GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Otc Industry Statistics

The OTC industry statistics show steady growth in revenue and market share due to increasing consumer demand for self-care products.

Highlights: Otc Industry Statistics

  • In 2020, the over-the-counter (OTC) drug market size was valued at approximately 148.9 billion U.S. dollars,
  • By 2027, the global OTC drugs market is predicted to reach 233.4 billion USD,
  • According to data from 2019, the US had the largest share of the OTC drug market globally, with over 31%,
  • The Asia Pacific OTC drugs market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2020 to 2027,
  • Around 81 percent of adults use OTC medicines as a first response to minor ailments in the United States,
  • The household penetration of OTC drugs in the United States stood at about 79.7% in 2020,
  • Pain relief products are the largest OTC category by market share in the US, accounting for 13.3% of the total OTC market,
  • OTC sales reached approximately 35.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2020 in the United States,
  • The retail sales of digestive remedies in Europe reached about 8.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2020,
  • Retail sales of OTC topical analgesics in Canada reached about 74.6 million Canadian dollars in 2020,
  • There was a 3.2% growth in the OTC market in Germany in 2019,
  • In 2020, self-care using OTC medicines provided $146 billion in savings annually for the U.S. healthcare system,
  • The skin treatment OTC product sales amounted to 4.4 billion U.S. dollars in the U.S. in 2019,
  • In 2019, the cough, cold, flu OTC drug sales in the U.S. amounted to about 3.18 billion U.S. dollars,
  • In 2019, China's OTC drugs market was valued at approximately USD 24.6 billion,
  • In 2019, the vitamin and dietary supplement category held almost 60% of the internet OTC drug sales in China,
  • The OTC market in Africa is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2020 to 2025,
  • In 2019, cardiologicals topped the list of top OTC pharmaceuticals, with a market share of about 20.8% in Russia,

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The Latest Otc Industry Statistics Explained

In 2020, the over-the-counter (OTC) drug market size was valued at approximately 148.9 billion U.S. dollars,

The statistic indicates that the total market size of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in 2020 was around $148.9 billion in the United States. This figure represents the combined value of all OTC medications sold directly to consumers without needing a prescription from a healthcare provider. The size of the OTC drug market is a significant metric for the pharmaceutical industry, reflecting the demand for self-care and non-prescription remedies among consumers for managing their health and well-being. The substantial market value highlights the importance of OTC drugs in providing accessible and affordable treatment options for various health conditions, contributing to the overall healthcare landscape and consumer choices.

By 2027, the global OTC drugs market is predicted to reach 233.4 billion USD,

The statistic suggests that the global over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market is expected to expand significantly by 2027, reaching a total value of 233.4 billion USD. This projection indicates substantial growth potential in the OTC pharmaceutical industry over the next few years. Factors contributing to this anticipated growth may include increased consumer demand for self-care options, advancements in healthcare technology making OTC drugs more accessible, and rising healthcare awareness leading to greater use of non-prescription medications. The predicted market value signifies the market’s economic importance and the opportunities it presents for both businesses and consumers worldwide.

According to data from 2019, the US had the largest share of the OTC drug market globally, with over 31%,

The statistic indicates that in 2019, the United States held the largest portion of the over-the-counter (OTC) drug market worldwide, accounting for more than 31% of total sales. This suggests that the US is a significant player in the global OTC drug industry and has a sizable consumer base for non-prescription medications. The high market share could be attributed to various factors such as the availability and accessibility of OTC drugs in the US, robust healthcare infrastructure, consumer preferences for self-medication, and perhaps a wider range of OTC products compared to other countries. This statistic highlights the importance of the US market in the OTC drug industry and its potential influence on global trends and developments in this sector.

The Asia Pacific OTC drugs market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2020 to 2027,

The statistic stating that the Asia Pacific over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2020 to 2027 indicates the projected average annual growth rate of the market during this period. This growth rate suggests a positive trend in the demand and consumption of OTC drugs in the Asia Pacific region, driven by factors such as increasing healthcare awareness, rising prevalence of self-medication practices, expanding access to healthcare services, and growing disposable income levels. The CAGR of 7.6% reflects a steady and significant growth trajectory, highlighting opportunities for market players to capitalize on the evolving healthcare landscape in the Asia Pacific region over the forecasted period.

Around 81 percent of adults use OTC medicines as a first response to minor ailments in the United States,

The statistic “Around 81 percent of adults use OTC medicines as a first response to minor ailments in the United States” indicates that a significant majority of adults in the country rely on over-the-counter medications when dealing with minor health issues. This high percentage highlights the widespread acceptance and accessibility of over-the-counter medicines as a convenient and immediate solution for common ailments. The statistic suggests that OTC medicines play a crucial role in self-care and symptom management for minor health problems among adults in the United States, potentially saving time and resources by providing quick relief without the need for a doctor’s visit or prescription medication.

The household penetration of OTC drugs in the United States stood at about 79.7% in 2020,

The household penetration of OTC (over-the-counter) drugs in the United States refers to the percentage of households within the country that purchased or used OTC medications in the year 2020. A household penetration rate of 79.7% indicates that the vast majority of households in the United States utilized OTC drugs during that timeframe. This statistic is significant as it highlights the widespread use and accessibility of non-prescription medications for treating common ailments and health conditions among the general population. It suggests that OTC drugs are a popular choice for individuals seeking relief from minor illnesses and health issues without necessarily requiring a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Pain relief products are the largest OTC category by market share in the US, accounting for 13.3% of the total OTC market,

The statistic stating that pain relief products are the largest over-the-counter (OTC) category by market share in the US, accounting for 13.3% of the total OTC market, indicates that pain relief products are the most commonly purchased OTC items by consumers in the United States. This market dominance highlights the widespread demand for remedies to alleviate pain and discomfort without needing a prescription. The significant market share held by pain relief products suggests that they play a crucial role in the healthcare choices of the American population and indicates a substantial opportunity for businesses operating in this sector to capitalize on consumer preferences and needs for pain management solutions.

OTC sales reached approximately 35.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2020 in the United States,

The statistic states that over-the-counter (OTC) sales in the United States amounted to approximately $35.2 billion in 2020. Over-the-counter products are medications and healthcare products that can be purchased without a prescription, such as pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, vitamins, and skincare products. The $35.2 billion figure represents the total revenue generated from the sales of these products across various retail outlets like pharmacies, supermarkets, and convenience stores. This statistic indicates a significant market size for OTC products in the U.S., reflecting consumer demand for accessible and affordable healthcare solutions outside of traditional medical settings.

The retail sales of digestive remedies in Europe reached about 8.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2020,

The statistic indicates that the revenue generated from the retail sales of digestive remedies in Europe amounted to approximately 8.7 billion U.S. dollars in the year 2020. This figure reflects the substantial market size and demand for products aimed at addressing digestive health issues within the European region. The high sales could suggest a prevalent need for digestive remedies among the population, possibly due to factors such as dietary habits, lifestyle choices, or health conditions. The significant sales value also underscores the economic impact and market opportunity within the digestive health industry in Europe.

Retail sales of OTC topical analgesics in Canada reached about 74.6 million Canadian dollars in 2020,

The statistic “Retail sales of OTC topical analgesics in Canada reached about 74.6 million Canadian dollars in 2020” indicates the total value of over-the-counter (OTC) topical analgesics that were sold through retail channels in Canada during the year 2020. This figure represents the total revenue generated from the sales of these pain-relief products to consumers without the need for a prescription. The substantial amount of 74.6 million Canadian dollars highlights the significant demand for OTC topical analgesics in the Canadian market and suggests that consumers rely on these products for managing various types of pain and discomfort. The statistic also reflects the size and importance of the market for topical analgesics in Canada’s healthcare industry and underscores the economic impact of such products on the retail sector.

There was a 3.2% growth in the OTC market in Germany in 2019,

The statistic “There was a 3.2% growth in the OTC market in Germany in 2019” indicates that the over-the-counter (OTC) market in Germany experienced an increase of 3.2% in its total value or sales compared to the previous year. This growth suggests that there was an expansion in the demand for non-prescription products, such as medications, health supplements, and personal care items, sold directly to consumers. The positive growth rate indicates a healthy market performance and potentially reflects an increase in consumer confidence, disposable income, or interest in self-care products within the German market during the specified year.

In 2020, self-care using OTC medicines provided $146 billion in savings annually for the U.S. healthcare system,

The statistic ‘In 2020, self-care using OTC medicines provided $146 billion in savings annually for the U.S. healthcare system’ indicates the significant cost-saving impact of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines on healthcare expenditures. Self-care practices, including the use of OTC medications for minor health issues, helped alleviate the burden on the healthcare system by reducing the need for doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations. This substantial amount of $146 billion underscores the economic benefits of empowering individuals to take charge of their own health through self-care strategies, ultimately contributing to more efficient healthcare resource allocation and improved overall public health outcomes.

The skin treatment OTC product sales amounted to 4.4 billion U.S. dollars in the U.S. in 2019,

The statistic indicates that sales of over-the-counter (OTC) skin treatment products reached a total of 4.4 billion U.S. dollars in the United States in the year 2019. This figure reflects the substantial market size and consumer demand for skincare products that can be purchased without a prescription. The significant sales value suggests a strong interest in skincare and beauty products among the U.S. population, highlighting the importance of the beauty and personal care industry within the country’s economy.

In 2019, the cough, cold, flu OTC drug sales in the U.S. amounted to about 3.18 billion U.S. dollars,

The statistic indicates that in 2019, over-the-counter (OTC) drug sales related to cough, cold, and flu treatments in the United States reached a total of approximately 3.18 billion U.S. dollars. This figure highlights the significant demand for medications aimed at treating common respiratory illnesses among the general population during that year. The sales amount reflects the substantial market size for these specific OTC medications, emphasizing the importance of managing symptoms associated with coughs, colds, and flu in the American healthcare landscape. The sizable expenditure on these drugs demonstrates the widespread usage and reliance on OTC treatments to alleviate symptoms and manage illnesses without the need for a prescription.

In 2019, China’s OTC drugs market was valued at approximately USD 24.6 billion,

The statistic indicates that in 2019, the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market in China had an estimated value of USD 24.6 billion. This figure represents the total monetary worth of OTC medications that were purchased and consumed by consumers without requiring a prescription from a healthcare professional. The significant market value reflects the demand for OTC drugs in China, possibly driven by factors such as increasing awareness of self-care, accessibility to OTC products, and the rising prevalence of minor health issues that can be managed with non-prescription medications. The robust OTC drugs market in China exemplifies a preference for self-medication and easy access to healthcare products among the population.

In 2019, the vitamin and dietary supplement category held almost 60% of the internet OTC drug sales in China,

The statistic indicates that in 2019, the vitamin and dietary supplement category accounted for nearly 60% of the total online over-the-counter (OTC) drug sales in China. This suggests a significant consumer demand for vitamins and dietary supplements in the online market. The high market share of this category compared to other OTC drugs may be attributed to factors such as increasing health consciousness among Chinese consumers, growing awareness about the benefits of vitamins and supplements, and the convenience of purchasing such products online. This statistic highlights the strong presence and popularity of vitamin and dietary supplements in the online OTC drug market in China, emphasizing the importance of this category in the country’s healthcare and wellness industry.

The OTC market in Africa is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2020 to 2025,

This statistic indicates that the over-the-counter (OTC) market in Africa is forecasted to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from the year 2020 to 2025. A CAGR represents the year-over-year growth rate of an investment or market, assuming that the growth happens at a steady pace over the specified period. In this case, the OTC market in Africa is projected to expand at a consistent rate of 7.1% annually for the next five years. This signifies an optimistic outlook for the OTC market in Africa, suggesting increasing demand for over-the-counter products and potentially improving economic conditions within the region during this period.

In 2019, cardiologicals topped the list of top OTC pharmaceuticals, with a market share of about 20.8% in Russia,

The statistic indicates that in 2019, cardiological medications were the most commonly purchased over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals in Russia, accounting for approximately 20.8% of the market share. This suggests that a significant proportion of consumers in Russia purchased cardiological medications without a prescription, emphasizing the perceived importance and demand for these products in managing heart-related conditions. The high market share for cardiologicals implies that these medications are widely used and hold a prominent position in the OTC pharmaceutical market within Russia, showcasing the prevalence of heart-related health concerns among the population, as well as the popularity and effectiveness of these particular medications in addressing such issues.

References

0. – https://www.www.chpa.org

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.www.mordorintelligence.com

3. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

4. – https://www.www.researchandmarkets.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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