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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.

I'm in the hospital now in crisis. My Dr is away. IVIG is the plan. New doc took me off my MG meds. Is this normal?

A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Ripley, TN
May 23
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone hospitalized in a myasthenia gravis crisis, offering both emotional support and helpful context about their... Read more

Members rallied around someone hospitalized in a myasthenia gravis crisis, offering both emotional support and helpful context about their treatment plan. Several members explained that stopping MG medications during a crisis may be intentional, as doctors sometimes need to tell apart a myasthenia crisis from a cholinergic crisis caused by too much medication. A recurring theme was that treatment responses vary greatly, with members sharing positive experiences with IVIG and plasmapheresis, while others pointed to newer treatments like Ultomiris and Vyvgart as options worth discussing with a knowledgeable neurologist.

A MGteam Member

Maybe ask about plasmapheresis as well - I had both when I had my crisis…

May 23
MGteam

First — you're in the right place, and IVIG is a well-established treatment for myasthenic crisis. It works by helping to calm the immune system's attack on your nerve-muscle connections, and it can make a real difference during a serious flare.

Regarding your MG medications being paused — this can happen during a crisis Show Full Answer

First — you're in the right place, and IVIG is a well-established treatment for myasthenic crisis. It works by helping to calm the immune system's attack on your nerve-muscle connections, and it can make a real difference during a serious flare.

Regarding your MG medications being paused — this can happen during a crisis, and here's why it sometimes makes sense:

- Some medications may interact with treatments being given during a crisis
- Certain drugs, like corticosteroids, can actually cause increased weakness after surgery or during acute episodes
- The medical team needs to carefully control what's in your system while monitoring your response to IVIG That said, it's completely reasonable — and important — to ask the covering doctor directly why your usual MG medications were stopped and when they plan to restart them.

Some key things to know about IVIG during a crisis:

- It's typically given over 2 to 5 days
- It may take a couple of weeks before you feel the full benefit
- Staff will monitor your vital signs closely throughout
- Side effects like headache, fever, or nausea can occur but are manageable

You're being looked after — don't hesitate to speak up and ask questions. You deserve clear answers about your care.

May 23
A MGteam Member

The only thing that helps me get out of a crisis is plasmapheresis .I used to get IVIG every 3 weeks but it stopped doing me any good after a year on it Then the last one I got made me really sick. My doctor stopped it after that.

May 23
A MGteam Member

IVIG is really the only thing I have found that helps me at all. I have tried some of the newer medications (Ultomiris, etc.) and even plasmapharesis but they were not effective for me. Everyone is truly different so don't be afraid to try new (or old) options.

May 29
A MGteam Member

IVIG is a treatment from 2 decades ago. Better than steroids but still minimally effective. Find a new doctor. A Neurologist with 5 yrs experience with MG and other autoimmune diseases. The best newest treatments are Soliris, Ultomiris, Restiggo, Vyvgart, and Vyvgart Hytrulo. A couple newer ones are in the pipeline. Medicare pays for them. They are very expensive so you will have to suffer through the minimally effective treatments before your corporate/private healthcare plan will even consider approving one of them. You didn't mention your age but get on Medicare and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Your premiums will high but the treatments will be zero cost.

May 26

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