Global Pain Management Drugs Market - 2025-2033

The global pain management drugs market reached US$ 63.78 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 122.28 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period 2025-2033.

Pain management drugs, also called analgesics, are medications aimed at alleviating pain. These are classified into several categories, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, etc.

NSAIDs are commonly used for mild to moderate pain and help reduce inflammation. Opioid analgesics, including morphine and oxycodone, are stronger medications prescribed for moderate to severe pain. They act by binding to specific receptors in the brain to block pain perception. Anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and adjuvant analgesics are effective for managing nerve pain and chronic pain syndromes.

Market Dynamics: Drivers & Restraints

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Pain Conditions

Pain medications find their major applications in chronic and painful conditions such as osteoarthritis, back pain, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and cancer-related pain.

Due to the aging population, the prevalence of certain chronic pain conditions is rising, which can increase the demand for pain management drugs. For instance, as per the global disease burden study conducted on arthritis and published in The Lancet Rheumatology journal, it is estimated that in 2020, there will be approximately 595 million people suffering from osteoarthritis. By 2050, knee osteoarthritis is 78.6%, and other types of osteoarthritis are expected to increase by 95.1%. expected to increase by 74.9%, hand osteoarthritis cases are expected to increase by 48.6%, hip cases will increase by

The prevalence of different cancers is rising globally, increasing the patient population who may experience cancer-related pain. For instance, as per the International Agency for Research on Cancer projections, in 2030, the total incidence cases of cancer are expected to be nearly 24 million, and in 2040, nearly 30 million cancer cases are expected to be reported.

This alarming rise in chronic indications creates a huge demand for pain management drugs, which will propel the market growth in the forecasted period.

Side Effects Associated with the Drugs

Pain management drugs play a crucial role in every individual's life, as they alleviate acute to chronic pain. However, prolonged usage of these drugs, especially opioids, NSAID's may pose serious side effects to the patients. The major side effects are due to opioids, which have abuse potential and can lead to addiction in patients. The other adverse effects include gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular events, and respiratory depression.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered safe, however, long-term usage may lead to severe gastrointestinal events and may impair the patient's quality of life. For instance, a study published in Nature Scientific Reports in March 2024 has stated that 13-15% of NSAID users experience upper gastrointestinal discomfort, and nearly 25% of peptic ulcer cases are exacerbated by NSAID usage.

In addition, NSAIDs are associated with a 25% increased risk of cardiovascular events. These side effects are minimal in the acute usage population, however, they may pose a significant threat in chronic users. This may lead to decreased adoption of traditional pain management drugs in the forecasted period.

Segment Analysis

The global pain management drugs market is segmented based on drug type, indication, mode of prescription, distribution channel, and region.

Drug Type:

The Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs from the drug type segment is expected to dominate the pain management drugs market with the highest market share

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for pain relief, particularly for mild to moderate pain and inflammation. This category includes medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and celecoxib. NSAIDs play a crucial role in managing pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions, arthritis, post-surgical recovery, and migraines.

Pain-related disorders are prevalent worldwide, with musculoskeletal conditions affecting over 1.7 billion people, according to the George Institute for Global Health. Chronic pain impacts approximately 20-30% of the global population, and lower back pain remains a growing health burden. Additionally, the research reports that Osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease, which is age-related, affects more than 80% of people older than the age of 55, making NSAIDs a primary treatment option.

NSAIDs cater to a wide range of pain conditions. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, affects 350 million people globally. Lower back pain impacts over 540 million individuals, while post-surgical pain is a concern for the 234 million major surgeries performed annually. Additionally, menstrual cramps affect 80% of women, and migraines impact 1 in 7 people worldwide.

Several major pharmaceutical companies are operating in the NSAIDs segment, including Pfizer (Celebrex), Bayer (Aspirin), Kenvue (Tylenol), and Haleon (Voltaren Gel). Recent innovations in NSAID formulations include topical applications, extended-release options, and combination therapies designed to mitigate gastrointestinal side effects. These advancements aim to enhance patient safety and drug efficacy while reducing the risks associated with long-term NSAID use.

Geographical Analysis

North America is expected to hold a significant position in the pain management drugs market with the highest market share

North America holds a dominant position in the global pain management drugs market. In this region, the market is driven by various factors, including the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, well-developed healthcare infrastructure, strong presence of market players and branded drugs, ease of accessibility to these top-selling branded pain medications, and rising prescription rate, among others.

For instance, a study published in the Journal of International Medical Research in January 2023 stated that nearly 5.3 million adults use prescription opioids frequently or daily to manage their chronic pain. Moreover, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, approximately 150 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed to American citizens across the country.

In addition, a study published in the Anesthesiology Journal in March 2024 stated that there was a significant increase in prescriptions of NSAIDs, acetaminophen, opioids, neuropathic agents, and muscle relaxants in the past decade till 2022. The high cost of prescription and OTC medication in the region, especially in the U.S., is a significant contributor to the highest revenue generation by the market players.

For instance, as per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services- Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), in 2022, the prices across all drugs, including branded and generics, were nearly 2.78 times in the U.S. as compared to other nations.

New drug approval in the region further drives the market. For instance, in January 2025, Vertex achieved a significant milestone in its long-standing efforts to introduce a non-opioid pain treatment with the FDA's approval of Journavx (suzetrigine). This medication, a selective NaV1.8 pain signal inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of adults experiencing moderate to acute pain, typically arising from surgery or injury.

The factors mentioned above are pivotal in positioning the region as a dominant force in the global pain management drugs market.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the pain management drugs market include Bayer AG, Haleon Group of Companies, Kenvue, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Viatris Inc., Pfizer Inc., Purdue Pharmaceuticals L.P., Abbott, Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc., and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, among others.

Key Developments

• In January 2025, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved JOURNAVX (suzetrigine), an oral, non-opioid pain relief medication. JOURNAVX is a highly selective NaV1.8 pain signal inhibitor designed for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe acute pain.

• In February 2024, Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC, launched COMBOGESIC IV (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) injection in the United States. COMBOGESIC IV is an opioid-free intravenous pain relief treatment, combining 1,000 mg of acetaminophen with 300 mg of ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for relief of mild to moderate pain, and management of moderate to severe pain as an adjunct to opioid analgesics.

• In February 2023, Anglo-French Drugs & Industries Ltd. has announced the launch of a new product, AFD-NP, designed for the treatment of moderate to severe neuropathic pain. This innovative product combines Nortriptyline and Pregabalin. AFD-NP has received approval from the Drug Control Department, marking a significant step forward in addressing the needs of patients suffering from neuropathic pain.

Why Purchase the Report?

• Technological Innovations: Reviews ongoing clinical trials, product pipelines, and forecasts upcoming advancements in medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

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• Real-World Evidence: Integrates patient feedback and data into product development for improved outcomes.

• Physician Preferences & Health System Impact: Examines healthcare provider behaviors and the impact of health system mergers on adoption strategies.

• Market Updates & Industry Changes: Covers recent regulatory changes, new policies, and emerging technologies.

• Competitive Strategies: Analyzes competitor strategies, market share, and emerging players.

• Pricing & Market Access: Reviews pricing models, reimbursement trends, and market access strategies.

• Market Entry & Expansion: Identifies optimal strategies for entering new markets and partnerships.

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• Supply Chain Optimization: Assesses supply chain risks and distribution strategies for efficient product delivery.

• Sustainability & Regulatory Impact: Focuses on eco-friendly practices and evolving regulations in healthcare.

• Post-market Surveillance: Uses post-market data to enhance product safety and access.

• Pharmacoeconomics & Value-Based Pricing: Analyzes the shift to value-based pricing and data-driven decision-making in R&D.

The global pain management drugs market report delivers a detailed analysis with 70 key tables, more than 74 visually impactful figures, and 165 pages of expert insights, providing a complete view of the market landscape.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers: Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Biotech Companies, Contract Manufacturers, Distributors, Hospitals.

• Regulatory & Policy: Compliance Officers, Government, Health Economists, Market Access Specialists.

• Application & Innovation: AI/Robotics Providers, R&D Professionals, Clinical Trial Managers, Pharmacovigilance Experts.

• Investors: Healthcare Investors, Venture Fund Investors, Pharma Marketing & Sales.

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• Supply Chain: Distribution and Supply Chain Managers.

• Consumers & Advocacy: Patients, Advocacy Groups, Insurance Companies.

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