Germany OTC Drug Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Formulation Type (Tablets, Liquids, Ointments, and Sprays), By Product Type (Dermatology Products, Cough, Cold, and Flu Products, Vitamins, Mineral & Supplements, Gastrointestinal Products, and Other Product Types), By Distribution Channel (Hospitals, Retail, and Online Pharmacies), and Germany OTC Drug Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2033

Germany OTC Drug Market Size Insights Forecasts to 2033

• The Germany OTC Drug Market Size was valued at USD 8.75 Billion in 2023.
• The Market is Growing at a CAGR of 4.16% from 2023 to 2033
• The Germany OTC Drug Market Size is Expected to reach USD 13.15 Billion by 2033

The Germany OTC Drug Market Size is Anticipated to Exceed USD 13.15 Billion by 2033, Growing at a CAGR of 4.16% from 2023 to 2033. The increasing focus on switching from Rx to OTC drugs and self-medication among the general population are driving the OTC drug market in the Germany.     

Market Overview

OTC drug market refers to the market for non-prescription drugs, treatments, and healthcare products that are available directly to consumers without a prescription. OTC drug is also known as non-prescription medicines, used for treating a variety of illnesses and their symptoms including pain, coughs and colds, diarrhea, constipation, acne, and others. The increasing use of self-medication is the key factor contributing to the market growth of OTC drug. Further, the factors such as switch from prescription drugs (Rx) to OTC, citing lower costs, and increasing product launches for OTC drugs are propelling the market. The widespread use of OTC medications has been linked to significant cost savings for healthcare providers. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases including diabetes, driving demand for OTC drug, thereby offering lucrative market growth opportunities.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the Germany OTC drug market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the Germany OTC drug market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the Germany OTC drug market.

Driving Factors

The growing emphasis on switching from Rx to OTC drugs is propelling the market. During the period of 2006 to 2015, seven drugs named almotriptan, omeprazole, benzydamine, ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine, racecadotril, ketotifen, and levonorgestrel were switched from Rx to OTC status in Germany. Further, the increasing self-medication among the general population is propelling the OTC drug market. As per the study, the self-medication use of highly prevalent in Germany especially among children and adolescents from families with a higher socioeconomic status.

Restraining Factors

The incorrect self-diagnosis and increased probability of OTC drug abuse are challenging the OTC drug market.

Market Segmentation

The Germany OTC Drug Market share is classified into formulation type, product type, and distribution channel.

• The tablets segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The Germany OTC drug market is segmented by formulation type into tablets, liquids, ointments, and sprays. Among these, the tablets segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Tablet is the most familiar form of medication which is convenient and user-friendly for consumers. The preferable use of tablets due to their ease of administration, accurate dosage, and portability is driving the market in the tablets segment.

• The cough, cold, and flu products segment dominated the Germany OTC drug market in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR growth during the projected timeframe.

Based on the product type, the Germany OTC drug market is divided into dermatology products, cough, cold, and flu products, vitamins, mineral & supplements, gastrointestinal products, and other product types. Among these, the cough, cold, and flu products segment dominated the Germany OTC drug market in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR growth during the projected timeframe. The segment includes decongestants, cough syrups, and pain relievers drugs. The high incidence of colds caused by rhinovirus is responsible for propelling the market demand for OTC drug.

• The retail segment dominated the market with the largest market share in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast timeframe.

 Based on the distribution channel, the Germany OTC drug market is divided into hospitals, retail, and online pharmacies. Among these, the retail segment dominated the market with the largest market share in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast timeframe. Retail distribution channels include pharmacies, groceries, and online pharmacies that have accessibility to OTC drugs. The advancements in telehealth infrastructure are bolstering the market growth in the retail segment.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the Germany OTC drug market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Astrazeneca PLC
• Bayer
• Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Cardinal Health
• Haleon Group of Companies
• Johnson and Johnso
• Leo Pharma AS
• Procter & Gamble ( Merck & Co.)
• Novartis AG
• Pfizer Inc.
• Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC
• Sanofi SA
• Takeda Pharamaceutical Company Ltd.
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting And Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent Developments

• In July 2022, GSK plc completed the demerger of the Consumer Healthcare business from the GSK Group to form the Haleon Group.
• In February 2022, German-based beauty retailer Douglas made another step towards the increased digitalization of its business model with the acquisition of the Dutch online pharmacy Disapo.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at Germany, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the Germany OTC Drug Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Germany OTC Drug Market, By Formulation Type

• Tablets
• Liquids
• Ointments
• Sprays

Germany OTC Drug Market, By Product Type  

• Dermatology Products
• Cough, Cold, and Flu Products
• Vitamins
• Mineral & Supplements
• Gastrointestinal Products
• Other Product Types

Germany OTC Drug Market, By Distribution Channel   

• Hospitals
• Retail
• Online Pharmacies