Amlodipine Precautions
Before taking amlodipine/atorvastatin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "statins" such as lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, fluvastatin, rosuvastatin; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: active liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease, history of liver disease, kidney disease, under active thyroid (hypothyroidism), alcohol use. The rare development of severe muscle damage (see Side Effects) can infrequently lead to serious kidney problems. This medication is usually temporarily stopped if you have any condition which can increase your risk of developing kidney problems. Before stopping your medication, notify your doctor immediately if you have any of the following conditions: major surgery, trauma, serious illness (e.g., sepsis, severe metabolic/endocrine/electrolyte disorders), very low blood pressure, uncontrolled seizures. Limit alcoholic beverages. Daily use of alcohol may increase your chance for serious side effects. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially muscle damage. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is recommended that young girls and women of child-bearing age use effective birth control measures to prevent pregnancy while taking this drug since atorvastatin may cause fetal harm. Of this combination product, atorvastatin is the one known to pass into breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also the How to Use section. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious (possibly fatal) interactions may occur: certain azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), certain macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin), mibefradil, nefazodone, telithromycin. If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting amlodipine/atorvastatin. Use caution if the following drugs are combined with atorvastatin because serious side effects such as muscle injury (myopathy) infrequently could occur: fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate), high-dose niacin (1 gram or more per day). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: birth control pills, intravenous (IV) calcium, other medications for chest pain (e.g., nitroglycerin), clopidogrel, digoxin, other high blood pressure medications (e.g., beta-blockers, "water pills"/diuretics), HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir), other drugs which affect certain liver enzymes (CYP 3A4 substrates, inhibitors, and inducers such as amiodarone, cyclosporine, diltiazem, verapamil, rifampin, St. John's wort, carbamazepine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting, and a fast heartbeat.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood cholesterol levels, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. It may be best to learn how to monitor your own blood pressure. For best results, this medication should be used along with exercise, a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet, and a weight loss program if you are overweight. To help reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes, check your blood pressure regularly, seek medical treatment if your blood pressure is high, and stop smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
