Pilot Trial of Deferasirox in the Treatment of Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of Porphyria Cutanea Tarda based on clinical exam and 24-hour urine porphyrin levels * have Porphyria Cutanea Tarda for at least 3 months prior to enrollment with active blistering (3 blisters or erosions per month) * women of childbearing potential must use an effective method of contraception during the study, however this cannot include hormonal contraception (oral contraceptives, hormone patches, Depo-Provera injections, NUVA Ring, etc.) * treatment naive patients or patients unresponsive or intolerant of phlebotomy * Ferritin level is greater than or equal to 25ng/mL Exclusion Criteria: * patients with serum creatinine above the upper limit of normal * patients receiving phlebotomy who are controlled on this therapy * pregnant or breast feeding females * patients with liver transaminases more than 5 times the upper limit of normal * patients with a history of hypersensitivity to deferasirox * patients with a history of pre-existing renal condition, or receiving medication that depresses renal function * patients on other chelators * history of non-compliance to medical regimens.