The analgesics market (made up of oral, topical and paediatric analgesics) saw a significant increase in value sales in 2013, up 2.7% year on year at £598 million (2012: £583 million). The rise in sales can be largely attributed to increased product launch activity and a higher level of investment in brand marketing.

Independent analgesics brands continue to be marginalised, as growing recognition of the same active ingredients being used in both branded and own-label products is leading to consumers actively seeking out lower cost, own-label alternatives. In 2013, the market also struggled against the high level of media attention paid to product recalls (particularly the paediatric analgesics segment); fears over painkiller overuse; and the long-term effect usage of analgesics has on the user’s health.

This report looks at the core issues affecting the UK analgesics market: consumer usage habits; attitudes towards buying analgesics; what would motivate consumers to try new products; and which products consumers are interested in for future development.

Mintel also takes a view on the future of the market and what trends offer indicators for growth.

This report covers only over-the-counter (OTC), non-prescription medication, defined by the Proprietary Association of Great Britain as being:

‘Specifically designed to treat the symptoms of common, minor and self-limiting ailments that do not require a medical diagnosis.’

They are divided into two categories:

• P: Pharmacy-only products, which can only be sold through pharmacies by or in the presence of a qualified pharmacist

• GSL: General Sales List, which can be sold in any type of outlet.

This report examines the UK consumer market for OTC analgesics (also referred to as OTC painkillers and OTC pain remedies). The OTC analgesics market is defined as including all analgesics available over the counter without a prescription. This includes topical analgesics (pain relief gels, creams and sprays), alongside oral analgesics, oral lesions and toothache remedies.

The market definitions exclude certain other remedies, although some are mentioned briefly in the competitive analysis and elsewhere in the report, ie:

• Homeopathic and other complementary medicines

• Products treating cold and flu symptoms

Prescription-Only Medicines (POMs), which have to be prescribed by a suitably qualified person and dispensed by a pharmacist, are not included within the scope of this report, including flu immunisation jabs.

Value figures throughout this report are at retail selling prices unless otherwise stated. Market sizes at constant 2013 prices have been calculated using Mintel’s Chemist goods deflator.

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