Postoperative Pain Management Market

Postoperative Pain Management Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

Worldwide revenue from the postoperative pain management market is estimated to reach US$ 21.94 billion in 2024 and further increase at a CAGR of 3.7% to climb to US$ 31.66 billion by the end of 2034. The necessity for postoperative pain management drugs is increasing steadily as the number of surgeries being carried out across the world rises.

Post-surgery care is provided to patients after their surgery. Throughout this period, they receive medications to aid their recovery and minimize risks and complications. Following any surgery, patients experience shock and discomfort, requiring attentive care. These pain management medications not only promote recovery but also alleviate pain intensity.

The goal of postoperative pain control is to lessen the negative effects of acute postsurgical pain and facilitate the patient's return to normal function. Traditionally, opioid analgesics have been the primary treatment for acute postoperative pain. However, the increase in morbidity and mortality rates has prompted greater emphasis on postoperative pain management, leading to the overall expansion of the postoperative pain management market size.

Key Market Growth Drivers

• In today’s fast-paced world, individuals look for options providing quicker recovery to return to work; these postoperative pain management medications efficiently promote speedy healing, enabling patients to resume an active lifestyle.
• Elderly individuals, who have a diminished tolerance for pain, rely on postoperative pain management medications for rapid recovery and pain reduction, making them the target age group for suppliers of such drugs.
• These medications are available in various forms, including injections and oral formulations, providing patients with flexibility in choosing according to their preferences. This is boosting demand for postoperative pain management drugs.
• Pain management medications reduce the risk of further bodily harm, leading to a significant reduction in hospital stays and enabling patients to save on medical expenses, thus making these drugs popular across all income groups.
• Patients of all age groups can safely utilize these medications without experiencing adverse effects, facilitating suppliers' sales growth through partnerships with hospital pharmacies and clinics.
• With quick onset of action and pain relief, these drugs are widely utilized as painkillers after surgeries. Increase in the number of surgical procedures is set to drive postoperative pain management market growth during the forecast period.
• A variety of drugs, including opioids, NSAIDs, local anesthetics, and acetaminophen, have been introduced in the market, offering patients a diverse range of options based on their affordability.

Report Attribute	Detail
Postoperative Pain Management Market Size (2024E)	US$ 21.94 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 31.66 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.7% CAGR
Canada Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.9% CAGR
China Market Value (2034F)	US$ 1.84 Billion
North America Market Share (2024E)	41.7%
East Asia Market Share (2034F)	11.6%
Key Companies Profiled	Novartis AG; Allergan Plc; Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Mylan Inc; Purdue Pharma L.P.; Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc; Endo International Plc; Pacira Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Egalet Corporation; GlaxoSmithKline Plc.

Which Postoperative Pain Management Market Trends are Significant for Suppliers?

“Rising Awareness of Palliative Care and Increase in Number of Road Accidents”

Rising prevalence of chronic diseases, a growing number of surgeries, the increasing need for innovative non-opioid analgesics in postoperative pain therapy, and heightened awareness of palliative care are all contributing to the demand for postoperative pain treatment procedures. The rising demand for pain-relief medications is also driving market expansion.

• As per National Health Statistics, there are 100 million surgeries conducted annually in the United States.

Increasing global surgery rates primarily lead to the extensive use of pain relief medications. Similarly, the rising incidence of pain associated with cancer therapy and the expanding demographics of pediatric and elderly patients undergoing diverse surgical interventions are fostering market growth.

Escalating number of road accidents is projected to coincide with the expansion of vehicle numbers in the coming years. A disregard for traffic regulations among drivers is also expected to contribute to road accidents. The rise in traffic accidents, consequent traumatic injuries, and the demand for pain management post-surgeries are poised to steer future demand for postoperative pain management.

These accidents inflict considerable suffering on patients if not promptly and effectively addressed. Nonetheless, effective postoperative pain management proves beneficial in mitigating intense pain and discomfort. Pain medications are poised to become more readily accessible for such road accidents, prompting key market players to ramp up production, ultimately fostering positive market growth.

Adoption of pain-relieving medications is gaining traction as major companies focus on introducing abuse-resistant opioid medications and extended-release non-opioid therapies for postoperative pain management. The increasing number of discoveries and commercialization of non-narcotic drugs, along with growing awareness of post-surgical pain management, are fueling market expansion.

What is Limiting Growth Opportunities for Postoperative Pain Management Drug Suppliers?

“Growing Concerns about Opioid Addiction and Rising Cost Burden on Reimbursement Providers”

Growing concerns about opioid addiction, as well as the rising cost burden of pain management on reimbursement providers, are expected to limit market expansion to some extent. Other factors limiting the market in Asia and Africa include adverse side effects from excessive NSAID and opioid use, as well as a scarcity of postoperative pain management drugs. For example, excessive morphine consumption can cause severe respiratory damage, including coma and death. Long-term morphine use can lead to psychological and physical addiction, as well as significant immune system damage.

Increased prevalence of drug abuse, combined with the addictive nature of opioids, has reduced the use of opioid prescriptions in developed countries. This has resulted in a decrease in opioid consumption for pain management, potentially affecting market growth.

Country-wise Insights

According to Fact.MR, the market in South Korea is evaluated to expand at a moderate CAGR of 2.8% from 2024 to 2034, and the country is set to occupy a postoperative pain management market share of 11.2% in the East Asia region in 2024.

What are the Opportunities for Pain Management Drug Manufacturers in the United States?

“Strong Drug Pipeline with Pending FDA Approvals for Effective Postoperative Pain Medications”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 7.79 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.1% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 11.62 Billion

Use of postoperative pain medications is expected to increase in the United States due to a strong drug pipeline that includes effective medications awaiting FDA approval. Patients' attitudes have shifted in the United States as a result of greater adherence to pain treatment recommendations. The United States accounts for 85.2% share of the postoperative pain management market in North America in 2024.

Adoption of opioid treatment is expected to reduce the prevalence of the opioid epidemic in North America, particularly in the United States.

• In May 2021, Allay Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company that has been at the forefront of developing ultra-sustained analgesic products to revolutionize postsurgical pain management and recovery, published the first-ever clinical data demonstrating non-opioid pain relief lasting two weeks after a single administration.

Why are Pain Management Drug Manufacturers Directing Their Distribution Efforts toward China?

“Robust Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Base”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 1.23 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.1% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.84 Billion

Several pain management drug manufacturers are entering into distribution agreements and partnerships, and launching postoperative pain management medications in the Asia Pacific region, especially in China. China’s robust pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities are driving demand for postoperative pain management medications.

• For example, on May 1, 2018, Grunenthal signed a distribution and license agreement with Mundipharma, which authorized Mundipharma to promote and distribute Grunenthal's Tramal (tramadol) in China.

Category-wise Evaluation

Based on distribution channel, retail pharmacies are set to account for a significant market share of 39.6% in 2024.

Which Drug Class Finds Widespread Adoption for Postoperative Pain Management?

“Preference for Opioids Due to Their Instant Action in Reducing Pain”

Attribute	Opioids
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 11 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	2.2% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 13.7 Billion

Opioids are predominantly used to reduce pain after surgery. These drugs work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and nervous system to block pain signals and reduce pain sensation. Opioids excel in managing acute pain, which occurs immediately after a surgical procedure.

Which Administration Route is Generally Preferred by Patients?

“Ease of Use and Non-invasiveness of Oral Medications”

Attribute	Oral
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 8.51 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.9% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 12.46 Billion

The oral route of administration remains popular for postoperative pain management due to its ease of use and convenience. Oral medication is not invasive, unlike injections, making it a preferable option for patients. In addition, oral medication can be taken in home settings, and this reduces the need for hospital stays. Patients are seeking methods to recover in the comfort of their own homes.

Market Competition

Key players in the postoperative pain management market are acquiring other smaller pharmaceutical companies to develop new product lines of pain medications and adapting themselves to evolving market trends, such as neuropathic pain treatment.

• For example, Zyla Life Sciences acquired Assertio Therapeutics, Inc. in May 2020 to expand its product portfolio in the neurology, inflammation, and pain products divisions.

Fact.MR provides detailed information about the price points of key postoperative pain management drug providers positioned across the world, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in this new market report.

Key Segments of Postoperative Pain Management Market Research

• By Drug Class :

  • Opioids
  • NSAIDs
  • Local Anesthetic
  • Acetaminophen

• By Route of Administration :

  • Injectable
  • Oral
  • Tropical
  • Transdermal

• By Distribution Channel :

  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Drug Stores
  • Clinics

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Eastern Europe
  • Western Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa