The Europe OTC drug and dietary supplement market was valued at US$ 85,835.9 million in 2019 and is projected to reach US$ 141,676.3 million by 2027; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% during 2020–2027.
The growth of the OTC drug and dietary supplement market in Europe is mainly attributed to the factors such as rising general health issues, and preference of OTC drugs. However, stringent government regulation for OTC drugs is the major factor hindering the market growth.
Over the counter (OTC) drugs are available for the public for their general use. These drugs do not require a prescription from a physician. OTC medicines are available for various medical conditions such as coughs and colds, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, acne, and pain. On the other hand, dietary supplements are available over the counter for fitness purposes. Whereas, in some cases, when a person is critically ill or requires treatment, then buying a dietary supplement with medicinal ingredients require a prescription from a physician. These OTC drugs and dietary supplements are of two types: branded and generic.
People nowadays are aware of general health issues such as cold, cough, allergies, fever, pain, acidity, diarrhea, and skin-related conditions. Moreover, people are focused on having healthy lifestyle and avoiding the consumption of junk food that leads to lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Growing preference toward maintaining the healthy lifestyle also leads to the consumption of weight-loss products and dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and supplements. Increasing exposure to internet has resulted in easy access to dietary supplements and over the counter (OTC) drugs to consumers, at affordable prices.
Government and consumers' mounting pressure on reducing price would help accelerate the prescription to OTC (Rx-to-OTC) transition. There is widespread support for OTC usage among physicians for fever, cold/cough, and other minor ailments; beyond that, the physicians do have some reservations. Although there are generic prescription medications that are cheaper than OTC drugs, most of the OTC drugs are cheaper than prescription drugs. .
As the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing in the European countries, the purchase of dietary supplement and vitamins has been significantly increased. People are buying these products to increase immunity and combat the spread of COVID-19.
Based on product, the OTC drug and dietary supplement market is segmented into analgesics, cough and cold products, vitamins and dietary supplements, gastrointestinal products, antacids, ophthalmic products, sleep aids, oral care products, feminine care, and others. The analgesics segment held the largest share of the market in 2019; however, the market for vitamins and dietary supplements is estimated grow at the highest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
Based on type, the market is segmented into generic and branded. Based on form, the market is segmented into tablets, capsules, powders, liquid, ointments, and others. Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital and retail pharmacies, retail stores, online channels, and others.
The World Health Organization (WHO), European Pharmacy Network, National Center for Biotechnology Information, along with company websites are among the major primary and secondary sources referred for preparing this report.