Carol some response is immediately a little at a time
But when I initially started ivig it was slow sometimes 2-3 weeks
3 days ago
Carol I didn’t know that but I’m sure I would have tried it anyway
At that point in my life I could barely lift my head
Much better now
3 days ago
That's a great question! Gamunex-C is a brand of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and you're right that it isn't specifically FDA-approved for myasthenia gravis. However, IVIG has been used "off-label" for MG for several decades — since at least the 1980s — making it one of the longer-standing treatment options in the MG Show Full Answer
That's a great question! Gamunex-C is a brand of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and you're right that it isn't specifically FDA-approved for myasthenia gravis. However, IVIG has been used "off-label" for MG for several decades — since at least the 1980s — making it one of the longer-standing treatment options in the MG toolkit.
Even without a formal FDA approval for MG, IVIG is widely accepted in neurology practice for managing MG symptoms, particularly during:
- Myasthenic crises (sudden worsening of symptoms)
- Pre-surgical preparation
- When other treatments aren't working well enough
In terms of results, IVIG has shown meaningful short-term benefits for many people with MG. It works by flooding the body with normal antibodies, which helps calm the abnormal immune response driving MG symptoms. Effects can typically be felt within days to weeks, though they may not last long-term on their own.
It's worth noting that IVIG can cause side effects, including headaches, nausea, and in rare cases more serious reactions like blood clots.
Since treatment decisions are very individual, speaking with your MG specialist about whether IVIG — or a newer targeted therapy — might be the right fit for your specific situation is always a good step.
3 days ago