MGteam recently asked members, “What type of MG treatment are you currently taking?” The results showed a clear trend. Among 256 respondents, nearly 70 percent said they use traditional treatments such as pyridostigmine (Mestinon), corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants. About 15 percent said they use newer targeted therapies, while around 10 percent reported using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg).

Those results reflect an important reality of myasthenia gravis (MG): Treatment is often complex, and many people use more than one approach over time or at the same time. Myasthenia gravis is a long-term autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness that can change over time and from day to day. Treatment plans often need to be adjusted based on symptoms, severity, and response. There’s no single treatment path that works for everyone.

Why Traditional Treatments May Lead the Poll

The strong lead for traditional treatments isn’t surprising. These medications have been central to MG care for many years, and they are often the first treatments people try. Pyridostigmine is commonly used as a first-line treatment because it helps improve communication between nerves and muscles. Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs are also used to lower the immune system activity behind MG symptoms.

Traditional treatments may also be the most common because they serve different purposes. Some, like pyridostigmine, are used mainly for symptom relief. Others, like prednisone, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil, are used to control the immune response over time.

Because MG treatment often includes more than one type of medication, these older treatments may still be the main part of a person’s treatment plan even after newer options are added.

Why Newer Targeted Therapies Still Stand Out

Although a smaller share of respondents selected targeted therapies, 15 percent is still a notable result. These treatments are newer and work on specific parts of the immune system involved in MG. They include Fc receptor blockers such as efgartigimod (Vyvgart) and rozanolixizumab (Rystiggo), as well as complement inhibitors such as eculizumab (Soliris), ravulizumab (Ultomiris), and zilucoplan (Zilbrysq).

That smaller share may reflect that these drugs are newer and may be used for more specific types of generalized MG. At the same time, the poll suggests that a meaningful number of respondents are using newer options, especially when traditional treatments do not control symptoms well enough or cause difficult side effects.

IVIg and SCIg May Fill a Different Role

About 10 percent of respondents said they use IVIg or SCIg. That total may look smaller than the traditional-treatment category, but these therapies often serve a different purpose in MG care. IVIg is commonly used when symptoms are severe, not well controlled with other medicines, or when surgery is needed.

Because immunoglobulin treatments are often used alongside other therapies, the poll may not fully show how often they are part of a person’s overall treatment plan. In MG, one treatment may help with day-to-day symptom control, while another is used to calm the immune system during flare-ups.

The Right Treatment Plan Is Different for Everyone

This poll shows that there’s no single treatment strategy for everyone with MG, even if traditional therapies are the most common choice among respondents. MG can affect different muscle groups, vary in severity, and change over time. Because of that, treatment plans often need to be individualized and may include a combination of symptom-relieving medicine, immune-targeting treatment, or short-term therapies such as IVIg.

Treatment decisions are best made with a neurologist or neuromuscular specialist who can help evaluate how well your current plan is working and whether adjustments may help. For many people, finding the right approach takes time, monitoring, and ongoing conversations with their doctor.

Join the Conversation

On MGteam, people share their experiences with myasthenia gravis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What has been the most important factor you’ve learned about managing your MG treatment — whether it’s a medication, a side effect strategy, or something you wish you’d known sooner? Let others know in the comments below.