As you can learn from the instructions, Torvakard tablets contain one of the most famous, reliable and commonly used substances in medical practice - atorvastatin. The drug belongs to the class of lipid-lowering. It is prescribed for high cholesterol fractions in the circulatory system. Consider the basic rules for using the tool and possible replacements.
Technical information
Features of the release form are described in detail in the accompanying Torvacard tablets instructions. From it you can find out that the medication is in tablet form, the drug compound is covered with a thin film of food. Normally, the shade is white or very close to this color. A separate unit has the shape of an oval, convex on both sides.
The main ingredient contained in each tablet is the atorvastatin calcium molecule. In terms of pure statin, a copy contains 10, 20 or 40 mg of the active substance. The exact dosage is mentioned not only in the documentation accompanying the drug, but also on the outside of the package. It also recorded how many tablets are contained inside.
About composition more
When developing a product, the manufacturer applied a number of additional ingredients. It is especially important for people suffering from intolerance or an allergic reaction to any substance common in the pharmaceutical industry to familiarize themselves with the complete list. The manufacturer may slightly adjust the composition in terms of additional ingredients, therefore, it is necessary to study this section in detail when purchasing each new package, if there is reason to fear the manifestation of an intolerance reaction.
Usually, Torvacard tablets contain starch and talc, cellulose and lactose, sodium and magnesium compounds as auxiliary components. The manufacturer uses carmellose, hyprolose, silicon compounds. For the production of the shell, titanium molecules, hypromellose and macrogol were used.
Pharmacology
Description of the pharmacological action of the drug makes it possible to see why these tablets help. "Torvacard" belongs to the class of lipid-lowering statins. He selectively inhibits the reductase of GMG-CoA. The mentioned enzyme is involved in the transformation of coenzyme A into a specific acidic compound preceding steroids, which include cholesterol. Its synthesis is suppressed, and this prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the walls of arteries.
The human liver is an area of localization of biochemical reactions during which cholesterol, triglycerides become part of very low-density lipoproteins. Then they penetrate into the circulatory system and move through peripheral organic tissues. Very low-density substances are converted into lipoproteins during a reaction involving specific receptors.
The use of atorvastatin helps to reduce the content of cholesterol and lipoproteins in the blood serum, since enzyme molecules are inhibited, the generation of this harmful substance by the liver cells is prevented. At the same time, the number of low-density lipoprotein receptors on cell surfaces is growing. Capture with subsequent catabolism of lipoproteins is richer and faster.
Atorvastatin: pharmacological nuances
The presence of atorvastatin in the medication allows you to highlight a number of conditions in which “Torvacard” is prescribed. How do these pills help? By lowering the concentration of cholesterol, the drug simultaneously reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and a number of other dangerous conditions. The effect of atorvastatin weakens the generation of low-density lipoproteins. Meanwhile, the activity of receptors on cell surfaces is steadily increasing and remains stable. The content of low-density structures decreases with homozygous hypercholesterolemia, if one has formed in the family type. It is noted that this pathological condition is difficult to control through other lipid-lowering pharmaceutical products.
The use of the drug helps to reduce the concentration of total cholesterol by one third, sometimes the decrease reaches 46%. Low-density structures become 40-60% less. As observations of the experimental group showed, the B-type of apolipoprotein in the circulatory system is detected in a concentration one third or even half lower than the initial one. Triglycerides in volume are reduced by 14-33%.
Torvacard tablets lead to an increase in the content of high-density cholesterol fractions. An increase in the content of A-type apolipoprotein is observed. With genetically determined hypercholesterolemia of a homozygous type, the concentration of low-density fractions decreases according to the dose used.
Suction agent
After taking Torvacard tablets, the main substance is absorbed with a high degree of effectiveness of this process. The maximum concentration in the circulatory system is recorded an hour or two after administration. In women, it exceeds the norm by a fifth. If a person abuses alcohol and this causes cirrhosis, the maximum concentration of the active ingredient in the blood serum is 16 times more than the standard.
The meal slightly reduces the absorption rate of the drug - the difference reaches a quarter. The duration of the suction process becomes 9% longer. The result of exposure to the concentration of low-density lipoproteins is the same as when taken without food. The content of the active component in the circulatory system will be lower if the patient takes the drug in the evening. The difference with the use in the morning reaches one third. A linear relationship was found between dosage and absorption level.
The main substance of the tablets “Torvakard” 20 mg (and other forms of release) inherent bioavailability of about 12%. A systemic with inhibitory activity reaches 30%. Such small indicators are due to presystemic metabolic processes in the gastric and intestinal mucous membranes and primary hepatic passage.
What is going on in the body?
The use of Torvacard tablets is accompanied by the binding of the active ingredient to whey proteins. In general, the efficiency of the process reaches 98%. The average volume of distribution of atorvastatin is 381 liters.
The processes of transformation of the active substance are localized in the liver. Reactions proceed with the participation of enzymes CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP3A7. As a result, reaction products are generated that are characterized by pharmacological activity. Under laboratory conditions, the inhibitory effect of metabolites of HMG-COA was found to be close to that shown by the initial statin itself.
The inhibitory reductase effect by approximately 70% is due precisely to the products formed during the metabolism of statin. These substances circulate for a relatively long time in the body.
Elimination
Atorvastatin contained in 40 mg, 20 mg or 10 mg Torvard tablets is eliminated by the intestinal tract with gall bladder secretions. Previously, the substance undergoes metabolic reactions in the liver or outside this organ. Statin does not have tangible recirculation in the intestines or liver. The inhibitory effect on GMG-COA reductase is fixed for 20-30 hours. Duration is due to the activity of metabolic products. Not more than 2% of the main substance received is detected in urine. Blood dialysis is ineffective for excretion of atorvastatin or its transformation products in the human body.
When will it help?
10, 20 or 40 mg tablets of Torvacard containing the active ingredient are intended for the treatment of people suffering from excess cholesterol in the body. The drug is prescribed as one of the components of a comprehensive treatment course.
It is necessary to combine a pharmaceutical product with special nutrition. The purpose of this treatment is to lower the concentration of total and low-density cholesterol, as well as B-type apolipoprotein. The medication helps lower serum triglycerides.
Another indication of treatment is to increase the relative content of high-density cholesterol fractions. For this purpose, the pharmaceutical product is prescribed to people with mixed type hyperlipidemia. And also, suffering from primary type hypercholesterolemia, familial heterozygous and not such.
You can apply the composition for diseases according to the classification of Fredrickson belonging to classes 2a, 2b. The fourth type of hyperlipidemia of the same group, accompanied by an excess of the normal content of triglycerides in blood plasma, is an indication for the appointment of Torvakard tablets in combination with dietary nutrition. It is allowed to use the agent in question for dysbetalipoproteinemia, that is, the third type of disease of this classification. With this diagnosis, atorvastatin is recommended only if dietary nutrition alone does not allow to achieve a good result.
Indications
As can be concluded from the instructions for the use of Torvacard tablets, this drug should be used for diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as in the presence of factors indicating an increased likelihood of ischemia.
Indications include:
- dependence on tobacco products;
- increased pressure in the arteries;
- age over 55 years;
- diabetes;
- diseases of the peripheral parts of the circulatory system;
- a stroke in the past;
- cardiac ischemia in close relatives.
"Torvacard" is prescribed for dyslipidemia. The medication is a secondary warning, it is prescribed to reduce the risk of death, heart attack, stroke, hospitalization due to angina pectoris. A pharmaceutical product helps reduce the likelihood of urgent revascularization.
The instructions for the use of Torvacard tablets are recommended to use them to lower the content of total and low-density cholesterol in the family form. For the treatment of homozygous hypercholesterolemia. The drug is prescribed if the diet program and other drugs do not show the desired outcome. A pharmaceutical product acts as an additional element of lipid-lowering treatment. You can use it if the patient is shown autohemotransfusion of blood from which low-density lipoprotein inclusions are removed.
How much do you need?
Before prescribing Torvacard tablets (20 mg or another dosage form) to the patient, the doctor will develop a diet program. It aims to reduce animal fats in the diet. It is advisable to start it a few days before the start of therapy. If the standard diet does not work, it is supplemented with pharmaceutical products. The entire period of taking medications must adhere to the formed nutritional restrictions.
Usually, treatment begins with 10 mg taken once a day. Next, the dose is increased until it is possible to choose the optimal one for a particular patient. The daily norm is in the range of 10-80 mg. All the volume put on the day must be consumed simultaneously. It is allowed to use the product at any time of the day. Reception does not depend on food.
To determine the appropriate dosage, the doctor takes into account the concentration of low-density cholesterol fractions, the diagnosis, therapeutic goals and the susceptibility of the body to the treatment program. Sometimes for a patient for three months one package containing 90 tablets of “Torvacard” (10 mg) is enough. There are cases when you have to buy the most saturated release (40 mg) and take two tablets once a day. The start of a treatment program and an increase in dosage should be accompanied by regular monitoring with a frequency of taking readings of a couple of weeks or a month. The doctor checks the level of lipids and adjusts the dosage. A maximum of 80 mg is allowed per day.
Diagnoses and rules
In order for a pharmaceutical product to give maximum results, it is necessary to use it correctly. If you are interested in whether it is possible to divide the “Torvacard” tablet in half, then the manufacturer does not recommend this. Do not violate the integrity of the shell, as the internal contents are destroyed under the influence of hydrochloric acid present in the gastric cavity. For this reason, the outside of the pill is not at risk. There is a medicine on sale with a minimum dosage. It is they who need to be used if a weak effect of the pharmaceutical program is needed.
In the case of primary type hypercholesterolemia and combined hyperlipidemia, most patients need 10 mg once a day. The expressed result of the program can be fixed after a couple of weeks. We see the maximum result a month after the start of the program. It persists if the patient uses the drug for a long course.
General recommendations
Since doctors, explaining whether it is possible to divide the “Torvacard” tablet in half, are advised to avoid such manipulations, you need to carefully study their recommendations regarding the therapeutic course in advance and select the drug with the right dosage in the pharmacy. We need exactly the form of release that is relevant for a particular case.
When choosing a dose, the doctor will be based on current conditions and the desired level of concentration of cholesterol fractions. In particular, with atherosclerosis, which is accompanied by other diseases, it is necessary to achieve a content of components of at least 100 units.
In the presence of dangerous conditions without atherosclerosis, the optimal level is 130 units or less.
In the absence of the mentioned illness and risk factors, the correct value is 160 units or less.
“Torvakard” is prescribed if the initial parameters are greater (respectively) for these conditions: 130, 160, 190 units.
In our country, studies were conducted of individuals who were diagnosed with a family type of hypercholesterolemia of a homozygous format. If such patients were prescribed 80 mg of atorvastatin daily, the content of low-density cholesterol fractions decreased by 18-45%. It is necessary to focus on this result, choosing the features of the therapeutic program.
We examined the use of Torvacard tablets. The instruction strongly indicates that the product should be used inside, outside of the meal.
Special occasion
It is allowed to use the drug in case of kidney failure or pathologies localized in this organ. Specific conditions, changes in the rules of admission or dose are not required for such persons. Pathologies of the kidneys do not affect the content of atorvastatin in the blood serum. No drug dependence and these health problems were detected.
No specific effect of the drug on crowded old age was found. Pills from cholesterol "Torvakard" can be prescribed to such persons according to general rules. There is no specific level of effectiveness; therapeutic goals are equally achieved. Results do not depend on age.
Will it help me? Reviews
According to reviews and instructions for the use of tablets “Torvakard” (photo of the medication is in the article), this drug is prescribed quite often. Indeed, many of our compatriots are faced with the problems of containing harmful cholesterol fractions in the circulatory system. People who used statins under the supervision of a treating doctor noted a good stable effect. The only fact that caused certain discontent was the need for a long, often lifelong, use of the drug.
Reviews about tablets “Torvakard” from people who arbitrarily started taking statins are not so positive. This category of people is much more likely to experience side effects, including severe ones. In order not to be among them, you should use the drug only under the supervision of a specialist with regular checking of lipid blood levels. This will allow you to choose an effective and safe dose and ensure the maximum result from the drug program.
Undesirable consequences
As you can learn from the reviews and instructions for use with Torvakard tablets, this medication provokes side effects. They are relatively rare, nevertheless, there is a likelihood of their formation, especially with improper use and without systematic monitoring by a specialist.
Relatively many people taking the drug reported headaches, nausea, vomiting, and stool disorder. Possible deterioration or activation of appetite, soreness and muscle cramps. There is a danger of memory loss.An allergic reaction may develop. Occasionally, patients had an increase or decrease in blood sugar, an increase in CPK activity in serum of a biological fluid. Others complain of pain in the chest, swelling of the tissues. Potential deterioration, hair loss, weight gain are possible. Some noted a general weak state and insufficient kidney function.
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The medication is not intended for the treatment of pregnant and lactating mothers. If a woman of reproductive age needs drug therapy, Torvacard is prescribed only when the patient uses reliable contraceptives. The effectiveness and safety of prescribing a pharmaceutical product to minors has not been identified, therefore, the drug is not used for this age category. Contraindication is intolerance to any component, including auxiliary ingredients present in tablets.
Conditions requiring caution
It is necessary to carefully use the product in question if the patient is addicted to alcohol. Sometimes people ask a doctor if they can take Haloperidol tablets with Torvakard tablets. In the general case, these drugs do not interact with each other, but the combined drug course always requires additional attention to the patient's condition.
It is necessary to regularly monitor the work of the human body, forced to take "Torvakard", if he suffered from liver diseases in the past, faced with a strong imbalance of minerals and fluids in the body. Patients with metabolic and endocrine disruption require increased attention.
With caution, “Torvacard” is used against a background of low blood pressure, sepsis, and an uncontrollable epileptic disease. Particularly accurate should be those undergoing a major operation, who have received major injuries or who have a diabetic disease. Risks are associated with pathologies of muscle tissue supporting the skeleton.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
As mentioned above, pregnancy, lactation are absolute contraindications for the use of Torvacard tablets. Atorvastatin is prohibited for women in this period, since cholesterol and the compounds produced from it are vital for the formation of the embryo. Inhibition of GMG-COA reductase is associated with great dangers not justified by the benefits of taking the drug. The use of lovastatin, which is close to atorvastatin in its qualities and characteristics, in the first third of the period, as is known, was accompanied by the birth of children with bone deformities, fistulas, anus atresia.
If the fact of conception is revealed during the use of Torvacard tablets, you must immediately abandon the use of a pharmaceutical product. The doctor is obliged to inform the woman about all the possible risks associated with the situation.
Is there an alternative?
As analogues of Torvakard tablets, one can consider medicines containing the same active component. In almost any domestic pharmacy you can find the inexpensive drug Atorvastatin. It is the most affordable alternative medication for the general population with a similar effect. However, before replacing the medicine, you must first consult with your doctor. An independent change in the pharmaceutical course can cause unwanted reactions.
Torvakard has a lot of analogues. As an alternative to this medication, you can consider the preparations "Atoris" and "Atomax", identical in properties and active effect on the human body. Differ "Anvistat" and "Liptonorm." Sometimes Torvakard can be replaced by Liprimar or Lipoford. To some extent, Tulip and Lipona medicines have similar parameters.