OTC Facts and Figures

 U.S. retail sales of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in 2004 (excluding Wal-Mart) were $15.1 billion.

– ACNielsen, 2005

 There are approximately 1,000 active ingredients used in the more than 100,000 OTC products available in the marketplace today.

– CHPA, 2001

 Since 1976, almost 80 ingredients, dosages, or indications have made the "switch" from prescription to OTC status. More than ten medications were introduced during that time directly to the OTC market without having been prescription first.

– CHPA, 2003

 More than 700 medicine products available over-the-counter today use ingredients and dosages that were available only by prescription less than 30 years ago.

– CHPA, 2001

 Global OTC product sales totaled $47 billion worldwide in 2001.

– IMS HEALTH, 2002

 77% of Americans take an OTC product to treat common, everyday ailments.

– Roper Starch Worldwide, 2001

 Using OTC medications to treat common upper respiratory infections saves the U.S. healthcare system and economy $4.75 billion each year.

– Northwestern University, 2004

 85% of American consumers think it is important to have access to OTCs to relieve minor medical problems.

– American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000

 A majority of Americans (87%) believe that OTCs are safe when used as directed.

– Roper Starch Worldwide, 2001

 82% of American women and 71% of American men have used a nonprescription medicine in the last six months to treat at least one common health ailment.

– Roper Starch Worldwide, 2001

 Adults 65 years and older consume 33% of all OTC medicines sold in the United States.

– American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000

 OTCs save U.S. consumers an average of $20 billion per year in health care costs - taking into account prescription costs, doctor visits, lost time from work, insurance costs, and travel.

– Kline & Company, 1997

 Of the more than $1.2 trillion spent on health care in 2000 in the United States, over $19 billion paid for nonprescription medicines - less than 2 cents of every health care dollar.

– CHPA, 2001

 65% of Americans wish that some of the prescription medicines they take would be made available over-the-counter.

– National Consumers League, 2000

 The consumer price index (CPI) for OTCs increased only 1.2% from December 2001 over December 2000, less than other segments of the health care industry, including prescription drugs and supplies (6%), and physician and hospital services (3.6% and 7.2%, respectively).

– Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI–All Urban Consumers, 2002

 Most individuals take the necessary precautions, such as reading directions before taking a nonprescription product for the first time (95%), reading labels to choose appropriate OTC medicines (89%), and reading about possible side effects and interactions (91%).

– Roper Starch Worldwide, 2001

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