Over-the-Counter Sales Surge by 7.1 Percent

The over-the-counter (OTC) market has shown a significant increase over the past year, rebounding strongly after a period of decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales in 2024 surged by 2.6 percent compared to the previous year, with the share of online sales rising slightly to 23 percent, equating to 237 million packages sold. Local pharmacies generated a revenue of EUR9.2 billion, while online sales contributed EUR2.8 billion to the total.

According to the German Pharmaceutical Industry Association (BPI), half of all packages sold in pharmacies are non-prescription medicines. This trend is also helping to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system and statutory health insurance plans, as noted by BPI's Executive Director Kai Joachimsen.

The data indicates a particularly high demand for cough and cold medications, vitamins, minerals, as well as pain relief and muscle/joint products. Notably, the OTC market has experienced relatively low inflation; pharmacy selling prices have increased by 11.7 percent since 2021, compared to a 19.3 percent rise in the consumer price index over the same period.

Germany is home to approximately 670 pharmaceutical companies, with the majority being small to medium-sized enterprises. Around 16 percent of these companies employ over 250 people or report revenues exceeding EUR50 million. Furthermore, four out of five pharmaceutical manufacturers offer non-prescription medicines. Joachimsen emphasized that this sector is a crucial employer, providing jobs for more than 130,000 individuals across Germany.

The BPI is advocating for greater reimbursement for OTC medicines by health insurance companies. The association suggests that reimbursement should be extended to all children and adolescents up to the age of majority, as well as to pregnant women and individuals with multiple health conditions. Additionally, it is proposed that insurance providers continue to offer reimbursement options within the framework of statutory benefits.