The Earlier The Better

Preparing Panhematin® for infusion

Although there have been no controlled studies, the results since the first report in 1971 are impressive enough to advocate the early use of Panhematin^® for porphyric attacks. When Panhematin^® is given late in an attack, less benefit may occur.

Although it is generally agreed that the outlook for patients with porphyria has improved, an attack can still be life threatening. Respiratory insufficiency may require use of an artificial respirator. Therefore, porphyria attacks should be treated as early and effectively as possible. Fortunately, in patients with known porphyria, many attacks can be prevented. However, some patients may have an occasional attack even if they are careful in their lifestyles. And although prophylactic use of Panhematin^® to prevent attacks has not been formally studied, Panhematin^® is widely used in this manner for patients known to have acute porphyria and attacks that recur frequently.