Porphyria and oral anticonceptives
Gutzwiller, P.
Dermatologica 146(6): 342-345
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0011-9075 PMID: 4747814 Document Number: 509620
A 21-year-old woman with no prior personal or family history of porphyria developed porphyric skin disorders (porphyria variegata) after using an oral contraceptive composed of .05 mg ethinyl estradiol and .5 mg norgestrel. Even after the discontinuation of oral contraceptive use, the administration of sodium bicarbonate and other treatments had no effect on the porphyria. Remission began only after blood-letting (200-400 ml/wekk) was initiated. It is possible that the patient's use of alcohol complicated the condition.