I was started on cellcept when weaning off of prednisone. All my MG symptoms are gone except fatigue and weakness at times.
June 13
It sounds like you're asking whether there are alternatives to prednisone (a corticosteroid) that can manage MG symptoms with fewer side effects. The good news is — yes, there are options!
Immunosuppressant medications are often used as alternatives to long-term steroid use. Common ones include:
- Azathioprine (Imuran) — Show Full Answer
It sounds like you're asking whether there are alternatives to prednisone (a corticosteroid) that can manage MG symptoms with fewer side effects. The good news is — yes, there are options!
Immunosuppressant medications are often used as alternatives to long-term steroid use. Common ones include:
- Azathioprine (Imuran) — one of the most frequently used alternatives
- Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) — another widely used option
- Cyclosporine
- Methotrexate
- Tacrolimus
- Cyclophosphamide These medications work by calming the immune system, similar to prednisone, but are often preferred for long-term use because they can help avoid some of the harsher side effects that come with steroids.
That said, immunosuppressants do come with their own considerations, such as increased sun sensitivity and a higher risk of infections, so they're not completely side-effect free.
Finding the right balance can take some time and may involve a bit of trial and adjustment. It's really worth having an open conversation with your neurologist about switching or combining medications to find what works best for you specifically.
June 12