Patients often feel stronger, and their symptoms are significantly improved. The medication, however, only works for 2 to 6 hours before the effects wear off. The reason for this test is that 10-15 percent of myasthenics have a tumor of the thymus gland, a thymoma. The thymoma needs to be removed by a cardiothoracic surgeon experienced with such surgery. If a patient's symptoms are not adequately treated with Mestinon, then therapies which suppress the immune system are the next step.
Prednisone is usually the first drug used.
Prednisone is a corticosteroid. The majority of myasthenics become stronger within the first weeks to months of starting prednisone. Prednisone has many potential complications, such as causing increased blood sugar and bone weakening, glaucoma, high blood pressure, weight gain, and others. These complications must be weighed against the benefits of treatment. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulins are other treatments which can improve strength quickly but usually do not lead to sustained improved.