This clinically results in weakness. The increased amount of acetylcholine present counteracts the effects of the lower uptake by the receptors in MG and results in improvement in muscle contraction. One way this is done is by using drugs which suppress the immune system. Prednisone is a drug that is commonly used for this. It takes approximately 6 months to take effect, and it is used for longterm control of MG rather than acute treatment.
All immunosuppressive drugs have side effects.
Because these drugs suppress the body s immune system they are at increased risk for developing infections. Patients taking Prednisone chronically may have weight gain, especially around their face. Prednisone may cause high blood sugars and it may induce diabetes in people. People already with diabetes may have a hard time controlling their blood sugar levels. A few people develop nausea and vomiting during the first few months of treatment with Imuran.