They do not offer any kind of a cure for MG, but they may provide temporary relief to help some patients function better. They may also cause side effects, including stomach cramps, and so should be taken with bland food to minimize these problems. This drug is most effective for patients who are not bothered by the possible side effects of nervousness, palpitations and insomnia. A short-term treatment in which several liters of blood are removed from the patient's vein, spun in a centrifuge, and the red blood cells returned intravenously in artificial plasma. It is used every other day for two weeks.
Some patients get stronger as a result of the procedure, but the benefit lasts only weeks.
It is thought to have a nonspecific suppressive effect on the immune system, but if benefits occur, they last only a few weeks. Plenty of fluids should accompany the treatments to minimize the severe headaches which can occur. There are several different surgical techniques for performing this, and which patients are best candidates for it must be decided on an individual basis. In some patients this can lessen symptoms or eliminate them altogether. Your doctor can give you specific information about these drugs in treating your symptoms.