OTC Pain Management: Incl Impact of COVID-19 - US - June 2020
Overview
 
What you need to know 
Routine changes initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted consumer wellbeing, causing heightened feelings of stress, lack of sleep and lower rates of activity. For many, mental and emotional distress manifests as physical symptoms, such as regular pain. Consumers who experience pain are motivated to seek relief in order to continue day-to-day commitments as well as simply feel better. Staying in control of holistic wellbeing will motivate consumers to continue pain management routines during and beyond the outbreak. 

OTC pain relievers were considered an essential health product before the pandemic and will continue to provide value for adults seeking relief. Beyond the initial wave of virus, oral OTC pain relievers will also benefit from playing a role in managing mild cases of COVID-19. As adults adopt new measures to gain a greater sense of health security, purchases of oral OTC pain relievers may increase in preparation for future illness seasons. 

Key issues covered in this Report
●	The impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior and the OTC pain management market
●	Consumer loyalty isn’t bound to brand name
●	How routine changes and mental/emotional distress impact pain management 
●	Opportunity for OTC pain relievers to partner in illness management

This Report was written June 18-25, 2020.

Definition 
This Report focuses on analgesics and pain management devices that are available over the counter/without a prescription.

For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has segmented the OTC analgesics and pain management devices market as follows:

●	OTC internal analgesics, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and magnesium salicylate
●	OTC external analgesics, such as rubs, topical creams/sprays and patches/wraps with heating/cooling properties
●	Muscle/body support devices, such as muscle sleeves and bandages and compression hosiery

Excluded from this Report are:

●	Antihistamines, decongestants, sinus, cough, cold and flu remedies
●	OTC analgesics and muscle/body support and electrotherapy products purchased through health care providers, gyms/health clubs and other non-retail establishments