Non-opioid Pain Patch Market – By Product Type, By Therapeutic Application, By Distribution Channel – Global Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Non-opioid Pain Patch Market Size

The global non-opioid pain patch market size was valued at around USD 828.3 million in 2023 and is estimated to grow at 6.6% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Non-opioid pain patches are transdermal patches that administer medication through the skin, offering localized pain relief without resorting to opioid-based drugs. These patches effectively manage a range of pain types, including chronic, neuropathic, musculoskeletal, and post-surgical pain, all while avoiding the addictive potential and side effects commonly linked to opioids.
 

The rise in opioid prescriptions has increased the demand for safer alternatives, notably non-opioid pain patches. In 2022, the U.S. witnessed 14,716 deaths due to drug overdoses involving prescription opioids, as reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Such alarming figures have highlighted the importance of non-opioid pain management solutions. Additionally, the growing prevalence of pain-related disorders fuels this market's expansion. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights a significant opportunity, estimating around 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Non-opioid pain patches stand out from the rest of alternatives, boasting advantages like controlled drug release, a diminished risk of addiction, and fewer side effects. These benefits are pivotal in propelling the growth of the non-opioid pain patch market.
 

Furthermore, heightened research and development (R&D) efforts in pain management treatments bolster the market's growth. The NIH Heal Initiative is dedicated to enhancing chronic pain treatments and curbing the rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdoses in the U.S. Such endeavors pave the way for the emergence of safer alternatives, like non-opioid pain patches, signaling considerable market growth in the years ahead.
 

Non-opioid Pain Patch Market Trends

• The ongoing opioid crisis has heightened the need for safer, non-addictive pain management alternatives. This has led to increased interest and investment in non-opioid pain patches, which offer effective pain relief without the risk of addiction.
   
• Innovations in adhesive materials and controlled-release mechanisms are enhancing the efficacy and convenience of pain patches. These advancements are making non-opioid pain patches more effective and user-friendly, driving higher adoption rates among patients and healthcare providers.
   
• The global aging population is contributing to market growth. As the prevalence of chronic pain conditions rises with age, there is an increasing demand for effective pain management solutions like non-opioid pain patches.
   
• Growing awareness about the adverse side effects of opioid-based medications is prompting patients and healthcare providers to seek alternative treatments. This shift in preference is positively impacting the market.
   
• The increasing incidence of sports-related injuries and musculoskeletal disorders is fueling the demand for non-opioid pain patches. Athletes and active individuals are opting for these patches to manage pain effectively without the risk of addiction.
   

Non-opioid Pain Patch Market Analysis

Based on product type, the market is segmented into lidocaine patches, diclofenac patches, methyl salicylate patches, capsaicin patches, ketoprofen patches, and other patches. The lidocaine segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 357 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period.
 

• The rising incidence of chronic pain conditions is a major driver for the lidocaine non-opioid pain patches market. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 20% of U.S. adults experience chronic pain. This high prevalence creates a substantial demand for effective, non-addictive pain management solutions. Lidocaine patches offer a localized treatment option that can provide relief without the systemic effects associated with oral medications, making them an attractive choice for many patients dealing with chronic pain.
   
• The opioid crisis has significantly influenced the pain management landscape, driving interest in non-opioid alternatives. The alarming number of deaths associated with opioid use has led healthcare providers and patients to seek safer pain management options. Lidocaine patches, being a non-opioid solution, are gaining traction as they offer pain relief without the risk of addiction associated with opioid medications. This shift in preference is a key factor propelling the growth of the lidocaine patch market.
   
• Furthermore, the global shift towards an older population drives the lidocaine non-opioid pain patches market. By 2030, 1 in 6 people worldwide will be 60 or older, according to the World Health Organization. This population group is prone to chronic pain conditions like arthritis and neuropathy. Lidocaine patches offer localized pain relief with reduced drug interaction risks, appealing to older adults managing multiple health issues. The growing elderly population requiring pain management is expected to increase demand for lidocaine patches over the forthcoming years, driving its market growth.
   

Based on therapeutic application, the non-opioid pain patch market is segmented into chronic pain, acute pain, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and other applications. The chronic pain segment of the market, which held a 42.4% share in 2023, is poised for substantial growth in the coming years.
 

• The effectiveness of non-opioid patches in chronic pain management has led to their increased adoption. Clinical studies have demonstrated that certain non-opioid patches can provide pain relief comparable to oral medications, with the advantage of continuous delivery. A study in the Journal of Pain Research found that lidocaine patches significantly reduced pain intensity in patients with chronic low back pain, contributing to their increased use.
   
• The prevalence of chronic pain is a major global health concern. The increasing number of chronic pain patients has driven up the demand for non-opioid pain patches worldwide. According to the European Pain Foundation, approximately 150 million people in the European region suffer from chronic pain.
   
• Patient preference is another key factor driving the adoption of non-opioid patches. These patches offer convenience and improved quality of life for individuals with chronic pain, leading to their growing popularity.
   

Based on distribution channel, the non-opioid pain patch market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and other distribution channels. The retail pharmacies segment of the market, which held a 55.5% share in 2023, is poised for substantial growth in the coming years.
 

• Retail pharmacies are easily accessible in urban and rural areas, making it convenient for patients to purchase non-opioid pain patches such as lidocaine, methyl salicylate, and capsaicin patches. Their extensive network allows consumers to obtain pain relief products without needing a prescription in many cases.
   
• Moreover, retail pharmacies have long-standing relationships with doctors and healthcare institutions, which helps them gain a strong position in distributing pain relief products. Patients often get prescriptions or recommendations from healthcare providers that direct them to retail pharmacies, particularly for prescription-strength pain patches like diclofenac or ketoprofen patches.
   
• Retail pharmacies are often the first to adopt and stock newly launched non-opioid pain patches, ensuring that consumers have access to the latest products in the market. Their strong supply chain relationships with manufacturers allow them to quickly introduce new treatments for pain management, giving them a competitive edge over smaller distribution channels.
   

U.S. dominated the North American non-opioid pain patch market with the largest revenue of USD 244.3 million in 2023 and is projected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period.
 

• The U.S. government has implemented stringent regulations on opioid prescriptions. The U.S. FDA has issued guidelines recommending non-opioid alternatives for pain management, leading to increased adoption of non-opioid pain patches like lidocaine, diclofenac, and capsaicin for both chronic and acute pain relief.
   
• Furthermore, the U.S. is seeing a rise in its geriatric population, which has a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, chronic joint pain, and arthritis. Older patients often prefer topical treatments like pain patches due to their ease of use and reduced risk of gastrointestinal side effects, making the non-opioid pain patch a favored choice among this demographic.
   

The non-opioid pain patch market in the UK is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2024 to 2032.
 

• There is growing awareness in the UK about the long-term effects of chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and post-surgical pain. Public health campaigns and media coverage on pain management are pushing patients towards non-opioid patches as a preferred choice for localized, non-addictive relief.
   
• Also, the UK's National Health Service (NHS) has been actively working to reduce opioid prescriptions and address the opioid crisis. This shift has driven the demand for non-opioid pain management solutions, including pain patches, as healthcare providers and patients seek safer alternatives.
   

Asia Pacific non-opioid pain patch market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2024 and 2032.
 

• In countries like China, India, and Japan, there is a long-standing tradition of herbal and alternative medicine for pain relief. Companies are integrating traditional remedies such as capsaicin (derived from chili peppers) into modern transdermal patches. This blending of traditional healing and modern delivery mechanisms has driven the demand for capsaicin and methyl salicylate-based patches.
   
• For example, Salonpas, a popular brand in Japan and other Asian countries, offers pain relief patches that combine traditional ingredients like menthol and camphor with modern transdermal technology. These patches reflect the integration of traditional Asian remedies into contemporary pharmaceutical products, catering to consumer preferences for natural ingredients in pain management solutions. Thus, leading growth of Asia Pacific market.
   

The non-opioid pain patch market in Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2024 to 2032.
 

• The Saudi population faces a high incidence of obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles, contributing to musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain. Non-opioid pain patches, especially lidocaine and diclofenac patches, are increasingly used to manage these conditions, offering effective, localized pain relief without systemic risks.
   
• Further, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan aims to modernize the country's healthcare system and promote safer treatment options. As part of this initiative, there is an emphasis on improving pain management practices without the risks of addiction, leading to greater adoption of non-opioid pain patches in hospitals and clinics. Thus, aforementioned factors will drive the Saudi Arabia market over the forthcoming years.
   

Non-opioid Pain Patch Market Share

The global market is highly competitive and dynamic, driven by innovation in drug delivery technologies, regulatory shifts favoring non-opioid alternatives, and growing consumer demand for OTC and natural pain relief solutions. Established pharmaceutical giants such as Hisamitsu and Teikoku Seiyaku dominate the market, while newer players are leveraging innovation and partnerships to carve out a niche. As the market continues to grow, competition will intensify, particularly in regions such as Asia Pacific and North America where demand is rising rapidly.
 

Non-opioid Pain Patch Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the non-opioid pain patch industry include:

• Acorda Therapeutics
• AdhexPharma
• Endo Pharmaceuticals
• Glaxo SmithKline
• Grünenthal
• Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical
• IBSA Institut Biochimique
• Johnson & Johnson
• Mylan (Viatris)
• Nichiban
• Pfizer
• ProSolus
• Sanofi
• Teikoku Seiyaku
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
   

Non-opioid Pain Patch Industry News:

• In January 2023, Yaral Pharma, the U.S. generics subsidiary of IBSA, launched diclofenac epolamine topical system 1.3%, the authorized generic version of IBSA Pharma's Flector (diclofenac epolamine) topical system. This prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicated patch is indicated for the topical treatment of acute pain resulting from minor strains, sprains, and contusions. The product launch expanded the company's pain management solutions portfolio and broadened its consumer base.
   

The non-opioid pain patch market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Lidocaine patches
• Diclofenac patches
• Methyl Salicylate patches
• Capsaicin patches
• Ketoprofen patches
• Other patches         

Market, By Therapeutic Application

• Chronic pain
• Acute pain
• Neuropathic pain
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Other therapeutic applications

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hospital pharmacies
• Retail pharmacies
• Online pharmacies

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE