The common between these two drugs is the active substance – atorvastatin. On the pharmacological market, there is often confusion when the name of the active substance is used as the trade name of the drug. The same situation occurred with atorvastatin.
Atorvastatin belongs to the third generation of statins. It has a selective effect on GMK-CoA reductase (the enzyme responsible for cholesterol metabolism).
The substance itself has a pronounced hypolipidemic effect (reduces the number of low density lipoproteins (LDL), which are responsible for the formation of atherosclerotic plaques), which is extremely beneficial for heart function, the state of cerebral vessels, and also significantly reduces the risk of vascular accidents (stroke, myocardial infarction ) Due to this action, statins are necessarily included in the treatment of coronary heart disease.
In addition to affecting the lipid spectrum, atorvastatin has a positive effect on heart rate. It is excreted through the intestines, practically does not affect the kidneys.
Limited use in people with liver disease. May cause an increase in hepatic transaminases (ALT / AST), therefore, periodic monitoring of liver function is required.
It has features of pharmacodynamic interactions with various drugs, therefore, the rules of the instructions must be strictly observed.
Among the complications, liver damage, myopathy, short-term thinking disorders, allergic reactions are described. But these conditions are very rare.
With the invention of anti-lipid drugs in 1967, a real sensation happened in the medical cardiology community. Finally, a drug appeared that was able to block excessive deposits of cholesterol and thereby prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. The first of the synthesized preparations was “lovastatin” and subsequently the entire group of these drugs was called “statins”. Later, one of the most used statins appeared today – atorvastatin. Pharmacy workers often offer various analogues of atorvastatin, such as Atoris and others.
Atorvastatin
The original atorvastatin is produced by the American company Pfizer (Phizer) under the name Liprimar (Liprimar). Available in dosages of 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg. The approximate cost for a package of 30 tablets is:
- 10 mg – 570-800.
- 20 mg – 780-1150.
- 40 mg – 860-1300.
- 80 mg – 770-1370 rubles.
Atoris
It is a generic drug (copy) produced by the Slovenian pharmaceutical company KPKA.
A package of 30 pieces with the same dosage will cost the buyer:
- 10 mg -280-470.
- 20 mg – 340-610.
- 40 mg –380–705.
- 80 mg -520-755 rubles.
What is the difference?
The fundamental difference between the two trade drugs is that the Pfizer company produces the original atorvastatin and the Slovenian company produces the copy. In the pharmacological vocabulary, “copy” does not mean the same as “fake”. It would be more correct to call a “copy” “generic” – a similar drug manufactured by another company in compliance with the characteristics of the recipe.
In general, the concept of “original” and “copy” was formed due to the fact that when scientists synthesized any active substance, a pharmaceutical company bought the right to sell it. In the case of atorvastatin, an American company acquired the rights.
Others produce a similar drug, sometimes even the best in quality, but not having the right to call it original. This is what happened with Atoris.
What’s better?
Of course, the American company Pfizer has established itself as a high-quality, long-existing manufacturer on the market. Large companies are trying to keep track of their name and product quality, so they conduct a lot of clinical research on the effects of drugs sold. Even in the instructions to “Liprimar” you can find many links to ongoing research. This ensures safe use.
Atoris is not produced by a bad company, the drug is completely safe to use.
Independent studies have been carried out that have shown similar pharmacological efficacy of both drugs.
Among the advantages of Atoris is its lower price. Statins must be taken regularly, even for life. And the more significant cost of Liprimar may be an obstacle to this.
Therefore, based on the almost identical effect in a limited budget, it is better to take Atoris than to drink Liprimar for several months and then discontinue therapy.
If funds allow, then you can drink the original drug. Nevertheless, some pharmacologists argue that a copy, by definition, cannot be better than the original.
As a result, to prefer one drug to another will not be a gross mistake.
This does not apply to other “atorvastatin”. Almost every company, in good faith or not, produces “its own” atorvastatin, calling it, of course, “Atorvastatin” to attract customers. Very often, the buyer comes to the pharmacy for the original atorvastatin, meaning “Lipimar”, and receives a cheap copy.
This entails unpleasant consequences, since statins, if the production rules are not followed, can have a negative effect on the liver, even leading to its necrosis.
Even the original atorvastatin has many contraindications to the combined use of certain substances, for example, with pomegranate juice or the drug diltiazem, which is often prescribed for patients with coronary heart disease.
Verified companies such as Pfizer (which produces Liprimar) and KPKA (which produces Atoris) make sure that there are as few unexpected side effects as possible, which does not apply to small companies. Therefore, in these cases, you need to be very careful and, if possible, consult a clinical pharmacologist.
