Irish Pharmacy News has been working with data analysts IQVIA for over nine years in compiling and bringing this information to our readers, pharmacy professionals of Ireland. The Top 100 data is collated each year and summarises activity from May ‘23 to April ‘24. IQVIA uses data, technology, advanced analytics, and expertise to help customers across healthcare drive health forward. For many of these customers, having an accurate, timely view of product performance is critical to ensuring they are improving both business and patient outcomes.
The Top 100 Over the Counter (OTC) Market Report is based on the total value of wholesale sales for OTC products into retail pharmacy over the course of the previous 12 months to April 2024 (May 2023- April 2024).
In looking at this years’ data, General Manager of IQVIA, Gwynne Morley told us “The five major OTC categories (including Pain Relief, Cough, Cold and Respiratory products (CCR), Vitamins and Minerals, Digestive Health, and Habit Treatment) account for ¤450 million1 of the total value.
“Unlike other markets, Cough, Cold and Respiratory Products (CCR) is the second largest category in the Irish OTC market – Pain Relief continues to be the most consumed category in Ireland, valued at ¤157 million MAT April 2024 versus ¤106 million MAT April 2024 for CCR1. This category declined by 2% in 2023 versus double digit growth of 10% in 2021 , contributing to Ireland’s significantly lower sales value growth versus global sales value growth levels.”
Reflecting on the growth of self-care, she adds, “The COVID-19 pandemic certainly accelerated the trend to greater self-care and personal health management due to safety concerns and limited in-person medical consultations at that time.
“Self-care is also the future, with consumers worldwide desiring more access to healthcare, and more control over their own care, while governments and payors look to reduce costs by encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles and self manage more conditions when safe to do so. Consumer health products are pivotal in facilitating efficient self-care. These products empower individuals to proactively manage their health, address minor health issues promptly, monitor chronic conditions, and help cultivate a health-conscious society and alleviate the burden on healthcare systems.”
Gwynne also highlights that as technology continues to evolve, “E-Commerce is likely to play an increasingly significant role in shaping how consumers interact with and purchase OTC healthcare products.”
*Disclaimer: Please note that the six year comparison listed opposite details a range from Jan-April for the years 2019-24 and from JanMay for 2024. These, along with other comparisons with previous years, may include brands and categories whose classification may have changed over that period. The IPN/IQVIA Top 100 OTC products and the method of its collation evolves with the pharmacy.
Read more on the Top 100 in IPN August 2024
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