Trends Driving the over-the-Counter Drug Market

Abstract

There are three reasons why the worldwide market for over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals is growing. First, consumers understand and want to be involved in caring for their health. They demand more information about all forms of health care; as a result, patients are more knowledgeable. They have a better understanding of what medicines are for and how to use them. Second, the changing health care environment, particularly in the United States, will accelerate the pace of prescription-to-nonprescription drug switches. This is an attempt by governments to control rising medical costs. Third, regulatory agencies, including the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are facilitating the growth of OTC pharmaceuticals. Examples are advertising and patient information directives in the European Community that promote self-care, and the over-the-counter Drug Advisory Committee (ODAC) in the United States, with the goal of providing safe, effective OTC medicines to the public.