Pharma, OTC Supplement Are Markets Expected to Grow Billions Come 2032

Across the world, the OTC supplements and pharma markets are expected to reach $565.76 billion by the year 2032, according to a news release from DataM Intelligence 4 Market Research.¹ At a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%, this projection represents a potential growth of $230 billion in the next 7 years.

Adding further context to this immense growth, the authors of the report noted that the collective focus on preventative health care, immunity, and personalized nutrition has been the key driver of this growth. Furthermore, Pfizer, Nestlé, Abbott, and GSK were the key companies responsible for increasing OTC product distribution.

“The growing number of people using OTC drugs to treat minor illnesses is one of the main drivers of the US OTC drug market's expansion,” wrote the authors of a separate report published by Precedence Research.² “Furthermore, major businesses are diversifying their product lines to reach a larger audience and establish a stronger presence across more regions.”

Aside from retail grocers, OTC products are primarily dispensed at retail and community pharmacies throughout the country. Many sentiments within the pharmacy industry have surrounded decreasing sustainability for community pharmacy businesses and a lack of competition among the industry’s biggest and most lucrative companies.

READ MORE: Pharmacist Interventions Help Prevent OTC Drug Abuse, Misuse, and Dependence

However, these recent OTC trends and expectations highlight increased competition among manufacturers and improved cashflow in pharmacies as patients look to care for themselves unlike ever before. Add in an increased number of opportunities for pharmacies to maximize their clinical services; the current moment serves as a potential turning point for community pharmacies if they are able to take advantage of these growing trends.

Understanding the Rise in OTC Product Use

“The use of OTC drugs as self-medication offers several advantages: It saves health care professionals time as they are not required to address minor conditions or illnesses such as pain, colds, flu, and allergies; society benefits from reduced absenteeism rates and increased productivity, as well as from cost savings due to the substitution effect between prescribed and OTC drugs,” wrote the authors of a study in Health Policy.³ “Consumers also gain easier access to treatment and are empowered to take charge of their health.”

Although these advantages behind OTC drugs have been known for quite some time, the growing trends in their use and overall self-care have been significant in the past 5 years alone. According to a study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, increased use of OTC and prescription drugs in general has been observed since the COVID-19 pandemic.⁴

One key example of patients increasing their focus on personal health is highlighted in the recent boom of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications for weight loss.

“These medications are transforming the treatment landscape, dramatically improving the amount of weight loss achievable through medication alone or in combination with lifestyle interventions,” said Miranda Stiewig-Rapp, DO, assistant professor of endocrinology at UC Davis Health.⁵

Although GLP-1s are currently only available through a provider’s prescription, they are becoming more and more accessible and affordable than ever before.⁶ Highlighting just one health condition that millions of patients are paying closer attention to, the GLP-1 rise underscores many sentiments toward patients taking control of their health without the help of a medical provider.

Though it’s encouraging to see so many patients put more effort into caring for themselves, this trend can certainly be met with unintended consequences for patients.

What These Trends Mean for Pharmacists and Their Patients

“Although OTC drugs are widely accessible and are generally considered safe, they can still be abused,” according to Addiction Center.⁷ “OTC drugs are some of the most commonly misused legal substances in the US, behind marijuana and alcohol.”

Although these trends of abuse can be expected to rise alongside the increase in self-care and OTC drug markets, all patients within the US have the ability to meet and consult with their local pharmacy. Several studies have shown pharmacists’ unique positioning in communities as well as their heightened ability to manage patient relationships. Add to these the pharmacists’ expertise on all things medications, especially OTC; they have the ability to significantly address the growing concerns of misuse.⁸

In the pharmacy industry today, so many pharmacists have expressed their desire to expand their scope while also working even closer with their community’s patients. As pharmacists live through these trends, they have a duty to stay informed so they are able to then educate and counsel their patients. As more and more reports like this are released, the attention toward OTC growth and misuse alike may only grow in the future.

“The market is growing due to increasing consumer focus on preventive health care, immunity support, and overall wellness,” concluded the authors of the report.¹ “Rising prevalence of lifestyle-related disorders and nutritional deficiencies is driving demand for pharmaceutical and OTC supplements. Expanding retail pharmacy networks, e-commerce penetration, and growing trust in clinically backed supplements support sustained market growth.”

READ MORE: OTC Resource Center

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REFERENCES

1. United States pharma and OTC supplements market to reach US$ 169.728 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.7. News Release. DataM Intelligence 4 Market Research. January 19, 2026. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://www.openpr.com/news/4353353/united-states-pharma-and-otc-supplements-market-to-reach-us

2. U.S. over the counter (OTC) drugs market size, report by 2033. Precedence Research. November 12, 2025. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://www.precedenceresearch.com/us-over-the-counter-drugs-market

3. Tavares AI. How does OTC drugs consumption relate to prescribed drugs and health care consultations in Europe? Health Policy. 2025;155:105307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2025.105307

4. Sánchez-Sánchez E, Fernández-Cerezo FL, Díaz-Jimenez J, et al. Consumption of over-the-Counter Drugs: prevalence and type of drugs. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 May 21;18(11):5530. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18115530.

5. UC Davis Health examines systemic impact of GLP-1–based therapies. UC Davis Health. December 5, 2025. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/uc-davis-health-examines-systemic-impact-of-glp-1based-therapies/2025/12

6. Nania R. Are weight loss drugs about to get less expensive? AARP. November 18, 2025. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://www.aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/weight-loss-drugs-price-drop/

7. Fuller K. Over-the-counter (OTC) drug addiction, abuse, and treatment. Addiction Center. December 19, 2025. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/over-the-counter/

8. Gallagher A. Strong pharmacist engagement helps patients effectively use OTC products. Drug Topics. January 14, 2026. Accessed January 20, 2026. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/strong-pharmacist-engagement-helps-patients-effectively-use-otc-products