Epharmacy Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

E-pharmacy Market Analysis

The E-pharmacy Market size is estimated at USD 119.09 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 225.30 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 13.6% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The expansion of the ePharmacy market is due to a rise in internet users, greater accessibility to online services, and the increasing adoption of e-prescriptions in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. E-prescription is the electronic prescription technology that enables healthcare providers to transmit prescriptions digitally rather than through handwritten methods. The implementation of electronic prescribing in hospitals is on the rise due to its numerous advantages, including a more streamlined medication ordering process, reduced errors, and enhanced patient safety. For instance, in May 2024, Health and Community Services in Jersey, Europe introduced a new electronic prescription system called the Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (EPMA) system to decrease waiting times at the Hospital Pharmacy and enhance patient safety.

Additionally, in November 2023, an electronic prescription service was introduced in Wales that allows general practitioners to send prescription medicines online to the pharmacy selected by the patient. The prescriptions can be monitored from the doctor's office to the pharmacy. Thus, the rising implementation of e-prescriptions in hospitals and healthcare services across the world is anticipated to contribute to the ePharmacy market.

The increase in initiatives by market leaders and industry players , such as the incorporation of advanced technologies and product launches, is likely to fuel market growth throughout the forecast period. For instance, in October 2024, Amazon Pharmacy introduced a new PillPack feature to simplify the management of multiple medications for its customers, with three or more eligible medications organized into convenient pill packets and delivered directly to their homes. This service expanded on PillPack.com and provides additional savings, an easier sign-up process, and quicker delivery times. Moreover, in June 2024, Zuellig Pharma launched eZRx+, an upgraded edition of its top-tier self-service B2B eCommerce platform designed specifically for retail pharmacy and clinics across the Asian region. The eZRx platform has extensive features and a user-friendly design and serves as a portal for healthcare businesses to order prescription drugs, medical devices, and consumer health products directly. Thus, the increasing initiatives adopted by the market players, such as new technological advancements and service launches, are expected to drive the ePharmacy market growth over the 2024 to 2029 period.

However, the growing prevalence of illegal online pharmacies and limited access in rural regions of developing nations are anticipated to impede market growth.

ePharmacy Market Insights and Trends

Over-the-Counter Drugs Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant ePharmacy Market Share During the Forecast Period

By drug type, the over-the-counter segment is projected to exhibit the highest growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.29% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2029. Market research predicts that this segment will attain a market value of USD 411.4 billion by 2029.

As ailments like allergies, coughs, and colds become more common, the demand for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is anticipated to rise significantly , which will likely benefit the growth of the ePharmacy market. For instance, a March 2023 report from the American Lung Association indicated that colds result in more doctor visits in the United States than any other medical condition. Additionally, the same report notes that young children experience an average of 6 to 8 colds each year, while adults typically have 2 to 4 colds annually. As a result, the high occurrence of colds is expected to witness significant growth in this segment, as E-pharmacy increasingly serves as a primary source for medication purchases by parents and caregivers.

The rising OTC product launches by the market players are anticipated to fuel the segment growth. For instance, in April 2024, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. mentioned that over-the-counter (OTC) Naloxone Hydrochloride (Naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray, USP, 4mg was made available, following the approval of their Abbreviated New Drug Application (“ANDA”) by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prior to that, in June 2023, McKesson introduced its new over-the-counter (OTC) health and wellness product line, Foster & Thrive. The company stated that this launch aims to integrate its private brand offerings, including Health Mart and Sunmark OTC products, to better address patients' increasing demands. Thus, due to new product launches by the market players, the OTC segment is anticipated to grow in the future.

Skin Care Segment is Expected to Witness Largest Market Share in the ePharmacy Market During the Forecast Period

The skin care segment is expected to hold the major market share by product type over the forecast period (2024 - 2029). E-pharmacies offer the convenience of buying skincare products online and having them delivered to the consumer’s doorstep, appealing to those looking for time-efficient options.

Additionally, rising awareness of skincare's significance, fuelled by social media and influencer marketing, has heightened the demand for products such as sunscreens, anti-aging creams, and acne treatments available from online pharmacies. Thus, due to such factors, the skin care segment is expected to grow significantly in the study period.

The ePharmacy market is segmented by drug type and product type. By drug type, the market is segmented into prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. By product type, the market is segmented into skincare, dental, cold and flu, vitamins, weight loss, and other product types. The other product types segment include baby and childcare products, medical equipment and devices, sexual health products, home healthcare, and herbal and ayurvedic products. With the segmentation of drug types and product types, the stakeholders can gain a clearer insight into the market outlook and recognize significant growth opportunities.

North America is Expected to Witness Significant ePharmacy Market Growth in the Over the Forecast Period

By geography, the North American region is projected to capture a significant share, with an estimated market size of USD 259.4 billion in 2024, anticipated to grow to USD 406.5 billion by 2029. Consumers in the North American region, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, are increasingly turning to online pharmacies due to their convenience, privacy, and cost savings, a trend that is anticipated to drive substantial growth in the market.

Additionally, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer are anticipated to fuel the demand for medicines, thus contributing to market growth. Moreover, the rising availability of telemedicine and e-prescriptions, awareness campaigns regarding online pharmacies, and the increasing emphasis on the online pharmacy sector by industry stakeholders are expected to enhance the North American ePharmacy market growth throughout the forecast period.

The growing trend towards e-prescriptions is anticipated to drive market expansion in the North America region. For instance, in January 2024, an article published by the University of Toronto highlighted that numerous jurisdictions and healthcare institutions were adopting e-prescriptions, which has led to decreased human errors and enhanced medication safety, ultimately improving patient outcomes in Canada. As a result, the substantial advantages of e-prescriptions are expected to accelerate the adoption of e-pharmacies, further propelling market growth.

In addition, government initiatives that involve ongoing health monitoring of online pharmacies contribute to addressing irregularities in the digital pharmacy sector, which is expected to enhance market growth in the region. For instance, in April 2023, the Federal Commission for the Protection against Health Risks (COFEPRIS) in Mexico released a list of unauthorized medicine distributors, including companies that sell health supplies via online platforms, referred to as online pharmacies, which operate with health violations and lack operational permits. This agency reinforces its dedication to safeguarding public health by consistently monitoring healthcare products intended for human consumption, a practice anticipated to foster market growth throughout the forecast period.

The rising market player initiatives such as new product offerings launches are anticipated to enhance the ePharmacy market in the North America region. For instance, in October 2024, Walmart introduced a pharmacy delivery service encompassing prescription medicines and refill services to enhance its e-commerce offerings. This pharmacy delivery is currently available in six states in the United States: Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Nevada, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, and the company anticipates that the service will expand to 49 states by January 2025. Additionally, in October 2024, Amazon revealed its plan to expand same-day prescription delivery to 20 more cities across the United States in 2025. This service is available through Amazon Pharmacy, a feature on its website and app that enables customers to order medications with complimentary delivery for Prime members. Thus, such market player initiatives focussing on the expansion of their ePharmacy services are anticipated to boost the market growth over the forecast period.

By geography, the global market is segmented into North America (United States, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Middle East and Africa (GCC, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa), and South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America). The East Africa and Asia-Pacific regions, particularly countries such as China, Japan, and India, are experiencing rapid growth driven by factors such as the widespread adoption of digital healthcare, supportive government regulations, and the presence of well-established e-pharmacies.