Vampires are fake. Porphyria is real. We break down the science behind the so-called “vampire disease,” in plain English, with Halloween vibes and zero fluff.

What you’ll learn

• What porphyria is, how heme is made, and why enzyme problems cause symptoms

• Acute vs cutaneous types, including AIP, HCP, VP, PCT, EPP, XLP, and CEP

• Classic symptoms you should know: severe abdominal pain, nerve changes, painful photosensitivity, dark or red urine

• Common triggers to avoid: unsafe drugs, fasting or low carb intake, alcohol, infections, hormonal changes

• How doctors test for it: urine ALA and PBG during attacks, porphyrins in blood or stool, genetic testing

• Treatments that work: IV hemin for attacks, givosiran for prevention in acute hepatic porphyria, phlebotomy and low-dose hydroxychloroquine for ...