Treatments

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Consult your DOCTOR if you even expect that you have any of these conditions. We are not recommending any of these treatments, but merely listing treatments commonly used.

There is no cure for porphyria as of yet. There are treatments, however, that can suppress the attacks and the symptoms. These treatments can make the porphyria attacks less severe. The patient's pain will be reduced, and they may live an almost normal life.

AIP, HCP, and VP

• AIP, HCP, VP require the same treatment: Avoiding a high carbohydrate diet with greater than 400 grams of carbohydrates/day.  This causes the level of porphyrin precursors to decrease, improving the condition.
• Phenothiazines can be use to control abdominal pain.
• Propanolol can be use to control hypertension and rapid heartbeat rate.

PCT

• The repeated use of phlebotomy  to remove blood to deplete body iron causes a decrease of porphyrin excretion in the urinary track. This can help the body return to its normal state and a normal amount of porphyrin excretion and can help   improve the patients' condition.
• Patients can take a low dose (125-250mg) of chloroquine of   three times a week if they do not want phlebotomy.

CEP

• To prevent skin lesions prophylaxis are used. Beta-carotene can be used but it is not every effective. Infections are treated with antibiotics.
• In extreme cases, removing the spleen may help reduce hemolysis and production of excess porphyrins.
• Hematin I.V. transfusion will stop erythropoiesis and decrease porphyrin production in some patients.

EPP

• For light sensitivity beta-carotene can be taken orally. The only side affect is a yellowish discoloration of the skin.
• To suppress excess protoporphyrin production and reverse hepatic accumulation, red blood cell transfusion and hematin I.V. can be used.
• To interrupt the circulation of protoporphyrin, cholestyramine or activated charcoal can be taken orally.

Acute Care

• DO NOT take any medicine or remedy that can provoke the attack. Ask your doctor.
• DO NOT drink alcohol, it can cause an attack.
• DO NOT go on a diet. Do not go without food for long period of time, so eat regular meals.

 Skin Care

• DO NOT go out in the sun, avoid it as much as possible.
• Wear long sleeve cloths to reduce exposure to the sun, when you go out.
• Opaque zinc or titanium oxide cream sunscreen can help protect you from the sun.
• Try not to knock or damage the skin while working or during physical activity. The skin is very fragile so wear rubber gloves or heavy work gloves with silicone barrier to protect your skin from injuries.