What treatments are used in porphyria cutanea tarda?
Eliminate any agents that may trigger PCT, such as alcohol.
Protect from both ultraviolet and visible light.
Phlebotomy is most often the treatment of choice. Phlebotomy is believed to work by decreasing excessive iron stores. Removal of about 500 mL of whole blood is done at periodic intervals as tolerated, until the hemoglobin level is about 10 to 11 gm/dL or until side effects are experienced.
Low-dose hydrochloroquine or hydroxychloroquine therapy is an alternate treatment that requires very close monitoring for hepatotoxicity.
