Healthy Skepticism Library item: 9595

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Denysyk OS.
Five-year prediction made for OTC products
Drug Topics 1987 Aug 17; 131:64-65

Abstract:

A brief performance analysis of over-the-counter (OTC) products for 1986 and a 5 yr prediction of the future performance of those products are presented. Fiber, ibuprofen, aspirin and prescription-to-OTC switches fueled growth in the nonprescription drug industry in 1986. U.S. manufacturers’ sales of OTCs reached $9.3 billion that year, an increase of more than 8% compared to 1985. Fish oil products and ovulation test kits emerged as potential growth segments. Fiber diet-aid sales will decrease, but fiber as a whole will increase in popularity in the OTC market over the next 5 yr. Ibuprofen will continue to increase its market share to a 30% of the internal analgesics market by 1991. Aspirin is expected to increase 3-4% in units annually over the next 5 yr. The fish oil market is expected to be close to $200 million by 1991.