Sales of analgesics continued to increase at a steady pace in 2025, buoyed by the rise in self-care awareness. Brazil’s high inflation rate led to some migration to generic alternatives which offer a more affordable option, driving sales of analgesics. Brazil’s more vulnerable population that do not have health insurance cover are heavily reliant on analgesics. These consumers often continue to work when unwell to make ends meet, leveraging analgesics as an ally to help support productivity.

The rate of growth in retail current value sales of analgesics slowed slightly but remained buoyant in Algeria during 2025, with increasing self-medication the main driver. This was mainly due to the declining quality of care provided by the public national health system: Long waiting times and weak patient management are driving consumers to seek analgesic prescriptions only in cases of very serious pain. Most Algerians use analgesics only on an occasional basis. However, as education and aware

Analgesics continue to be Tunisia’s most popular consumer health products. However, profit margins are expected to fall in 2025. While current value sales increase, constant value sales fall. Unit prices remain unchanged, following a decision by the Tunisian Ministry of Health to freeze prices across the pharmaceutical sector after notable prices increases in 2024. This impacts profit margins. Paediatric analgesics is expected to register the highest value growth, as there was a high incidence o

In 2025, analgesics in the Philippines is recording rising value sales. Early in the year, the country saw a sharp increase in WILD cases - water and food-borne diseases, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis and dengue. This surge triggered urgent public health advisories, urging citizens to adopt stricter hygiene practices. The Department of Health emphasised handwashing, safe food preparation and clean water access. Dengue cases alone rose by 224% from January to May compared to the previou

Value sales of analgesics in New Zealand are increasing in 2025, with the local emphasis on self-care driving usage for mild to moderate pain and fever, inflammatory pain such as muscle aches and menstrual cramps, back pain, and colds and fever. Adult acetaminophen is among the largest subcategories, along with topical analgesics/anaesthetic - which is enjoying the fastest value growth - and adult ibuprofen, demonstrating consumer preference for either oral formats or topical gels for pain relie

Value sales of analgesics in Nigeria continue to rise in 2025. Following an exceptionally sharp unit price increase in 2024 - over 70% - due to high inflation and the depreciation of the naira, price growth has stabilised, though it remains high. This price stability has supported a recovery in volume sales, which are rebounding after a decline in 2024. While value growth remains strong, it has moderated from the previous year due to a slower rate of unit price increase.

Value sales of analgesics continued to rise in 2025, driven by the increasing use of these products in Kenya amid a gradually ageing population. The country’s demographic profile is gradually shifting toward an older age structure, with the proportion of adults aged 65 and above increasing and the fertility rate declining. In addition, the rising prevalence of various lifestyle diseases, and the cost efficiency of OTC analgesics, continues to fuel growth.

Value sales of analgesics are rising in Singapore in 2025, boosted by strong consumer awareness and a wide product range. Local consumers demonstrate a growing understanding of the uses and differences among analgesics like ibuprofen and naproxen, while demand for trusted branded options remains resilient. Value growth continues to be driven by well-established names such as Panadol, which benefits from heavy advertising and an expanding portfolio targeting various pain relief needs.

Current sales of analgesics in Ireland increased in 2025, with several factors contributing to this positive performance. One of the primary drivers was the growing consumer reliance on OTC pain relief for managing everyday ailments and minor conditions. As local consumers sought convenient solutions for common health issues, the demand for accessible analgesics rose accordingly.

In 2025, sales of OTC analgesics in Italy were boosted by a very high incidence of flu that occurred at the beginning of the year, which was particularly widespread among adults and the elderly. This wave of cases led to a significant increase in demand for medicines to manage flu symptoms, including analgesics, pushing value sales well above seasonal averages. Self-medication is already a key trend among the Italian population, with many people increasingly inclined to manage minor health prob

Retail current value sales of analgesics in Spain are projected to continue to grow at a good rate over 2025 as a whole, albeit at a slower pace than in 2024 and previous years of the review period as the rate of inflation stabilises. There has been some divergence in the retail volume growth performances of categories in analgesics during 2025, with some, such as adult ketoprofen, adult acetaminophen, topical analgesics/anaesthetic and paediatric analgesics, seeing good-to-marginal increases an

Analgesics in South Africa is projected to see further strong retail current value growth over 2025, supported by inflationary pressure on prices, but also retail volume growth. The growth in analgesics is primarily driven by the persistent demand for pain relief products. Adult analgesics continues to drive retail value sales, led by combination products and acetaminophen. However, retail current value growth is projected to be slightly slower than in 2024, as consumers are cautious over spendi

Current value growth for analgesics in North Macedonia in 2025 looks set to be down slightly on 2024, mainly because pricing pressures have eased thanks to a sustained drop in inflation. However, the same factors have made households more likely to stock up on such products for future use rather than only purchasing them when they have an immediate need, hence most categories are anticipated to register improved performances in volume terms. The increasing willingness of consumers to self-medica

Sales of analgesic have seen stronger growth in 2025 compared to 2024, in current value terms. This is linked in part to a more severe cold and flu season in winter 2024/2025, with consumers’ still being impacted by weaker immune systems in the post-pandemic period. France saw the circulation of three flu viruses as well as a new strain of COVID-19, which put a strain on the public health system as well as driving demand for analgesics as consumers looked for relief from the symptoms.

Sales of analgesics have seen strong and steady growth in current value terms in Thailand in 2025. The increasing demand for analgesics in Thailand is being supported in part by the country’s ageing population. This is leading to a higher incidence of age-related conditions and chronic pain, thereby supporting sustained demand for pain management solutions. There is also a growing demand for pain relief gels and topical analgesics/anaesthetic which the elderly (and some other consumers) use to t

Value sales of analgesics are increasing in Saudi Arabia in 2025. Local consumers continue to frequently rely on analgesics to manage mild to moderate pain, including headaches, fever and inflammation in addition to avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use especially due to prescription restrictions. The trend is further reinforced by the use of analgesics as a secondary treatment for many other conditions - for example, chronic diseases where analgesics play a key role in alleviating pain and discom

Retail value sales of analgesics are set to grow in current terms in Indonesia in 2025. Growth is being supported by growing consumer demand for fast-acting, convenient pain relief products amidst the return of hectic lifestyles in the aftermath of the pandemic. Headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle soreness, and joint pain are common triggers for usage, driven by work-related stress, increased fitness activities, and ageing-related ailments. As a result, demand is being bolstered by the ever more

Value sales of analgesics in Hong Kong are rising in 2025, though growth is somewhat curbed due to the stagnant return of tourist traffic. Historically, the influx of tourists - particularly from mainland China - has substantially bolstered demand for analgesics in the region. These tourists often purchase significant amounts of OTC medications while travelling, and their expenditure in this category represented a vital source of revenue for local pharmacies and retailers. However, the current s

In 2025, the rate of growth in retail current value sales of analgesics in Uzbekistan slowed but remained in double digits, driven largely by inflation. Growth in demand peaked during the post-COVID period, a time marked by heightened public attention to health and a surge in demand for OTC pain relief. Although this post-pandemic momentum continues to support market performance, economic constraints and affordability concerns have weighed on growth.

Analgesics is expected to register moderate current value growth in Portugal in 2025. An ageing population, which is leading to a higher prevalence of chronic pain conditions, as well as increasing difficulties in assessing medical care, support value sales. Systemic analgesics is expected to register the highest current value growth, with adult ibuprofen in particular perfuming strongly. There is also a high level of product extensions, such as products with taglines such as rapid and express.

Value sales of analgesics increased in Greece in 2025, although the rate of growth slowed compared to 2024. Growth is largely attributed to higher retail prices among leading brands, as well as value gains from key products such as Depon. Depon saw a rise in value sales driven by the launch of Depon Plus, a higher-priced SKU compared to other Depon variants. In contrast, Depon Tabs, the lower-priced option, continued to lose share as consumers shifted towards more effective or fast-acting format

Analgesics, the largest category in Uruguay’s consumer health market, is expected to record stronger current value growth in 2025, consumption remaining closely tied to the management of general pain, fever and hangover symptoms. This improved performance is partly due to the sharp appreciation of Argentina’s official exchange rate, which has reduced price advantages across the border. As a result, small-scale smuggling declined notably in the first half of 2025, and most analgesic purchases pre

Analgesics in Malaysia is posting strong rises in terms of value sales in 2025, supported by stronger formulations and evolving consumer expectations for more effective pain management. While acetaminophen (paracetamol) remains a favourite solution for everyday pain, growth is limited due to maturity. However, stronger dosage formats are increasingly visible, such as 650mg paracetamol products like Axpain650 Caplet Pain Relief, reflecting consumer interest in faster and longer-lasting relief.

Analgesics has seen positive growth in current value terms in 2025. Danish consumers are leading increasingly busy lifestyles including taking part in more sports and other physical activities. This is leading to growing demand for analgesics to treat a range of needs from pain relief for minor injuries to stress-related headaches, among many other symptoms. Sales have also benefited from a more stable economic scenario, with stable inflation and interest rates and low employment, all of which h