Corticosteroids for Myasthenia Gravis

Overview
Corticosteroids, commonly known as steroids, are a class of prescription drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the body’s inflammatory and metabolic response. These medications, like prednisone and prednisolone, are frequently prescribed to treat people with myasthenia gravis.

Corticosteroids are believed to work by decreasing inflammation and calming down the immune system. This helps control inflammation and prevents the immune system from mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues.

How do I take it?
In cases of myasthenia gravis, corticosteroids are usually taken orally. Take corticosteroids exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is important to taper off the dosage with a doctor’s guidance before stopping corticosteroids.

Side effects
The severity of corticosteroid side effects increases with dosage and long-term use.
Common side effects of corticosteroids include high blood sugar, fluid retention, mood swings, trouble sleeping, rounding of the face known as “moon face,” insomnia, euphoria, depression, anxiety, and mania.

The use of corticosteroids over a long period of time can lead to serious side effects. With long-term use, serious side effects caused by corticosteroids include osteoporosis (weakening bones), gastrointestinal problems, weight gain, high blood pressure, cataracts, and stunted growth (in children).

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) — Muscular Dystrophy Association
https://www.mda.org/disease/myasthenia-gravis/m...

What Are the Treatment Options for Myasthenia Gravis if First-Line Agents Fail? — Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
https://www.ccjm.org/content/90/2/81

Myasthenia Gravis — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...