OTC Drugs Market Size
| Study Period | 2021 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 137.39 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 163.10 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 3.49 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Need a report that reflects how COVID-19 has impacted this market and its growth?
OTC Drugs Market Analysis
The Over The Counter Drugs Market size is estimated at USD 137.39 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 163.10 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.49% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the spotlight on over the counter (OTC) drugs market, though the healthcare systems have been significantly impacted. For instance, according to an article published by ScienceDirect, in June 2022, the most common OTC drugs used during the COVID-19 pandemic were antipyretics, antihistamines, cough suppressants, etc. However, according to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, in June 2022, more dangerous drugs like steroids, chloroquine, and antimicrobials were also abused. The prevalence of self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic in lower-income countries like Nigeria, Bangladesh, Peru, and Togo varies from 34% to 84% for various symptoms like fever, cough, cold, nasal congestion, fatigue, etc. which was considered very high. Even though the market is gradually stabilizing as COVID-19 cases are declining, there is still fear among people regarding infection, which is expected to impact the market's growth.
The growth in the OTC drug market is attributed to the high cost of Rx drugs leading to shifting towards OTC drugs and increasing approval of OTC drugs. For instance, according to an article published by Bloomberg L.P., in July 2022, Americans spend an average cost of USD 1,300 per person on prescription drugs per year. An average launch price of a new drug in the US in 2021 was USD 180,000 for a year's supply. Such a rise in the price of a prescription drug is expected to increase the demand for self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Additionally, as per an article published by Frontiers Media S.A., in August 2021, self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines is becoming an increasingly popular practice around the world. As per the same source, the global prevalence rate of self-medication ranged from 11.2% to 93.7%, depending on the target population and country. Thus, the high cost of Rx drugs leading to the use of OTC drugs is expected to drive market growth.
Furthermore, the key market players' increasing product innovation supports the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in March 2021, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co. Inc. introduced Salonpas Arthritis Pain Relief Gel. This medication, diclofenac at prescription strength, was permitted for over the counter (OTC) use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Similarly, in March 2022, Perrigo received FDA approval for the OTC use of Nasonex 24-hour allergy (mometasone furoate monohydrate) 50mcg. Such increases in OTC drug launches are expected to drive market growth over the forecast period. Thus, the abovementioned factors are impacting the market growth of the over the counter drugs market. However, high-end manufacturing and complicated and cumbersome regulatory requirements are expected to hinder market growth over the forecast period.
OTC Drugs Market Trends
The Cough, Cold, and Flu Products Segment is Expected to Witness High Growth Over the Forecast Period
A common cold can be caused by many different types of viruses. The condition is generally harmless, and symptoms usually resolve within two weeks. The rise in the number of people suffering from cough, cold, and flu is what is causing an increase in the amount of over-the-counter (OTC) drug use in this category. Consumers depend on OTC cough, cold, or flu medicines, as they are the first resort, to get relief from the symptoms. For instance, according to CDC, the common cold causes 22 million school days to be missed each year in the United States. Also, almost 1 billion people catch colds each year in the United States.
Furthermore, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD), doctors reported a 25% spike in the number of flu-related fever, colds, and cough in Tamil Nadu in August 2021. Thus, the higher prevalence of flu and cold is expected to spur growth as paracetamol is commonly used in the management of these conditions. Owing to their easy procurement, the sale of OTC drugs for cough, cold, and flu increased globally. Thus, given the aforementioned factors, the studied segment is expected to propel significantly over the forecast period.
North America Holds the Major Share and is Expected to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
North America has a significant impact on the global market studied, owing to factors, such growing prevalence of minor illnesses coupled with the adoption of self-medication to relieve the symptoms and an increase in approval of OTC drugs in the region are expected to drive the studied market growth in North America. For instance, according to an article published by Drugs.com, in May 2021, there are more than 80 classes of OTC medications in the United States, ranging from acne medicines to weight loss products. Further, according to an article published by Migraine Research Foundation, in January 2021 more than 4 million adults experienced chronic daily migraine, with at least 15 migraine days per month, in the United States. The increase in patients requiring self-medication is expected to boost the market growth.
Additionally, the increasing product approvals and product launches in the region drive the growth of the studied market. For instance, in December 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the prescription drug Lastacaft (alcaftadine ophthalmic solution), a 0.25% to Over the Counter drug. Additionally, in October 2022, Futura Medical is preparing to seek approval from the FDA to launch OTC in the United States, MED3000 erectile dysfunction treatment. Such an initiative is expected to drive the growth of the market. Thus, given the factors above, the studied market is expected to grow significantly in North America over the forecast period.
OTC Drugs Industry Overview
The over-the-counter drugs market is fragmented in nature due to the presence of several companies operating globally as well as regionally. The competitive landscape includes an analysis of a few international as well as local companies which hold market shares and are well-known including Johnson and Johnson, Novartis AG, Bayer AG, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, and Pfizer, among others.
OTC Drugs Market Leaders
Johnson and Johnson
Perrigo Company Plc
Bayer AG
Sanofi
Pfizer
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
OTC Drugs Market News
- In October 2022, VirgoCX launched the anticipated OTC Direct overhaul to its over the counter (OTC) trading platform, VirgoCX Wealth as a part of its ongoing commitment to providing the best tools and user experience for its clients.
- In July 2022, AFT Pharmaceuticals and RooLife Group revealed that they have launched a range of AFT's over the counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals through their store on the China Cross Border E-Commerce (CBEC) online platform Tmall Global.
- In June 2022, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd acquired the approved generic versions of certain over the counter drugs from Wockhardt Ltd in the United States. The acquisition by the company's fully-owned subsidiary Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc, includes the approved abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) for famotidine tablets, 10 mg and 20 mg used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestine.
- In March 2022, Perrigo received FDA approval for the OTC use of Nasonex 24-hour allergy (mometasone furoate monohydrate) 50mcg.
OTC Drugs Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.2.1 High Cost of Rx Drugs Leading to Shift Towards OTC Drugs
4.2.2 Increasing Approval of OTC Drugs
4.3 Market Restraints
4.3.1 Stringent Regulatory Policies
4.3.2 Lack of Awareness and Drug Abuse
4.4 Porter's Five Force Analysis
4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size by Value - USD Million)
5.1 By Product Type
5.1.1 Cough, Cold and Flu Products
5.1.2 Analgesics
5.1.3 Dermatology Products
5.1.4 Gastrointestinal Products
5.1.5 Vitamins, Mineral and Supplements(VMS)
5.1.6 Weight Loss/Dietary Products
5.1.7 Ophthalmic Products
5.1.8 Sleeping Aids
5.1.9 Other Product Types
5.2 By Formulation Type
5.2.1 Tablets
5.2.2 Liquids
5.2.3 Ointments
5.2.4 Sprays
5.3 By Distribution Channel
5.3.1 Hospital Pharmacies
5.3.2 Retail Pharmacies
5.3.3 Online Pharmacy
5.4 Geography
5.4.1 North America
5.4.1.1 United States
5.4.1.2 Canada
5.4.1.3 Mexico
5.4.2 Europe
5.4.2.1 Germany
5.4.2.2 United Kingdom
5.4.2.3 France
5.4.2.4 Italy
5.4.2.5 Spain
5.4.2.6 Rest of Europe
5.4.3 Asia-Pacific
5.4.3.1 China
5.4.3.2 Japan
5.4.3.3 India
5.4.3.4 Australia
5.4.3.5 South Korea
5.4.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
5.4.4 Middle East and Africa
5.4.4.1 GCC
5.4.4.2 South Africa
5.4.4.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa
5.4.5 South America
5.4.5.1 Brazil
5.4.5.2 Argentina
5.4.5.3 Rest of South America
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Company Profiles
6.1.1 Johnson and Johnson
6.1.2 Bayer AG
6.1.3 Viatris (Mylan NV)
6.1.4 Sanofi S.A.
6.1.5 Pfizer Inc.
6.1.6 GlaxoSmithKline plc
6.1.7 Perrigo Company plc
6.1.8 Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC
6.1.9 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd
6.1.10 Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
6.1.11 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
6.1.12 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
6.1.13 Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
6.1.14 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories
6.1.15 Piramal Enterprises
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
OTC Drugs Industry Segmentation
As per the scope of this report, over the counter drugs are referred to as non-prescription drugs. These medicines can be bought by an individual without a doctor's prescription and are safe for consumption without the doctor's consent. The Over the Counter Drugs Market is Segmented by Product Type (Cough, Cold and Flu Products, Analgesics, Dermatology Products, Gastrointestinal Products, Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements(VMS), Weight Loss/Dietary Products, Ophthalmic Products, Sleeping Aids, and Other Product Types), Formulation Type (Tablets, Liquids, Ointments, and Sprays), Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacy, and Other Distribution Channels), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The market report also covers the estimated market sizes and trends for 17 different countries across major regions, globally. The report offers the value (in USD million) for the above segments.
| By Product Type | |
| Cough, Cold and Flu Products | |
| Analgesics | |
| Dermatology Products | |
| Gastrointestinal Products | |
| Vitamins, Mineral and Supplements(VMS) | |
| Weight Loss/Dietary Products | |
| Ophthalmic Products | |
| Sleeping Aids | |
| Other Product Types |
| By Formulation Type | |
| Tablets | |
| Liquids | |
| Ointments | |
| Sprays |
| By Distribution Channel | |
| Hospital Pharmacies | |
| Retail Pharmacies | |
| Online Pharmacy |
| Geography | ||||||||
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OTC Drugs Market Research FAQs
How big is the Over the Counter Drugs Market?
The Over the Counter Drugs Market size is expected to reach USD 137.39 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 3.49% to reach USD 163.10 billion by 2029.
What is the current Over the Counter Drugs Market size?
In 2024, the Over the Counter Drugs Market size is expected to reach USD 137.39 billion.
Who are the key players in Over the Counter Drugs Market?
Johnson and Johnson, Perrigo Company Plc, Bayer AG, Sanofi and Pfizer are the major companies operating in the Over the Counter Drugs Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Over the Counter Drugs Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Over the Counter Drugs Market?
In 2024, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Over the Counter Drugs Market.
What years does this Over the Counter Drugs Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Over the Counter Drugs Market size was estimated at USD 132.60 billion. The report covers the Over the Counter Drugs Market historical market size for years: 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Over the Counter Drugs Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
What factors are driving the Over-the-counter (OTC) Drugs Market?
The factors driving the Over-the-counter (OTC) Drugs Market are a) Development of new and improved OTC medications addressing diverse health concerns and preferences b) Growing adoption of e-commerce platforms offering convenient purchase and delivery of OTC products
Over The Counter Drugs Industry Report
The global over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market is on an upward trajectory, poised for significant expansion, with North America at the forefront due to a preference for OTC over prescription drugs, alongside a rise in self-medication trends in Europe and Asia Pacific. This growth is propelled by the increasing demand for self-medication, a shift from prescription to OTC drugs as a cost-saving measure, and the introduction of new products. Key trends shaping the market include the transition from prescription (Rx) to OTC drugs and the emergence of private-label products, with industry leaders innovating to address consumer health needs. Despite challenges such as incorrect self-diagnosis and potential side effects, the market is dominated by cold and cough remedies, analgesics, and vitamins and minerals as leading product segments, with drug stores and retail pharmacies serving as the primary distribution channels. For detailed insights and forecasts, Mordor Intelligence™ provides a comprehensive analysis, available for download as a free report PDF.
