain; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if they occur with fever or unusual tiredness; sharp or crushing chest pain; sudden shortness of breath; sudden leg pain; sudden severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting; changes in vision; numbness of an arm or leg; or severe stomach pain. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to it or have had an allergic reaction to any ingredient in this product. It may take several weeks for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function, kidney function, blood pressure, blood cholesterol and other blood tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Daily use of alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects. Limit intake of alcohol while taking this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand slowly. If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you are taking this medicine for angina, it will not relieve the pain of a sudden attack if taken at the time of the attack. It prevents or reduces the number of angina attacks only if you take it on a regular schedule. This medicine may infrequently cause muscle damage. Untreated, this can lead to a very serious condition known as rhabdomyolysis and kidney damage. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if they occur with fever or unusual tiredness. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes cough-and-cold products or diet aids because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. While you are using this medicine, brush and floss your teeth carefully to reduce swelling and tenderness of your gums. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. For women: do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is recommended that women of child-bearing age use effective birth control measures while taking this medicine, since it may cause fetal harm. One of the medicines in this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, fainting, and a fast heartbeat.
INFORMATION
For best results, this medicine should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. Follow the dietary plan provided by your doctor. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medicine. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure. Consult with your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If you will be using this medicine for an extended period of time, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.
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