Treatments

Treatments

There is no cure for MOGAD, but treatment may shorten attacks and can help prevent future ones.

Typically, the first recommended treatment for MOGAD is high‑dose corticosteroids. These are medications that reduce the swelling that causes symptoms. Clinicians give them during an attack. 

If your symptoms do not get better, your care team may use plasma exchange or immunoglobulin.

Not everyone needs long-term treatment after a first attack because some people never have another attack. If attacks return, or if the risk of another attack is high, your specialist may recommend preventive treatment. Options may include IVIG, rituximab, mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine. These are medications that can help prevent attacks.

There is no medication currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for MOGAD. Your care team will customize your treatment based on your attacks, age, health history and goals. Some long-term treatments used include: 

• Rituximab
• Mycophenolate mofetil
• Immunoglobulin

A clinical trial may also be an option. Clinical trials are research studies that investigate if a new treatment or type of prevention is safe and effective. They may offer access to innovative care options that are not widely available. Your care team will explain the potential benefits and risks before you decide if you want to participate. They can answer your questions and address any concerns.