12 Myths About the Blood Pressure Medication Amlodipine
Amlodipine is an effective blood pressure medication that gets a bad rap from some. We’ll explore the truth about amlodipine, including the myths about bans and recalls.
amlodipine / atorvastatin
Used for Angina, Coronary Artery Disease, High Cholesterol, Hypertension
Used for Angina, Coronary Artery Disease, High Cholesterol, Hypertension
Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) helps improve cholesterol levels and also lower blood pressure. This can help people who have heart problems and can help prevent further heart damage. It is for people who are already taking both drugs separately to help reduce the number of drugs they need to take a day.
What is Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin)?
What is Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) used for?
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Chest pain (angina) caused by heart disease (coronary artery disease)
- Heart protection (reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke)
How Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) works
Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) is a combination medication containing amlodipine and atorvastatin.
- Atorvastatin is in a drug class known as statins. Statins are cholesterol-lowering medications that help to lower "bad" cholesterol (called LDL) by blocking cholesterol production in the liver. Statins can also raise "good" cholesterol (called HDL).
- Amlodipine is in a drug class known as calcium channel blockers (CCB). It lowers blood pressure by relaxing the heart muscle and your blood vessels. Your heart gets more oxygen and doesn't have to work as hard to pump, which can also help with chest pain.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Caduet |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Calcium channel blocker (CCB) / Statin combo |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Side effects are separated by the individual medications in Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin).
Amlodipine:
- Swelling (2-11% depending on dose)
- Dizziness (1-3%)
- Flushing (1-3%)
- Increased heart rate (1-5%)
Atorvastatin:
- Common cold (8%)
- Joint pain (7%)
- Diarrhea (7%)
- Pain in arms and legs (6%)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) (6%)
Less Common Side Effects
Side effects are separated by the individual medications in Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin)
Amlodipine:
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Stomach Pain
Atorvastatin:
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Muscle pain or spasms
Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Dark brown urine, severe muscle weakness or pain, fever, tiredness (these are signs of rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition in which your body breaks down muscle tissue)
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stool, dark urine (these are signs of severe liver problems)
- Sudden chest pain that begins after starting or increasing the dose of the medication (this could be a sign of a heart attack)
The following Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
Rare
Chest pain or discomfort
dilated neck veins
extra heartbeats
irregular breathing
irregular heartbeat or pulse
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
chills
dark-colored urine
joint or muscle pain
muscle cramps, spasms, or stiffness
red, irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Blurred vision
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
feeling of warmth
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
sweating
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Body aches or pain
congestion
difficulty with moving
headache
lower back or side pain
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
painful or difficult urination
runny or stuffy nose
tender, swollen glands in the neck
voice changes
Less common
Accidental injury
acid or sour stomach
belching
bloated or full feeling
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
general feeling of discomfort or illness
indigestion
lack or loss of strength
loss of appetite
passing gas
shivering
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
trouble sleeping
vomiting
Rare
bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
burning feeling in the chest or stomach
burning while urinating
change in near or distance vision
change in taste
change in the color of the skin
cold and clammy skin
cracked, dry, scaly skin
difficulty in focusing eyes
dryness of the eyes
excessive muscle tone
hair loss or thinning of the hair
increased appetite
increased volume of pale, dilute urine
irritability
lack of feeling or emotion
loose stools
loss of memory
muscle tension, tightness, or weakness
problems with memory
restlessness
severe and throbbing headache
shakiness and unsteady walk
tenderness in the stomach area
transient, mild, or pleasant aromatic odor
trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
twitching
uncaring
unsteadiness
welts
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$562.28
GoodRx discount
$36.15
Pros and cons of Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin)
Pros
- Both medications in the combination pill are first-choice medications
- Lowers "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (fats), and raises "good" cholesterol (HDL) in people who have trouble doing this through diet and exercise alone
- Lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a history of smoking
- Can prevent heart-related chest pain (angina) if you take it regularly
- Both medications in the combo pill last longer in your body than other similar medications, which means it does not make a difference if you choose to take the medication in the morning or evening.
Cons
- Statins, such as in Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin), can cause digestive problems, blood sugar problems, muscle aches and stiffness, muscle injury, kidney damage, or liver damage. Some people need to stop taking this medication if these problems occur.
- Calcium channel blockers, like amlodipine, can cause swelling in your legs. If this happens to you, it probably won't get better over time, so talk to your provider about other blood pressure medications if this bothers you.
- Women are more likely than men to have some side effects (especially swelling) from amlodipine.
- If you have severe heart disease, using Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) might increase your risk of chest pain or heart attack during the time right after starting the medication or raising the dosage.
- Amlodipine, one of the medications in the combination pill, is not a good choice if you have heart failure or liver disease.
Pharmacist tips for Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin)
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking this medication because it can increase the amount of medication in your body, which increases your risk of side effects.
- Talk to your provider immediately about other options if you become pregnant or would like to become pregnant as Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) can cause birth defects.
- Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) can cause swelling (edema) in your feet, ankles, legs, or occasionally your hands and arms. Swelling may be worse if you have other conditions that makes it hard for your body to get rid of fluids, such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease.
- It takes about 1 week for you to see the full effects of Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) on your blood pressure and 6 to 8 weeks to see the full effect on your cholesterol levels. If you are measuring your blood pressure at home, let your proivder know if you don't see an improvement.
- Your provider will order labs for you to check your cholesterol levels approximately 6 to 8 weeks after starting Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin).
Risks and warnings for Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin)
Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
MUSCLE AND KIDNEY DAMAGE
- Risk factors: Older age | Higher dose
Some people who take Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) feel muscle pain, which may be a sign of muscle and kidney damage. This is more likely to happen if you're older or if you're taking higher doses. If you suddenly feel muscle pain or weakness (not due to exercise), stop taking Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) and talk to your provider right away.
LIVER DAMAGE
- Risk factors: Heavy alcohol use | History of chronic liver disease
Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) can cause liver damage. While this is rare, you're more likely to have it if you've had liver disease in the past or drink alcohol heavily. If you notice dark urine or yellowing of your eyes or skin while taking Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin), talk to your provider. Your provider may also want to check your liver function with a lab test.
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
- Risk factors: Heart condition in which the heart valves narrow (aortic stenosis)
You may feel dizzy from a drop in your blood pressure. It might happen when you change posture, such as going from sitting to standing. This is a common early side effect of many medications that lower blood pressure including Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin). Typically, this will go away over time as your body gets used to the lowered blood pressure. If you're sensitive to low blood pressure, change position slowly. If the dizziness is unbearable then talk with your provider. A different medication may be better for you.
HEART ATTACK
- Risk factors: History of heart problems
Worsening heart pain or increased risk of heart attack is possible when you first start taking Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin). This can also happen after you increase the dose. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any heart pain, radiating jaw pain, crushing chest pain, or a persistent racing heartbeat.
HIGH BLOOD SUGAR
- Risk factors: Diabetes
Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) can raise blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, your provider might make some adjustments to your diabetes medications.
STROKE
- Risk factors: History of hemorrhagic strokes
People taking high doses of Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) are approximately 1% more likely to have rare but very serious strokes that cause bleeding inside the brain than those who are not taking Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin). This is more likely to happen if you've had this type of stroke before. You should talk to your provider about other medications that will help lower your cholesterol.
Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 10mg/10mg of Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) is $41.11 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 70.72% off the average retail price of $140.41. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg/10mg | 90 tablets | $36.15 | $0.40 |
| 2.5mg/10mg | 30 tablets | $40.82 | $1.36 |
| 10mg/10mg | 30 tablets | $41.11 | $1.37 |
| 5mg/20mg | 90 tablets | $75.72 | $0.84 |
| 5mg/40mg | 90 tablets | $89.79 | $1.00 |
| 5mg/80mg | 30 tablets | $44.13 | $1.47 |
| 10mg/20mg | 90 tablets | $75.72 | $0.84 |
| 10mg/40mg | 30 tablets | $41.11 | $1.37 |
| 10mg/80mg | 90 tablets | $90.79 | $1.01 |
| 2.5mg/20mg | 90 tablets | $184.99 | $2.06 |
| 2.5mg/40mg | 30 tablets | $67.45 | $2.25 |
Typical dosage for Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin)
The typical starting dose is amlodipine 5 mg and atorvastatin 10 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider might adjust your dose every few weeks to find the best dose for you. The maximum dose is amlodipine 10 mg and atorvastatin 80 mg by mouth once daily.
Interactions between Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) and other drugs
Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abametapir
- Atazanavir
- Bezafibrate
- Ceritinib
- Ciprofibrate
- Clarithromycin
- Clofibrate
- Clopidogrel
- Colchicine
- Conivaptan
- Cyclosporine
- Dalfopristin
- Danazol
- Dantrolene
- Daptomycin
- Darolutamide
- Darunavir
- Digoxin
- Diltiazem
- Domperidone
- Droperidol
- Elbasvir
- Enasidenib
- Epirubicin
- Erythromycin
- Fenofibrate
- Fenofibric Acid
- Fluconazole
- Fosamprenavir
- Fosnetupitant
- Fusidic Acid
- Gemfibrozil
- Glecaprevir
- Grazoprevir
- Indinavir
- Isavuconazonium Sulfate
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Lacosamide
- Ledipasvir
- Leflunomide
- Letermovir
- Lopinavir
- Mibefradil
- Nefazodone
- Nelfinavir
- Netupitant
- Niacin
- Palbociclib
- Pibrentasvir
- Piperaquine
- Quinupristin
- Rifampin
- Ritonavir
- Saquinavir
- Simeprevir
- Simvastatin
- Tacrolimus
- Tegafur
- Telaprevir
- Telithromycin
- Teriflunomide
- Tipranavir
- Troleandomycin
- Verapamil
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Amiodarone
- Amprenavir
- Azithromycin
- Bexarotene
- Black Cohosh
- Boceprevir
- Bosentan
- Clopidogrel
- Cobicistat
- Efavirenz
- Eltrombopag
- Etravirine
- Fosphenytoin
- Fostemsavir
- Indinavir
- Interferon Beta
- Oat Bran
- Pectin
- Phenytoin
- Pioglitazone
- Quinine
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- St John's Wort
- Voriconazole
How much does Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Caduet (amlodipine / atorvastatin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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