Prednisone caused huge rise in blood glucose levels for me and my a1c jumped to 5.7. I had hair loss, weight loss of 18lbs etc. I was weaned off of that and put on Mycophenolate mofetil I thought I was doing better but then experienced huge bowel explosions, urinating more, no weight gain, and now my a1c is 7.7. So I’m off of that too and put on glipizide a diabetes pill which I don’t think my body is reacting well. I go to nuerologist today to see the game plan.
September 9
I am just being weaned off 10 mg of Prednisone, which I have been on for a year. I am reluctant to try anything else, as my body is so sensitive to new medication.
September 9
Great question — and you're not alone in wanting to move away from prednisone. Long-term steroid use can come with some pretty significant side effects, so many doctors look at other options to manage myasthenia gravis.
Here are some alternatives that may have a more manageable side effect profile:
- Azathioprine – a Show Full Answer
Great question — and you're not alone in wanting to move away from prednisone. Long-term steroid use can come with some pretty significant side effects, so many doctors look at other options to manage myasthenia gravis.
Here are some alternatives that may have a more manageable side effect profile:
- Azathioprine – a commonly used immunosuppressant that damps down the immune system
- Mycophenolate mofetil – another immunosuppressant often used as a steroid-sparing option
- Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus – additional immunosuppressants your doctor may consider
- Rituximab – a biologic that targets B cells to reduce harmful antibody production (note: not yet FDA-approved specifically for MG)
- Rozanolixizumab-noli (Rystiggo) – an FDA-approved FcRn blocker that helps clear harmful antibodies from the bloodstream
- Efgartigimod alfa-fcab (Vyvgart) – another FDA-approved FcRn blocker shown to reduce antibodies and improve symptoms It's worth having an open conversation with your neurologist about which option fits your specific situation best. Everyone's MG is a little different, and the right choice depends on things like how severe your symptoms are and how your body has responded to treatment so far.
September 8