Non-opioid Pain Patch Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Non-Opioid Pain Patch Market Report is Segmented by Patch Type (Lidocaine Patches, Diclofenac Patches, Capsaicin Patches, and More), Technology (Matrix Patches, Reservoir Patches and More), Indication (Pain Type) (Neuropathic Pain, and More), Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, and More), and Geography (North America, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Non-opioid Pain Patch Market Size and Share

Non-opioid Pain Patch Market (2025 - 2030)
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Non-opioid Pain Patch Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Non-opioid Pain Patch Market size is estimated at USD 1.89 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 2.49 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.65% during the forecast period (2025-2030). Growth is rooted in the global shift away from opioid prescribing, steady innovation in transdermal delivery, and widening reimbursement for topical analgesics. New microneedle-enhanced systems are raising drug-delivery efficiency while large matrix formats preserve cost advantages for established brands. Online pharmacies are reshaping purchase journeys, letting manufacturers build direct bonds with patients and sharpen pricing transparency. Consolidation continues: Grünenthal’s Qutenza licensing deal with Apotex broadened reach in Canada,[1]Source: Grünenthal GmbH, “Apotex Licenses Canadian Rights to Qutenza,” kommunikasjon.ntb.no while smaller firms such as Enokon Medical posted 87% clinical efficacy with natural-ingredient patches that appeal to safety-conscious users.[2]Source: Enokon Medical, “The Rise of Natural Pain Relief Patches,” enokonmedical.com

Key Report Takeaways

  • By patch type, lidocaine patches held 35.23% of the non-opioid pain patch market share in 2024; capsaicin patches are projected to expand at a 6.97% CAGR to 2030. 
  • By technology, matrix patches led with 48.41% revenue share in 2024, while microneedle-enhanced patches record the highest projected CAGR at 7.12% through 2030. 
  • By indication, neuropathic pain accounted for 37.31% of the non-opioid pain patch market size in 2024 and cancer-associated pain is advancing at a 6.81% CAGR through 2030. 
  • By distribution channel, retail pharmacies held 44.87% share of the non-opioid pain patch market size in 2024; online pharmacies are forecast to grow at 7.32% CAGR to 2030. 
  • By geography, North America commanded 39.45% of the non-opioid pain patch market share in 2024, whereas Asia Pacific is set to rise at a 7.87% CAGR during 2025-2030.

Segment Analysis

By Patch Type: Lidocaine commands share while capsaicin accelerates

Lidocaine products held the largest slice of the non-opioid pain patch market size at 35.23% in 2024, supported by decades of clinical use and broad third-party payment. Strong safety and minimal systemic absorption make lidocaine popular in elderly populations, which are most affected by post-herpetic neuralgia. Grünenthal and Scilex broadened acceptance by delivering thinner, high-adhesion systems that permit exercise and showering without detachment. 

Capsaicin patches expand at a 6.97% CAGR, the fastest among patch types, because high-concentration formulations produce multi-month relief from diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced pain. Older patients achieved statistically significant pain score reductions in a 2025 study that compared capsaicin to standard care. Diclofenac and ketoprofen hold niche roles in musculoskeletal injury management, while natural-ingredient patches from Enokon create a small but visible frontier for chemical-free therapy seekers.

Market Share
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Technology: Matrix retains lead; microneedle systems surge

Matrix construction accounted for 48.41% of the non-opioid pain patch market share in 2024. Manufacturers prefer the format because it supports a wide range of APIs at reasonable production cost. Hospitals value the steady plasma levels delivered over 12-24 hours. 

Microneedle-enhanced patches post the highest growth at 7.12% CAGR, capitalizing on their ability to open microchannels that improve permeation of hydrophilic molecules like gabapentin. A 2024 carbon-master microneedle prototype raised delivery efficiency threefold compared with earlier metal units.[3]Source: Choi H.J. et al., “Microneedle Patch Casting Using a Micromachined Carbon Master for Enhanced Drug Delivery,” Sci Rep, nature.com Reservoir systems stay relevant in long-wear chronic treatment, and drug-in-adhesive sheets secure cosmetic appeal with ultra-thin designs. Smart pH-responsive microneedle arrays represent the next wave, adjusting dose to local inflammation levels.

By Indication (Pain Type): Neuropathic pain leads opportunities

Neuropathic disorders represented 37.31% of the non-opioid pain patch market size in 2024. Post-herpetic neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy remain the most common uses because they benefit from localized, sustained delivery. New guidelines in major oncology centers now recommend capsaicin patches against chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, expanding eligible patient pools. 

Cancer-associated pain posts a 6.81% CAGR and stands as the fastest-growing indication, fueled by longer cancer survival and a need to control neuropathic flares without opioids. Musculoskeletal pain retains a substantial share thanks to high sports injury rates, while postoperative pain scripts grow after hospitals adopt topical protocols to cut opioid days.

Market Share
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Distribution Channel: Retail leads, online disrupts

Retail pharmacies captured 44.87% of non-opioid pain patch market share in 2024, offering immediate access and pharmacist counseling. Chain stores run loyalty programs that bundle patches with heat wraps or topical gels to deepen wallet share. 

Online pharmacies grow at 7.32% CAGR as broadband coverage widens. Platforms showcase detailed video demos, ingredient lists, and user feedback that improve confidence among first-time buyers. Pain Relief Technologies markets its Kailo patch exclusively online, offering 60-day money-back guarantees and installment plans that lower entry cost. Hospital pharmacies continue to serve prescription-only formulations, especially for new neurological diagnoses, while omnichannel pilots link in-store pick-up with home-delivery autoship.

Geography Analysis

North America contributed 39.45% of 2024 revenue, reflecting widespread awareness of opioid addiction risks and generous payer coverage for topical analgesics. The 2025 NOPAIN Act funds non-opioid postoperative options, driving hospital uptake of capsaicin and lidocaine systems. U.S. FDA approvals of novel non-opioid treatments also boost clinician confidence FDA.

Asia Pacific posts the fastest regional CAGR at 7.87% through 2030. Japan’s super-aged society faces high rates of post-herpetic neuralgia, and reimbursement committees increasingly reimburse capsaicin 8% patches for long-term relief. In China and India growth hinges on price negotiation; domestic contract manufacturers prepare low-price generics that could widen access once global patents expire.

Europe holds a solid share with strong chronic-pain management frameworks but slower growth because the EMA demands extra skin-sensitization tests. Germany, the United Kingdom, and France incentivize e-prescriptions, easing digital pharmacy adoption. Latin America and the Middle East show moderate growth when private insurers reimburse branded patches in tier-one cities. Humid ASEAN climates challenge supply chains because high moisture shortens shelf life, prompting foil-laminated sachets and desiccant liners.

CAGR (%)
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Competitive Landscape

The non-opioid pain patch market shows moderate concentration. The key players of the market include Grünenthal, Scilex, Teva, Hisamitsu, and Endo. Grünenthal deepens penetration of its Qutenza capsaicin brand through co-promotion with Apotex in Canada, expanding formulary placements in hospital outpatient care. Scilex won share with ZTlido, a lidocaine 1.8% system that sticks through exercise and showering; retrospective claims data show 51.9% of users cut or stopped opioids within months.

Innovators pursue microneedle designs that support high-load gabapentin or combinations of lidocaine and menthol. Device-based entrants such as Kailo employ bioelectric fields rather than active drugs, yet still compete for the same consumer budgets. Midsize firms explore hybrid models that pair patches with digital companion apps for pain tracking and refill reminders.

White-space lies in advanced adhesion chemistries that tolerate perspiration, personalized dose packs based on digital pain diaries, and combination therapy that blends capsaicin with low-dose NSAIDs to attack multiple pain pathways. Cross-licensing and regional distribution deals are expected as multinational firms seek presence in high-growth APAC markets without building full infrastructure.

Non-opioid Pain Patch Industry Leaders

  1. Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co. Inc.

  2. Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.

  3. Veridian Healthcare

  4. Sanofi

  5. Endo International plc

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Non-opioid Pain Patch Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • April 2025: Grünenthal reported EUR 1.8 billion revenue, with Qutenza sales up 25% year on year.
  • October 2024: Scilex Holding Company began exploring a spinoff or public listing of Scilex Pharmaceuticals to unlock shareholder value .
  • April 2024: Grünenthal completed recruitment for a Phase III trial of Qutenza in postsurgical neuropathic pain; results are due Q4 2025.
  • January 2024: Pain Medicine News published real-world data showing ZTlido users cut opioid consumption more than those on 5% lidocaine patches.

Table of Contents for Non-opioid Pain Patch Industry Report

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Landscape

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Rising Burden of Pain-Related Disorders Worldwide
    • 4.2.2 Technological Advancements in Transdermal Drug-Delivery Platforms
    • 4.2.3 Growing Consumer Preference for OTC Topical Analgesics
    • 4.2.4 Expansion of E-commerce & Direct-to-Consumer Channels Enhancing Accessibility
    • 4.2.5 Regulatory & Payer Shift Toward Non-Opioid Analgesics Post-Opioid Crisis
    • 4.2.6 Surge in the Volume of Sports Injuries
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Price Sensitivity Versus Low-Cost Oral Analgesics in Emerging Economies
    • 4.3.2 Complex Regional Regulatory Hurdles for Transdermal Patch Safety & Skin Irritation
    • 4.3.3 Competitive Threat from Alternative Topical & Device-Based Non-Opioid Pain Therapies
    • 4.3.4 Humidity-Linked Shelf-life Issues Limiting ASEAN Distribution
  • 4.4 Supply-Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Outlook
  • 4.6 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.6.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.6.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.6.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. Market Size & Growth Forecasts (Value)

  • 5.1 By Patch Type
    • 5.1.1 Lidocaine Patches
    • 5.1.2 Diclofenac Patches
    • 5.1.3 Capsaicin Patches
    • 5.1.4 Ketoprofen Patches
    • 5.1.5 Other Patch Types
  • 5.2 By Technology
    • 5.2.1 Matrix Patches
    • 5.2.2 Reservoir Patches
    • 5.2.3 Drug-in-Adhesive Patches
    • 5.2.4 Microneedle-Enhanced Patches
  • 5.3 By Indication (Pain Type)
    • 5.3.1 Neuropathic Pain
    • 5.3.2 Musculoskeletal Pain
    • 5.3.3 Cancer-Associated Pain
    • 5.3.4 Others (Headache, Dental, Post-op)
  • 5.4 By Distribution Channel
    • 5.4.1 Hospital Pharmacies
    • 5.4.2 Retail Pharmacies
    • 5.4.3 Online Pharmacies
  • 5.5 By Geography
    • 5.5.1 North America
    • 5.5.1.1 United States
    • 5.5.1.2 Canada
    • 5.5.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.5.2 Europe
    • 5.5.2.1 Germany
    • 5.5.2.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.5.2.3 France
    • 5.5.2.4 Italy
    • 5.5.2.5 Spain
    • 5.5.2.6 Rest of Europe
    • 5.5.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.3.1 China
    • 5.5.3.2 Japan
    • 5.5.3.3 India
    • 5.5.3.4 Australia
    • 5.5.3.5 South Korea
    • 5.5.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.4 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.5.4.1 GCC
    • 5.5.4.2 South Africa
    • 5.5.4.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa
    • 5.5.5 South America
    • 5.5.5.1 Brazil
    • 5.5.5.2 Argentina
    • 5.5.5.3 Rest of South America

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.3 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products & Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.3.1 Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co. Inc.
    • 6.3.2 Endo International plc
    • 6.3.3 Scilex Pharmaceuticals (Sorrento Therapeutics)
    • 6.3.4 Teikoku Pharma USA / Teikoku Seiyaku Co.
    • 6.3.5 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
    • 6.3.6 Averitas Pharma (Grünenthal)
    • 6.3.7 GlaxoSmithKline plc
    • 6.3.8 Sanofi
    • 6.3.9 Mylan (Viatris)
    • 6.3.10 IBSA Institut Biochimique
    • 6.3.11 Sparsha Pharma International Pvt. Ltd.
    • 6.3.12 Veridian Healthcare
    • 6.3.13 Amneal Pharmaceuticals

7. Market Opportunities & Future Outlook

  • 7.1 White-space & Unmet-need Assessment
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Global Non-opioid Pain Patch Market Report Scope

As per the scope of the report, non-opioid pain patches are primarily used for pain relief. These patches release their medicine content through the skin surface and block the transmission of pain signals.

The non-opioid pain patch market is segmented by patch type, distribution channel, and geography. By patch type, the market is segmented as lidocaine patches, diclofenac patches, capsaicin patches, ketoprofen patches, and other patch types. By distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and other distribution channels. By geography, the market is segmented as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America. The report also covers the estimated market sizes and trends for 17 countries across major regions globally. The report offers the value (USD) for the above segments.

By Patch Type Lidocaine Patches
Diclofenac Patches
Capsaicin Patches
Ketoprofen Patches
Other Patch Types
By Technology Matrix Patches
Reservoir Patches
Drug-in-Adhesive Patches
Microneedle-Enhanced Patches
By Indication (Pain Type) Neuropathic Pain
Musculoskeletal Pain
Cancer-Associated Pain
Others (Headache, Dental, Post-op)
By Distribution Channel Hospital Pharmacies
Retail Pharmacies
Online Pharmacies
By Geography 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
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
By Patch Type
Lidocaine Patches
Diclofenac Patches
Capsaicin Patches
Ketoprofen Patches
Other Patch Types
By Technology
Matrix Patches
Reservoir Patches
Drug-in-Adhesive Patches
Microneedle-Enhanced Patches
By Indication (Pain Type)
Neuropathic Pain
Musculoskeletal Pain
Cancer-Associated Pain
Others (Headache, Dental, Post-op)
By Distribution Channel
Hospital Pharmacies
Retail Pharmacies
Online Pharmacies
By Geography
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
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

Which technology trend is most likely to reshape the non-opioid pain patch market over the next five years?

Microneedle-enhanced patches are set to redefine delivery efficiency by opening micro-channels in the skin that improve permeation of hydrophilic analgesics, extending wear time and reducing application frequency.

Why are capsaicin patches gaining momentum among clinicians treating neuropathic pain?

High-concentration capsaicin provides multi-month relief with a single application, giving physicians a non-systemic option for difficult-to-treat neuropathies such as post-herpetic neuralgia and chemotherapy-induced pain.

How is the rise of online pharmacies influencing competitive strategies for patch manufacturers?

Digital channels enable direct-to-consumer engagement, allowing brands to bundle education, subscription refills and targeted promotions that bypass traditional retail mark-ups.

What regulatory development in the United States is expected to accelerate hospital adoption of topical analgesic patches?

The NOPAIN Act mandates Medicare coverage for non-opioid pain alternatives in outpatient settings, prompting hospitals to integrate patches into perioperative pain protocols.

Which patient demographic is driving sustained demand for lidocaine-based patches?

Older adults, particularly those with co-morbidities that limit systemic NSAID use, prefer lidocaine patches for their favorable safety profile and minimal drug interactions.

Where do white-space opportunities exist for new entrants in this market?

Innovative combinations that unite multiple active ingredients or pair patches with mobile apps for personalized dosing offer untapped potential for differentiation.

Page last updated on: June 12, 2025

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