Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MGteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Read that steroids were common treatment, then later read they should not be taken by someone with MG. ????!!!!

A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Orange County, CA
February 3
 · 
Reactions
Myasthenia Gravis and Coffee: How Drinking Caffeine Affects Symptoms Read Article...
A MGteam Member

Thank you. I am very grateful my symptoms have been so mild I don't think I have it. The prednisone was suggested for inflammation causing neuropathy, but I don't want to take it.

February 4
A MGteam Member

I took steroids for the first year. They did nothing, I haven’t had anymore in a year and a half.

February 3
A MGteam Member

I’m off the steroid now too. It was spiking my. Blood sugar levels.

February 4
A MGteam Member

I think they are great during flare ups, for me, literally couldn’t swallow or open my eyes trouble breathing, couple 10mg prednisone, feel as good as I did before the flare, for months with no prednisone. As a long term treatment, all they did for me was 20 or 30lbs, thicker arm hair and faint mustache, and bleach like stains on neck of some of my darker color tshirts…from excessive sweating!! Never even touched the double vision problems after like 3 years 40mg / day of prednisone. Happy to say all that went away when quit taking it. Some treatments for MG do more harm than good. In my experience, as long as not in crisis or a flare up, MG symptoms are easier to deal with then side effects of the meds, for the most part anyways. My MG can be very stubborn, I guess if it actually would work or help more I might feel differently.

February 4
MGteam

Are steroids commonly used to treat myasthenia gravis, and is there confusion about whether they should be avoided?

Steroids (corticosteroids) are actually a common and effective treatment for myasthenia gravis. They work as immunosuppressive drugs and can rapidly improve symptoms within days or weeks, making them Show Full Answer

Are steroids commonly used to treat myasthenia gravis, and is there confusion about whether they should be avoided?

Steroids (corticosteroids) are actually a common and effective treatment for myasthenia gravis. They work as immunosuppressive drugs and can rapidly improve symptoms within days or weeks, making them especially useful for people with severe symptoms.

The confusion might come from the fact that while steroids are commonly prescribed, they do have significant side effects, especially with long-term use. These can include:

- Weight gain
- Osteoporosis (weak bones)
- New or worsening diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Mood changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Cataracts and glaucoma

Because of these potential side effects, healthcare providers carefully weigh the benefits against the risks. For someone with very severe disease, the benefits often outweigh the side effects. For milder cases, providers might choose treatments with fewer side effects.

Some people with MG choose to refuse steroids because of concerns about side effects, but this is a personal decision that should be made with your healthcare team. The goal is finding the right balance between controlling your symptoms and managing side effects tolerably.

Steroids aren't contraindicated (forbidden) for MG—they're just used thoughtfully based on symptom severity and individual circumstances.

February 3

Related Questions

View All

Hello fine folks in the MG group!

A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Wilmington, NC
December 8, 2025

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In