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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.
September 8
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A MGteam Member

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
A MGteam Member

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
MGteam

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

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