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United Kingdom OTC Drugs Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The United Kingdom OTC drugs market is projected to experience notable growth over the forecast period, driven by increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic and the government's encouragement of self-medication. The reclassification of certain medications to make them more accessible has further contributed to the expansion of the market. Additionally, the introduction of new products is expected to support market growth. However, challenges such as the potential for drug abuse and public awareness issues may impede this growth.

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Market Size of United Kingdom OTC Drugs Industry

United Kingdom OTC Drugs Market Summary
Study Period 2019-2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Market Size (2024) USD 4.83 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 6.13 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 4.86 %
Market Concentration Medium

Major Players

United Kingdom OTC Drugs Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

United Kingdom OTC Drugs Market Analysis

The United Kingdom OTC Drugs Market size is estimated at USD 4.83 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 6.13 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.86% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the United Kingdom's OTC drugs market. In the context of COVID-19, government organizations, research institutes, and many biotech and pharmaceutical firms were focused on effective and rapid technologies for the fast diagnosis of COVID-19 and the development of vaccines/new therapeutics for COVID-19. However, there was a rising demand for over-the-counter drugs during the pandemic, which drove the market growth. For instance, as per the report published by the Pharmaceutical Journal in April 2021, Lloyds Pharmacy stated that there was unprecedented demand for over-the-counter analgesics as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was expected to have significant growth in the market during the pandemic period. As COVID-19 cases decreased and supply chain problems were resolved, the demand for OTC medicines became stable or unpredictable over the coming years.

The presence of the key market players offering a wide range of over-the-counter products and companies' interest in developing and launching OTC drugs to gain a major market share are expected to drive market growth in the country. Furthermore, the government has encouraged self-medication by consumers, including the switch of classification of some medicines from “prescription-only” to “pharmacy,” where a product can be recommended and sold by a pharmacist without a prescription.

For instance, in April 2022, the government of the United Kingdom updated the list of new United Kingdom medicines reclassified from prescription-only medicine (POM) to pharmacy (P) medicine and P medicine to general sales list (GSL) medicine from 1991 to 31 March 2022. This increases the availability of OTC drugs in the country, which is expected to have significant growth in the market.

Moreover, new product launches are likely to drive market growth. For instance, in April 2022, Aquiette was made available to purchase from a pharmacy for treating overactive bladder (OAB) without a prescription in the United Kingdom. Hence, owing to the factors above, the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market is expected to have a notable growth rate in the United Kingdom during the forecast period.

However, the high probability of OTC drug abuse and the lack of awareness in the public is expected to hinder the market growth over the forecast period.

United Kingdom OTC Drugs Industry Segmentation

As per the scope, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are referred to as nonprescription drugs. Individuals can buy these medicines without a doctor's prescription, and they are safe for consumption without a doctor's consent. 

The United Kingdom OTC drugs market is segmented by product type (cough, cold, and flu products, analgesics, dermatology products, gastrointestinal products, and other product types), route of administration (oral, topical, and parenteral), and distribution channel (retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, and e-pharmacy). 

The report offers the value (in USD) for the above segments.

By Product Type
Cough, Cold, and Flu Products
Analgesics
Dermatology Products
Gastrointestinal Products
Other Product Types
By Route of Administration
Oral
Topical
Parenteral
By Distribution Channel
Retail Pharmacy
Hospital Pharmacy
E-Pharmacy
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United Kingdom OTC Drugs Market Size Summary

The United Kingdom OTC drugs market is poised for significant growth over the forecast period, driven by a combination of factors including increased consumer self-medication and strategic market expansions by key players. The market has shown resilience and adaptability, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which heightened the demand for OTC medications such as analgesics. This demand was fueled by the need for rapid and accessible healthcare solutions, as well as government initiatives to reclassify certain prescription-only medicines to pharmacy and general sales categories, thereby enhancing their availability. The presence of major pharmaceutical companies and their ongoing efforts to develop and launch new OTC products further contribute to the market's expansion. However, challenges such as the potential for OTC drug abuse and public awareness issues may pose obstacles to sustained growth.

The market's growth trajectory is also supported by the rising prevalence of chronic pain conditions and a growing geriatric population, which increase the demand for easily accessible OTC analgesics. The oral administration route remains the most favored due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness, further bolstering market demand. Strategic moves by companies, such as the demerger of consumer healthcare divisions, have allowed for a more focused approach on OTC products, enhancing market dynamics. Additionally, initiatives to raise awareness about the proper use of OTC medications are expected to drive market penetration. The fragmented nature of the market, with major players like Pfizer Inc, Bayer AG, and Haleon Group, underscores the competitive landscape, where strategic alliances and product innovations are key to maintaining market share.

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United Kingdom OTC Drugs Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Market Drivers

      1. 1.2.1 Increasing Self-medication

      2. 1.2.2 Increasing Number of Product Launches

    3. 1.3 Market Restraints

      1. 1.3.1 High Probability of OTC Drug Abuse and Lack of Awareness

    4. 1.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 1.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers

      3. 1.4.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 1.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size by Value – USD)

    1. 2.1 By Product Type

      1. 2.1.1 Cough, Cold, and Flu Products

      2. 2.1.2 Analgesics

      3. 2.1.3 Dermatology Products

      4. 2.1.4 Gastrointestinal Products

      5. 2.1.5 Other Product Types

    2. 2.2 By Route of Administration

      1. 2.2.1 Oral

      2. 2.2.2 Topical

      3. 2.2.3 Parenteral

    3. 2.3 By Distribution Channel

      1. 2.3.1 Retail Pharmacy

      2. 2.3.2 Hospital Pharmacy

      3. 2.3.3 E-Pharmacy

United Kingdom OTC Drugs Market Size FAQs

The United Kingdom OTC Drugs Market size is expected to reach USD 4.83 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.86% to reach USD 6.13 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the United Kingdom OTC Drugs Market size is expected to reach USD 4.83 billion.

United Kingdom OTC Drugs Market Report Snapshots

United Kingdom OTC Drugs Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)