Matzim LA and Mircera

• Generic Name: diltiazem
• Dosage Forms: tablet, extended release
• Other Brand Names: Cardizem, Cartia XT, Dilacor XR, Dilt-CD, Diltia XT, Diltzac, Matzim LA, Taztia XT, Tiazac, Cardizem CD, Dilt-XR, Tiazac, Cardizem LA, Tiazac Extended Release Capsules

Diltiazem is used alone or together with other medicines to treat angina (severe chest pain) or hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. It works by affecting the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, diltiazem relaxes the blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: epoetin beta-methoxy polyethylene glycol
• Dosage Forms: injection, solution
• Other Brand Names: Mircera

Mircera injection contains epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol. Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol is a man-made form of a protein normally produced by the kidneys that helps your body produce red blood cells. When your body does not make enough of this protein because of kidney failure, you can develop a condition called anemia (lack of red blood cells).

Mircera is used to treat anemia (lack of red blood cells) and to reduce the need for blood cell transfusions.

Mircera is used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease in adults, or in children at least 5 years old who are on hemodialysis.

This medicine is not for treating anemia caused by cancer chemotherapy. Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol may increase tumor growth or decrease survival time in people with certain types of cancer.

Mircera should not be used to take the place of an emergency blood cell transfusion.