UK Over The Counter (OTC) Pharmaceuticals Market Analysis

UK Over The Counter (OTC) Pharmaceuticals Market Analysis


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The UK over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals market size was valued at $3575 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 3.54% from 2022 to 2030 and will reach $4722.2 Mn in 2030. OTC are non-prescription medications and are a vital component of the healthcare system, offering consumers accessible solutions for a wide range of common health issues. The market is segmented by product type and distribution channel. The key market players are Johnson and Johnson Services Inc (USA), Bayer AG (Germany), Novartis AG (Switzerland) and others.

ID: IN10GBON004 CATEGORY: OTC & Nutraceuticals GEOGRAPHY: UK

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UK OTC Pharmaceutical Market Executive Summary

The UK over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals market size was valued at $3575 Mn in 2022 and is estimated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.54% from 2022 to 2030 and will reach $4722.2 Mn in 2030. OTC refers to over-the-counter (OTC) tablets, which are non-prescription drugs that can be acquired without a prescription. These medications are safe when taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional. The market for these medications is expanding due to rising public awareness of general health issues and technological advancements in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

Additionally, a rising trend among people to use OTC medications for minor illnesses aids in the expansion of the medication market during the projection period.

UK Over The Counter (OTC) Pharmaceuticals Market Analysis

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers Analysis

The number of elderly or senior citizens is significantly increasing. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2050, there will be an additional 1.5 billion people who are 65 or older. It is anticipated that the number will increase in developing nations including China, Japan, India, and South Korea. Health issues affecting the elderly population include cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. They must take better care of their health. As a result, patients need medications at specific intervals. Elderly folks occasionally purchase medications without a prescription. As a result, the forecasted rise of the OTC medicine market is being driven by the rising geriatric population.

The coronavirus outbreak has altered consumption patterns. The market for these medications has seen new growth potential as a result. People were unaware of the causes of the common cold and cough until around ten years ago. But following the pandemic, individuals have realized how important good health is. Many customers are aware of the medications that can be used to treat particular medical conditions. As a result, the market for OTC pharmaceuticals is expected to rise throughout the forecast period due to growing awareness of general health issues.

Market Restraints

The over-the-counter (OTC) medications are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. People who are uninformed about drugs and medications frequently take medications without first contacting a doctor or other healthcare provider. Consumer health may suffer as a result of this. The effects of this action may potentially put pharmacies and drug stores in danger. People have been known to pass away after taking the incorrect pills or medications on numerous occasions. These medications ought to be outlawed to prevent similar occurrences. As a result, during the projection period, the threat to human life will operate as a restraint on the expansion of the OTC medicine industry.

In some places, the sale of OTC medications is prohibited. To do this, a set of regulations and laws must be obeyed. These medications are not allowed to be sold due to regulations that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put in place. The sale of these medicines is prohibited in many developed nations. As a result, during the projection period, the OTC medicine market would face significant obstacles from the government's strict restrictions.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

  • Johnson and Johnson Services Inc (USA)
  • Bayer AG (Germany)
  • Novartis AG (Switzerland)
  • Sanofi (France)
  • Pfizer (USA)
  • GlaxoSmithKline Plc (UK)
  • Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH (Germany)
  • Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc (UK)
  • Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Tokyo)

Key Pricing Trends

  1. Inflation: Inflation is a general increase in prices and a decrease in the purchasing power of money. This can lead to higher prices for OTC medicines.
  2. Exchange Rates: The exchange rate between the US dollar and the local currency can also affect the prices of OTC medicines. When the US dollar is strong, it makes OTC medicines more expensive in the Middle East
  3. Government Regulations: Governments in the Middle East often regulate the prices of OTC medicines. This can help to control the cost of these medicines for consumers
  4. Brand name vs. Generic: Brand name OTC medicines are typically more expensive than generic medicines. However, generic medicines are often just as effective as brand-name medicines
  5. Online vs. Offline: OTC medicines can be purchased online or offline. Online prices are often lower than offline prices

1. Executive Summary
1.1 Product Overview
1.2 Global Scenario
1.3 Country Overview
1.4 Healthcare Scenario in Country
1.5 Government Regulation in Country
1.6 Recent Developments in the Country

2. Market Size and Forecasting
2.1 Epidemiology of Disease
2.2 Market Size (With Excel and Methodology)
2.3 Market Segmentation (Check all Segments in Segmentation Section)

3. Market Dynamics
3.1 Market Drivers
3.2 Market Restraints

4. Competitive Landscape
4.1 Major Market Share

4.2 Key Company Profile (Check all Companies in the Summary Section)

4.2.1 Company
4.2.1.1 Overview
4.2.1.2 Product Applications and Services
4.2.1.3 Recent Developments
4.2.1.4 Partnerships Ecosystem
4.2.1.5 Financials (Based on Availability)

5. Reimbursement Scenario
5.1 Reimbursement Regulation

6. Methodology and Scope

UK OTC Pharmaceutical Market Segmentation

By Product Type

  • Pain Relievers
  • Anti-allergic
  • Gastrointestinal Drugs
  • Vitamins and Minerals
  • Cough and Cold Remedies
  • Others

By Distribution Channel

  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Online Pharmacies
  • Drug Stores

Methodology for Database Creation

Our database offers a comprehensive list of healthcare centers, meticulously curated to provide detailed information on a wide range of specialties and services. It includes top-tier hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic facilities across 30 countries and 24 specialties, ensuring users can find the healthcare services they need.​

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How Do We Get It?

Our database is created and maintained through a combination of secondary and primary research methodologies.

1. Secondary Research

With many years of experience in the healthcare field, we have our own rich proprietary data from various past projects. This historical data serves as the foundation for our database. Our continuous process of gathering data involves:

  • Analyzing historical proprietary data collected from multiple projects.
  • Regularly updating our existing data sets with new findings and trends.
  • Ensuring data consistency and accuracy through rigorous validation processes.

With extensive experience in the field, we have developed a proprietary GenAI-based technology that is uniquely tailored to our organization. This advanced technology enables us to scan a wide array of relevant information sources across the internet. Our data-gathering process includes:

  • Searching through academic conferences, published research, citations, and social media platforms
  • Collecting and compiling diverse data to build a comprehensive and detailed database
  • Continuously updating our database with new information to ensure its relevance and accuracy

2. Primary Research

To complement and validate our secondary data, we engage in primary research through local tie-ups and partnerships. This process involves:

  • Collaborating with local healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics to gather real-time data.
  • Conducting surveys, interviews, and field studies to collect fresh data directly from the source.
  • Continuously refreshing our database to ensure that the information remains current and reliable.
  • Validating secondary data through cross-referencing with primary data to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Combining Secondary and Primary Research

By integrating both secondary and primary research methodologies, we ensure that our database is comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date. The combined process involves:

  • Merging historical data from secondary research with real-time data from primary research.
  • Conducting thorough data validation and cleansing to remove inconsistencies and errors.
  • Organizing data into a structured format that is easily accessible and usable for various applications.
  • Continuously monitoring and updating the database to reflect the latest developments and trends in the healthcare field.

Through this meticulous process, we create a final database tailored to each region and domain within the healthcare industry. This approach ensures that our clients receive reliable and relevant data, empowering them to make informed decisions and drive innovation in their respective fields.

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Last updated on: 10 November 2023
Updated by: Shivam Zalke

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