Report Overview

The OTC Drug market size in Kenya stood at around USD xx billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD xx billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period.

Over the counter (OTC) drugs are medicines sold directly to a consumer without a prescription from a healthcare professional. They are selected by a regulatory agency to ensure that their ingredients are safe and effective when used without a physicians care.Some examples of OTC medicines include Cold and flu medicines, Pain medicines like aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen, Allergy medicines, Sleep aids, Toothpaste with fluoride. Self-medication is reported to be on the rise in Kenya. This may be attributed to inaccessibility of medical care, long waiting time and high cost of privates doctors consultations.



 

Market Drivers

The market is majorly driven by new product innovations and increasing investment in research and development activities by prominent pharmaceutical companies in the industry.

Self- Medication is on the rise in Kenya due to perceived high cost of private doctors consultations. Patient contentment with healthcare provider and long waiting times have also been cited as some of the drivers of self-medication among the general public.

High penetration rate of OTC drugs in the market and the fastest growth expected in the coming years in OTC segment are reasons for tremendous growth opportunities.

However, the risks of self-medication includeincorrect self-diagnosis, delays in seeking medical advice when needed, use of inappropriate medicines that can lead to adverse events, masking the symptoms of a serious disease, and inaccurate dosages, dangerous drug interactions, incorrect manner of administration, risk of dependence and abuse, anti-microbial resistance.

For example, many Kenyans use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and ibuprofen for pain, and do not realize that improper use of these medications can lead to kidney failure or gastrointestinal bleeding. These are common restraining factors for the growth of OTC drug market.