Consumer Health in 2025: The big picture
The consumer health market in Uruguay is poised for continued growth in current value terms in 2025, albeit at a slower pace than in 2024, when the country rebounded from the Argentine crisis. The appreciation of Argentina’s official exchange rate is reducing cross-border shopping, which together with ongoing growth in employment and wages, is helping sustain demand. However, inflation continues to place upward pressure on prices, which is encouraging greater price sensitivity among consumers. Meanwhile, despite the transition from former president Luis Lacalle Pou to Yamandú Orsi in March 2025, moving from a pro-market government to the left-leaning Frente Amplio coalition, significant policy changes are not expected in the short term.
Key trends in 2025
Consumer interest in health and wellbeing continues to grow, with a particular focus on preventative health measures. Dietary supplements targeting digestive health, especially probiotics, is set to be the fastest-growing category in consumer health in 2025. Growth is being driven by both increased laboratory investment and rising consumer awareness of probiotics’ multiple health benefits, including support for inflammatory bowel diseases, intestinal and vaginal infections, allergies, and asthma in children. While probiotics are particularly effective in addressing diarrhoea and constipation, their broader preventative appeal is contributing to the category’s expansion.
Competitive landscape
Megalabs SA remains the leading consumer health company in Uruguay by value in 2025, supported by a broad portfolio of brands including Ciruelax, Abrilar, Xiluet, Mega Omega-3, and Micolis across digestive remedies, herbal/traditional products, weight-loss supplements, dietary supplements, and dermatologicals. Founded in 1991 and once partially owned by Uruguayan Roemmers, Megalabs has expanded through numerous acquisitions, including Spefar (2016), Celsius (2018) and Haymann (2020) and most recently, Laboratorios Dispert, which produces medicines, dietary supplements, and weight-loss products such as Ozempic.
Channel developments
Pharmacies remains the largest distribution channel for consumer health products in Uruguay. The former government limited pharmacy chain expansion to a maximum of 15 locations to prevent market concentration, with the exceptions of Farmashop and San Roque, which were allowed to maintain a larger number of stores to avoid forcing a divestment. Farmashop, which operates 98 stores across Montevideo and the interior, was acquired by the Linzor Partners II Fund in 2024, after a proposed acquisition by Argentina’s Farmacity did not proceed. San Roque, part of Corporación América, has 45 stores nationwide. Also noteworthy is the entry of Argentina’s Farmacity into Uruguay in 2023, with the company planning to operate up to 15 stores. Its strategy focuses on associative models that integrate with existing market players.
What next for consumer health?
Consumer health in Uruguay is expected to register moderate growth in constant value terms (at 2025 prices) over the forecast period, following the political transition to a new president, Yamandú Orsi, in March 2025, However, the shift from Luis Lacalle Pou’s pro-market administration to the left-leaning Frente Amplio coalition is not expected to drive significant policy changes in the consumer health market in the short term.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Consumer Health industry in Uruguay with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Analgesics
- Cough, Cold and Allergy Remedies
- Digestive Remedies
- Dermatologicals
- NRT Smoking Cessation Aids
- Sleep Aids
- Eye Care
- Wound Care
- Vitamins
- Dietary Supplements
- Weight Management
- Sports Nutrition
- Herbal/Traditional Products
- Paediatric Consumer Health
If you're in the Consumer Health industry in Uruguay, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Consumer Health in Uruguay report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Consumer Health in Uruguay?
- Which are the leading brands in Consumer Health in Uruguay?
- How are products distributed in Consumer Health in Uruguay?
- How has the regulatory and operating environment for Consumer Health changed in Uruguay?
- How are considerations such as stress, self-medication and shifting consumer lifestyles shaping demand for Consumer Health
- How significant are wider health concerns and consumer awareness in determining sales?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Consumer Health in Uruguay
Consumer Health in 2025: The big picture
Key trends in 2025
Competitive landscape
Channel developments
What next for consumer health?
OTC registration and classification
Vitamins and dietary supplements registration and classification
Self-medication/self-care and preventive medicine
Switches
DISCLAIMER
DEFINITIONS
Analgesics in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Improved performance as cross-border purchases decline
Gramon Bago Uruguay retains leadership, underpinned by wide portfolio and investment in new product development
Pharmacies control sales while e-commerce gains share
Dengue outbreak may boost demand for acetaminophen
Herbal/traditional products may benefit from growing interest in natural alternatives
E-commerce presents opportunities to boost analgesic consumption
Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Affordable medicated confectionery leads growth
CAS Uruguay SA dominates sales
Pharmacies capture lion’s share of sales, as online channels gain ground
Market will maintain steady growth
Rising incidence of allergies, driven by changing rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations
Local and international pharmacies will maintain key role
Dermatologicals in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Dermatologicals see healthy growth due to impact of climate change and cross-border price dynamics
Megalabs continues to lead sales
Pharmacies dominate while online channels gain strength
Dermatologicals poised for further growth
Sustainability could be key driver in dermatologicals
Omnichannel approach will be key to future growth
Digestive Remedies in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Digestive remedies see further growth, driven by changing dietary habits
Megalabs leads through broad product portfolio and strong distribution
Pharmacies remain dominant amid steep rise in online sales
Digestive remedies will retain important role, driven by laxatives and antacids
Herbal digestive remedies will benefit from shift towards natural offerings
Online sales will continue to grow, driven by affordability and convenience
Wound Care in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Wound care sales rise for second consecutive year, as small-scale smuggling declines
Johnson & Johnson leads with Band-Aid amid growing competition from lower-priced alternatives
Pharmacies capture bulk of sales but lose ground to e-commerce
Slower growth in face of negative demographic trends
Opportunity for emerging brands in a price sensitive market
Online sales presence will prove vital
Sports Nutrition in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Sports nutrition maintains growth amid supply constraints
Edatir leads fragmented market
Pharmacies lose ground to e-commerce and specialist stores
Further growth expected, driven by a widening consumer base
Prices hikes and protein shortages may hinder growth
Non-protein offerings will see fastest growth, driven by increased endorsement of creatine by key opinion leaders
Dietary Supplements in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Robust growth in 2025, with probiotics leading the way
Megalabs SA strengthens leadership through Quelat portfolio acquisition
Pharmacies leads sales despite intensified competition from direct sellers and e-commerce
Dietary supplements to continue growing as consumers embrace preventive health
Probiotics and new magnesium options may fuel additional growth
Demand for protein supplements will be driven by older consumers
Vitamins in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Sales continue to grow, albeit at slower pace, due to supply constraints
Bayer SA Uruguay reinforces its presence while Abbott Laboratorios loses ground
Pharmacies lose ground against rise of direct sellers, supermarkets and e-commerce
Sales to increase, driven by rising interest in preventive health
Direct sellers poised to gain momentum through affordability and personalised service
E-commerce will offer consumers greater choice, more detailed information and convenience
Weight Management and Wellbeing in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Expanding consumer base drives continued growth
Abbott consolidates its lead on back of increased investment in Ensure
Direct sellers retain importance while grocery retailers gain ground
Direct sellers expected to embrace multi-channel strategies to regain lost ground
GLP-1 slimming drugs may pose challenge to traditional weight loss supplements
New formulations with natural ingredients may see increasing demand
Herbal/Traditional Products in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Robust growth, driven by preventive health trends
Megalabs maintains a comfortable lead
Pharmacies’ strong presence is challenged by direct sellers
Further growth expected as consumers seek chemical-free products
Ageing population will continue to drive adoption
Sustainability will be become major driver of impulse sales
Paediatric Consumer Health in Uruguay
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Further growth in 2025, driven by rising local players and preventive health trends
Bayer gains ground in vitamins
Pharmacies retain dominant presence
Low birth rate in Uruguay could present threat to further growth
Rising focus on paediatric health could boost market potential
Generics will continue to target lower-income consumers
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Consumer Health
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- Adult Mouth Care
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- Adult Acetaminophen
- Adult Aspirin
- Adult Combination Products - Analgesics
- Adult Diclofenac
- Adult Dipyrone
- Adult Ibuprofen
- Adult Ketoprofen
- Adult Naproxen
- Adult OTC Triptans
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- Paediatric Acetaminophen
- Paediatric Aspirin
- Paediatric Combination Products - Analgesics
- Paediatric Dipyrone
- Paediatric Ibuprofen
- Paediatric Naproxen
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- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Combination Products - Analgesics
- Diclofenac
- Dipyrone
- Ibuprofen
- Ketoprofen
- Naproxen
- OTC Triptans
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- Topical Analgesics/Anaesthetic
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- Sleep Aids
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- Antihistamines/Allergy Remedies (Systemic)
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- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Paediatric Cough/Cold Remedies
- Combination Products - Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies
- Cough Remedies
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- Nasal Sprays
- Oral Decongestants
- Inhalant Decongestants
- Decongestant Rubs
- Nasal Decongestant Drops
- Nasal Decongestant Plasters
- Medicated Confectionery
- Pharyngeal Preparations
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- Medicated Shampoos
- Topical Antifungals
- Vaginal Antifungals
- Hair Loss Treatments
- Nappy (Diaper) Rash Treatments
- Antiparasitics/Lice (Head and Body) Treatments
- Antipruritics
- Cold Sore Treatments
- Haemorrhoid Treatments
- Paediatric Dermatologicals
- Topical Allergy Remedies/Antihistamines
- Topical Germicidals/Antiseptics
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- Paediatric Diarrhoeal Remedies
- Paediatric Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies
- Paediatric Laxatives
- Paediatric Motion Sickness Remedies
- Diarrhoeal Remedies
- IBS Treatments
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- Antacids
- Antiflatulents
- Digestive Enzymes
- H2 Blockers
- Proton Pump Inhibitors
- Laxatives
- Motion Sickness Remedies
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- Emergency Contraception
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- Allergy Eye Care
- Standard Eye Care
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- NRT Gum
- NRT Inhalators
- NRT Lozenges
- NRT Patches
- Other NRT
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- First Aid Kits
- Gauze, Tape and Other Wound Care
- Sticking Plasters/Adhesive Bandages
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- Protein/Energy Bars
- Sports Protein Powder
- Sports Protein RTD
- Sports Non-Protein Products
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- Combination Dietary Supplements
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- Aloe
- Combination Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Cranberry
- Echinacea
- Evening Primrose Oil
- Garlic
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginseng
- St John's Wort
- Other Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
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- Co-Enzyme Q10
- Combination Non-Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Eye Health Supplements
- Fish Oils/Omega Fatty Acids
- Glucosamine
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- Calcium Supplements
- Mineral Supplements
- Probiotic Supplements
- Protein Supplements
- Other Non-Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Paediatric Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
- Tonics
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- Multivitamins
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- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Other Single Vitamins
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- Meal Replacement
- OTC Obesity
- Slimming Teas
- Supplement Nutrition Drinks
- Weight Loss Supplements
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- Herbal/Traditional Topical Analgesics
- Herbal/Traditional Sleep Aids
- Herbal/Traditional Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies
- Herbal/Traditional Digestive Remedies
- Herbal/Traditional Dermatologicals
- Herbal/Traditional Paediatric Dietary Supplements
- Herbal/Traditional Dietary Supplements
- Herbal/Traditional Tonics
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- Allergy Eye Care
- Antihistamines/Allergy Remedies (Systemic)
- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Topical Allergy Remedies/Antihistamines
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- Paediatric Acetaminophen
- Paediatric Aspirin
- Paediatric Combination Products - Analgesics
- Paediatric Dipyrone
- Paediatric Ibuprofen
- Paediatric Naproxen
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- Paediatric Allergy Remedies
- Paediatric Cough/Cold Remedies
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- Paediatric Diarrhoeal Remedies
- Paediatric Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies
- Paediatric Laxatives
- Paediatric Motion Sickness Remedies
- Paediatric Dermatologicals
- Nappy (Diaper) Rash Treatments
- Paediatric Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
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Consumer Health
It is the aggregation of OTC, Vitamins and Dietary Supplements (VDS), Sports Nutrition, and Weight Management and Wellbeing
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This report originates from Passport, our Consumer Health research and analysis database.
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