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 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 relief patches provide clinically proven and effective pain relief for treating painful conditions without the use of narcotic drugs. These transdermal patches deliver medication through the skin and do not have the risks associated with opioid drugs.
 

The increase in the number of people being diagnosed with drug addiction has put pressure on medical companies to manufacture safer medication solutions such as non-opioid pain relief patches. For instance, as per an article published in PSYCOM in 2022 reveals that over 14,716 people in the U.S. died of overdose of prescription drugs. These staggering numbers have highlighted the need for non-narcotic pain relief solutions. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of pain-related conditions also contributes to the market's growth.

Moreover, as per the report published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there is a growth opportunity in the non-narcotic pain relief industry, as in America alone there are an estimated 50 million living with chronic pain. Non-narcotic pain relief patches differ from the various alternatives because of their duration of action, controlled drug administration, decreased chance of addiction, and reduced side effects. These factors are crucial for the expansion of the non-opioid pain patch market.


Additionally, there has been increasing R&D activities on the product, and the increased R&D in pain management treatments continues to enhance the growth of the non-opioid pain patches market. The U.S. has an opioid epidemic that has simultaneously led to a dramatic increase in chronic pain that increases the rate of opioid use disorder (OUDs). The NIH initiative aims to bring necessary transformations in the U.S. This helps in the launch of safer non-opioid pain patches that will benefit chronic pain patients and reduce the overdose and misuse rates of narcotic opioids.
 

Non-opioid Pain Patch Market Trends

• The ongoing opioid crisis has further fueled the demand for safer, non-opioid alternatives. The ongoing R&D activities with increase in investment for the development of effective formulation that does not come with a string of addiction, drives the market growth.
   
• New materials for adhesives as well as innovative controlled-release methods have been proven to be useful when it comes to the effectiveness of pain patches, which in turn, has increased the efficacy of non-opioid pain patches.
   
• The rising need for effective pain relief solutions such as non-opioid patches is increasing due to the growing elderly population and an increase in OUD, which is more prevalent in chronic pain patients.
   
• The growing awareness about the risks and consequences of opioid-based medicine has made it easier for both the patients and healthcare providers to shift to non-opioid pain patches. This shift is contributing to the growth of the market.
   
• The demand for non-opioid pain patches is expected to grow due to an increase in sports-related injuries and musculoskeletal disorders.
   

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 growing prevalence of chronic pain diseases is a key factor in the expansion of the market for lidocaine non-opioid pain patches. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report shows that over twenty percent of American adults suffer from chronic pain, which leads to increased demand for safe and readily available pain control products.
   
• This patch does not result in systemic side effects associated with oral medicines, helping many patients with chronic pain. Additionally, the opioid epidemic shaped the pain control market and promoted interest in the available non-opioid medications.
   
• The increasing number of deaths with the usage of opioids has mobilized both patients and healthcare providers to look for other alternatives. Lidocaine patches are expected to have a greater adoption rate soon due to their ability to treat pain without any risk of addiction, which has been associated with opioid medication. This change in preference is an important factor contributing to the lidocaine patch market growth.
   
• The lidocaine non-opioid pain patches market is assisted by the world shift in demography towards an aged society. According to the World Health Organization, about one in six people globally is expected to be over sixty by 2030. This population group is affected by chronic pain like arthritis and neuropathy.
   
• Thus, with the increase in drug interaction risk, lidocaine patches relieve pain locally. The growing number of elderly people in need of pain management in forthcoming years is estimated to increase the demand for lidocaine patches and fuel the 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