What is the most important information I should know about amlodipine and atorvastatin?
You should not use this medicine if you have liver disease.
Do not use if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant.
What is amlodipine and atorvastatin?
Amlodipine and atorvastatin is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), chest pain (angina), and coronary artery disease (clogged arteries).
Amlodipine and atorvastatin is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
This medicine can help lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
Amlodipine and atorvastatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amlodipine and atorvastatin?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or atorvastatin (Lipitor), or if:
- you have liver disease; or
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use if you are pregnant. This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while you are taking this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- kidney disease;
- heart disease;
- muscle pain or weakness;
- diabetes;
- a thyroid disorder; or
- if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily.
Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
How should I take amlodipine and atorvastatin?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take this medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.
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.
You will need frequent medical tests.
You may need to take amlodipine and atorvastatin on a long-term basis. Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure or high cholesterol often have no symptoms.
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.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking amlodipine and atorvastatin?
If you also take nitroglycerin for chest pain, do not stop taking it while taking amlodipine and atorvastatin.
Avoid eating foods high in fat or cholesterol, or this medicine will not be as effective.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can raise triglyceride levels and increase your risk of liver damage. Alcohol can also increase some of the side effects of amlodipine and atorvastatin.
Grapefruit may interact with this medicine and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
What are the possible side effects of amlodipine and atorvastatin?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, atorvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- muscle stiffness, tremors, abnormal muscle movements;
- muscle weakness in your hips, shoulders, neck, and back;
- trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing;
- severe drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out;
- worsening chest pain, or chest pain spreading to the arm or jaw, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; or
- liver problems --upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects may include:
- muscle or joint pain;
- diarrhea;
- nausea, upset stomach; or
- swelling in your legs or ankles.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect amlodipine and atorvastatin?
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. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
- birth control pills;
- cholesterol-lowering medication;
- antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis C, or HIV/AIDS;
- heart medication; or
- medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect amlodipine and atorvastatin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about amlodipine and atorvastatin.
