Number of pages: 100 | Report Format: PDF | Published date: June 26, 2023
Historical Years – 2021 | Base Year – 2022 | Forecasted Years – 2023-2031
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market Size Value in 2022 |
US$ 13.12 billion |
Revenue Forecast in 2031 |
US$ 20.25 billion |
CAGR |
5.10% |
Base Year for Estimation |
2022 |
Forecast Period |
2023 to 2031 |
Historical Year |
2021 |
Segments Covered |
Drug Class, Route Of Administration, Distribution Channel, and Region |
Regional Scope |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa |
According to the deep-dive market assessment study by Growth Plus Reports, the global postoperative pain medication market was valued at US$ 13.12 billion in 2022 and is expected to register a revenue CAGR of 5.10% to reach US$ 20.25 billion by 2031.
Postoperative Pain Medication Market Fundamentals
Postoperative pain is prescribed to manage pain after a surgical procedure. Postoperative pain is a type of pain experienced by patients after undergoing a surgical procedure. The goal is to provide relief and enhance the patient's comfort during recovery. The choice of pain medication depends on various factors, such as the intensity of the pain, the type of surgery performed, the patient's medical history, and their individual response to different medications. The intensity of postoperative pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of tissue trauma and the individual's pain sensitivity. It is typically most intense immediately after surgery and gradually decreases over time as the body heals. Postoperative pain can arise from various sources, including surgical incision, manipulation of tissues, inflammation, nerve damage, and muscle spasms. Surgical trauma activates pain receptors (nociceptors) in the affected tissues, transmitting pain signals to the brain. Inflammatory processes, such as releasing chemical mediators, contribute to the amplification and persistence of postoperative pain.
Postoperative Pain Medication Market Dynamics
The rising global population and advancements in surgical techniques have led to a growing number of surgical procedures. For instance, according to ‘’German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (GSTCVS)’ study by NIH, A total of 92,809 of these surgeries are classified as traditional cardiac surgery procedures. For the 29,444 isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgeries, the unadjusted in-hospital survival rate was 97.2%. For the 35,469 isolated heart valve operations (including 17,471 transcatheter treatments). In terms of short- and long-term circulatory support, 2,852 extracorporeal life support/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implantations and 843 assist device implantations were recorded. This has resulted in a higher demand for postoperative pain management, driving the market for pain medications. The elderly population is more prone to chronic conditions and surgical interventions, leading to an increased need for postoperative pain management. According to 2019 ‘WHO’ report, Globally, 703 million older persons aged 65 or over were recorded in 2019. As the global population continues to age, the demand for pain medications is expected to rise. Advances in pharmaceutical research and development have led to the introduction of novel pain management drugs with improved efficacy and reduced side effects. The development of targeted therapies, such as opioid-sparing medications and non-opioid alternatives, has gained traction in recent years. There is a growing emphasis on patient-centered care, with a focus on minimizing postoperative pain and promoting faster recovery. Healthcare providers are increasingly adopting multimodal pain management approaches, combining different medications and techniques to optimize pain relief and enhance patient satisfaction. For instance, in April 2023, Hyloris Pharmaceuticals SA announced that its partner AFT Pharmaceuticals ("AFT") filed a response to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The US Food and Drug Administration had sought this extra information when contemplating market clearance for Maxigesic IV, a new, dual-mode-of-action non-opioid pain therapy administered by intravenous (IV) infusion. The opioid epidemic, characterized by the misuse and addiction to prescription opioids, has prompted a shift toward alternative pain management strategies. Healthcare providers are actively seeking non-opioid alternatives to minimize the risks associated with opioid use, leading to the development and adoption of alternative medications and interventions. Furthermore, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols focus on optimizing the surgical journey to reduce complications, improve outcomes, and expedite recovery. Effective pain management is a crucial element of these protocols. As healthcare facilities increasingly adopt ERAS approaches, there is a greater demand for pain medications that align with these protocols, such as fast-acting and short-acting drugs.
Many pain medications, particularly opioids, can cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, sedation, and the risk of addiction. Also, the safety concerns associated with opioid use, including overdose and misuse, have prompted healthcare providers and regulatory bodies to seek alternative pain management strategies. Despite advances in pain management, there is still a need for more effective medications that provide optimal pain relief with minimal side effects. Additionally, finding medications that are both highly effective and safe for a broad range of patients remains a challenge. Insufficient knowledge among healthcare professionals and patients about the available pain management options and the potential risks and benefits can hinder appropriate pain management. Lack of awareness about non-opioid alternatives and multimodal approaches may contribute to suboptimal postoperative pain control. Pain perception and response to medications can vary significantly among individuals. Determining the most effective pain medication and dosage for each patient can be complex, requiring careful assessment and individualized treatment plans.
Postoperative Pain Medication Market Ecosystem
The global postoperative pain medication market has been analyzed from the following perspectives: by drug class, route of administration, distribution channel, and region.
Postoperative Pain Medication Market by Drug Class
Based on the drug class, the global postoperative pain medication market is segmented into NSAIDS, opioids, analgesics, local anesthetics, and others.
NSAIDs accounted for a sizeable revenue share in the global market in 2022. NSAIDs are effective in managing postoperative pain, especially mild to moderate pain. They work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are inflammatory mediators that contribute to pain and inflammation. NSAIDs provide analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects, making them suitable for a wide range of postoperative pain conditions. NSAIDs are available in various formulations, including oral tablets, capsules, injectables, and topical creams or gels. They are commonly prescribed and readily available in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms. The accessibility and affordability of NSAIDs contribute to their dominance in the market. NSAIDs offer an alternative or adjunct to opioid medications, allowing for opioid-sparing strategies in postoperative pain management. By combining NSAIDs with opioids or other non-opioid analgesics, healthcare providers can achieve adequate pain control while minimizing opioid exposure. NSAIDs are used for postoperative pain and various other conditions, such as musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Their versatility and effectiveness across different pain types make them widely prescribed by healthcare professionals, contributing to their dominance in the postoperative pain medication market.
Postoperative Pain Medication Market by Route of Administration
Based on the route of administration, the global postoperative pain medication market is segmented into oral, parenteral, neuraxial, and others.
Oral administration of the drugs segment dominated the global market with a prominent revenue share in 2022. Many pain medications, including NSAIDs, opioids, and other analgesics, are available in oral form. This extensive range of oral medications provides healthcare providers with numerous options to tailor the treatment to each patient's needs, ensuring optimal pain management. They can be prescribed in different strengths and can be adjusted based on the severity of pain and individual patient characteristics. This flexibility allows healthcare providers to tailor the dosage for optimal pain control while minimizing side effects. Many oral medications are designed to have good bioavailability, meaning that a significant portion of the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream after oral administration. Oral medications are often cost-effective compared to other routes of administration. The production, packaging, and distribution costs for oral medications are generally lower than those for injectables or transdermal patches, making them more affordable for patients and healthcare systems. Oral administration eliminates the risk of injection-related complications such as infections, bleeding, or local tissue damage. It is a non-invasive route, reducing potential adverse events associated with invasive procedures.
Postoperative Pain Medication Market by Distribution Channel
Based on the distribution channel, the global postoperative pain medication market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies.
Hospital pharmacies account for a large amount of revenue share in the global market. Postoperative pain management primarily occurs in hospitals, where patients receive comprehensive care following surgical procedures. Hospital pharmacies play a crucial role in providing patients with postoperative pain medications during their hospital stay. Hospital pharmacies adhere to strict quality assurance protocols to ensure the safety and efficacy of medications. They have robust systems in place for medication storage, preparation, labeling, and dispensing, minimizing the risk of medication errors and ensuring patient safety. Hospital pharmacies have access to a wide range of medications, including specialized pain medications and formulations that may be needed for postoperative pain management. Hospital pharmacies are equipped to respond promptly to these emergent medication needs, ensuring timely pain relief and patient comfort. Hospital pharmacies often have integrated systems with electronic health records, allowing seamless communication and coordination between healthcare providers. This integration facilitates efficient medication management, including prescribing, medication administration records, and monitoring for potential drug interactions or contraindications.
Postoperative Pain Medication Market by Region
Based on the region, the global postoperative pain medication market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.
North America dominates the global market with the largest revenue share. North America has a high incidence of surgical procedures performed each year. The region has a large population with access to healthcare services, leading to a significant demand for postoperative pain management. The substantial number of surgeries performed in North America drives the need for postoperative pain medications. According to the recent studies, it was noticed that the total number of surgical procedures performed in the U.S. was around 58,190,000 in 2022. North America is at the forefront of technological advancements and innovations in the healthcare industry. This includes the development of novel pain management techniques, medications, and devices. The region's focus on research and development in pain management contributes to its dominance in the postoperative pain medication market. North America is home to several leading pharmaceutical companies and research institutions specializing in pain management and analgesics. These companies invest heavily in research and development to develop new pain medications and improve existing ones. The presence of a strong pharmaceutical industry in North America supports the availability and accessibility of a wide range of postoperative pain medications. North America, particularly the United States, has one of the highest healthcare expenditure rates globally. The region's investment in healthcare infrastructure, technology, and pharmaceuticals allows for comprehensive postoperative care, including access to various pain medications. The higher healthcare spending in North America contributes to its dominance in the postoperative pain medication market.
Postoperative Pain Medication Market Competitive Landscape
The prominent players operating in the global postoperative pain medication market are:
Strategic Developments
Patients experience postoperative pain after undergoing a surgical procedure, and postoperative pain medication is prescribed to manage pain after such a procedure.
Pfizer Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Plc., and Novartis AG are some of the major market players in the global postoperative pain medication market.
Side effects, safety concerns, and limited efficacy of current therapies are some of the restraints obstructing the growth of the global market.
The hospital pharmacies segment dominated the global postoperative pain medication market in 2022
Increasing surgical procedures and growth in the number of clinical trials performed are some of the factors driving the global market
*Insights on financial performance are subject to the availability of information in the public domain