Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Oral Corticosteroid (OCS)

Oral corticosteroids suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm and modulating gene transcription.

Oral corticosteroids suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm and modulating gene transcription. Used for Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis), Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations, Adrenal insufficiency.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Corticosteroids enter cells and bind to intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, which then translocate to the nucleus and alter the expression of inflammatory genes. This leads to decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced immune cell activation and proliferation, and suppression of both innate and adaptive immune responses. The result is broad anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects across multiple organ systems.

Approved indications

• Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis)
• Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Certain hematologic malignancies and lymphomas
• Organ transplant rejection prophylaxis

Common side effects

• Hyperglycemia / glucose intolerance
• Hypertension
• Osteoporosis / bone loss
• Immunosuppression / increased infection risk
• Insomnia and mood changes
• Weight gain and fluid retention
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Cataracts (with chronic use)

Key clinical trials

• A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab in Adult Patients With Bullous Pemphigoid (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• A Study to Investigate OCS Tapering in Adult Participants With Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Treated With Ravulizumab (PHASE4)
• A Study of GSK3511294 (Depemokimab) Compared With Mepolizumab or Benralizumab in Participants With Severe Asthma With an Eosinophilic Phenotype (PHASE3)
• Therapeutic Relevance of Abnormal Airway Morphology in Asthma (PHASE4)
• REIMAGINE - Real World EvaluatIon of Mepolizumab in Severe Asthma achievinG on Treatment clinIcal remissioN, a prospEctive Study (PHASE4)
• Nomacopan Therapy in Adult Patients With Bullous Pemphigoid Receiving Adjunct Oral Corticosteroid Therapy (ARREST-BP) (PHASE3)
• PREcision Medicine Directed Corticosteroids In Children With preSchool Wheeze (NA)
• Continuation of TRAVERSE- LTS12551 Evaluating Dupilumab Safety in Patients With Asthma (Long-Term Follow-Up) (PHASE3)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.