India Seizes Opportunities for Instant Relief Amid Challenges
India’s pain relief market is experiencing remarkable growth, projected to reach nearly Rs 16,000 crore as consumers increasingly turn to over-the-counter (OTC) medications for everyday discomfort. Recent Nielsen data reveals that this segment has expanded by over a billion dollars in the past five years, making it the largest category in the non-prescription market. The surge in demand has led to the launch of approximately five new pain relief brands each week since the pandemic began, with the total number of brands skyrocketing from 1,552 in 2020 to 2,771 today.
Explosive Growth in Pain Relief Products
The pain relief segment, particularly in urban areas, is largely influenced by lifestyle changes, including gym injuries and sports-related strains. The market for analgesics and rubefacients has more than doubled, growing from Rs 6,820 crore in May 2020 to an anticipated Rs 15,905 crore by May 2025. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18%, significantly outpacing the broader OTC market, which has grown at a 6% CAGR to reach Rs 80,000 crore. Analgesics, which account for 75% of the pain management category, are dominated by paracetamol, according to PharmaTrac data. Sandeep Verma, head of Bayer Pharmaceuticals’ consumer health business for South Asia, noted a shift in perception regarding pain relief medication since the Covid-19 pandemic. Many individuals now recognize that stress and recurring pain can impact their overall well-being and productivity.
Addressing Chronic Pain and Lifestyle Ailments
Experts indicate that pain medications are increasingly utilized for a broader range of issues, including inflammation and related conditions. The analgesic segment, primarily driven by paracetamol, has been growing steadily at a rate of 10%. This growth is attributed to the use of paracetamol in conjunction with other health issues, such as arthritis and infections. Nitin Kumar Sinha, a consultant physician at WeCare Wellness in Mumbai, attributes the rise in pain-related complaints to lifestyle factors, including lack of exercise and increased body weight, which can lead to joint pain and headaches. However, he cautions that the rise in self-medication poses serious risks, including potential kidney damage from prolonged use of painkillers. Popular medications in this category include IPCA’s Zerodol SP, Janssen’s Ultracet, and Cipla’s Ibugesic Plus, many of which are typically prescription drugs.
Surge in Demand for Dermatological Products
The trend of self-medication extends beyond pain relief, with a notable increase in the demand for dermatological creams, especially among younger consumers. Bhanu Prakash, a partner and healthcare services industry leader at Grant Thornton, highlights that the OTC segment has expanded post-Covid due to increased awareness about various health categories, including anti-allergic medications and skin treatments. Dermatological products, which address skin and scalp issues, have become the second-largest non-prescription category, growing at a CAGR of 8% over the past five years to reach a market size of Rs 14,854 crore. This shift reflects a broader trend of consumers seeking accessible and convenient healthcare solutions without the need for prescriptions.
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