USA Opioids Drug Market Size, Share, 2032
USA Opioids Drug Market Size and Forecast (2025 - 2032), By Drug Type (Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Fentanyl, Tramadol, Others), By Application (Pain Management, Anesthesia, Cough Suppression, Diarrhea Suppression), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies), Country.
Market Overview
“The opioids drug market in the United States is predicted to reach USD 14.5 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 4.2% between 2025 and 2032. The South region currently has the biggest market share (32%).”
The increasing prevalence of chronic pain problems and the rising demand for palliative care are the primary drivers of this industry. However, the opioid epidemic in the United States, strict limits on opioid prescriptions, and the development of alternative pain management medicines are projected to limit market growth during the projection period.
USA Opioids Drug Market Dynamics
Increasing prevalence of chronic pain conditions drives demand.
The growing prevalence of chronic pain problems, such as cancer pain, lower back pain, and neuropathic pain, is a primary driver of opioid demand in the United States.
According to the CDC, around 50 million American adults suffer from chronic pain, with 19.6 million enduring severe chronic pain that interferes with their everyday activities. The rising prevalence of chronic pain is likely to keep the demand for opioid analgesics stable during the projection period.
Opioid Epidemic and Stringent Regulations to Restrain Market Growth
The opioid epidemic in the United States, which is characterised by the overuse and abuse of prescription opioids, is a major impediment to the expansion of the opioid drug market. In 2019, approximately 50,000 Americans died as a result of opioid-related overdoses, with the opioid epidemic costing the economy $78.5 billion.
In response to the crisis, the US government imposed strict opioid prescription laws, including the CDC's Guidelines for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain and state-level prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). These efforts are intended to restrict opioid access and use, limiting market growth.
The development of alternative pain management therapies poses a challenge.
Alternative pain management methods, such as non-opioid analgesics, medical cannabis, and neuromodulation devices, are posing a challenge to the US opioids drug business. These therapies provide safer and more effective ways to manage chronic pain, lowering the need for opioids.
For example, in 2020, the FDA authorised Tanezumab, a novel non-opioid analgesic, to treat moderate to severe osteoarthritis pain. The increased acceptance of alternative medicines is projected to have a detrimental influence on opiate consumption.
Segment Overview
Oxycodone Dominates the USA Opioids Drug Market
The oxycodone category presently dominates the US opioid drug market. Oxycodone is a commonly given opioid for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, notably in cancer patients and after surgery. In 2020, oxycodone accounted for 32% of all opioid prescriptions in the United States, with hydrocodone accounting for 21%.
The opioid epidemic, however, has had a considerable influence on the oxycodone segment, as has the introduction of abuse-deterrent formulations. In 2010, Purdue Pharma redesigned OxyContin, a branded oxycodone medication, with abuse-deterrent characteristics to lower the risk of misuse and abuse. Since then, several additional manufacturers have introduced ADF opioids, influencing market dynamics in the oxycodone sector.
Regional Outlook
South Region Leads the USA Opioids Drug Market
The South region, which includes states like Texas, Florida, and Georgia, now has the highest share of the US opioid drug market. The high frequency of chronic pain disorders, the existence of a large senior population, and the relatively higher opioid prescription rates compared to other regions all contribute to the region's dominance.
In 2021, the CDC released a new recommendation for prescription opioids for chronic pain, emphasising the need for non-opioid therapy and the use of opioids sparingly when necessary. The guideline's goal is to encourage safe and effective pain management while minimising the dangers associated with opioid usage. In 2021, the South region represented 32% of the USA opioid drug market, worth USD 5.6 billion. The region's market share is predicted to fall to 30% by 2031, as a result of continued efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and promote alternative pain management options.
Competitive Intelligence
The opioid drug market in the United States is extremely consolidated, with a few main players controlling it. Leading market players include Johnson & Johnson, Purdue Pharma L.P., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Endo International plc, and Mallinckrodt plc. To maintain their market position, these corporations are focussing on developing abuse-deterrent formulas, expanding product portfolios, and diversifying business tactics.
In 2020, Johnson & Johnson stated that it would stop producing and selling talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada, citing rising concerns about the link between talc and ovarian cancer. The corporation has faced multiple lawsuits over its opioid medications, including Duragesic, Nucynta, and Ultram. In 2021, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. struck a USD 4.25 billion nationwide settlement agreement to resolve thousands of opioid-related lawsuits filed by state and local governments.
During the projection period, the market is likely to see increased competition from generic manufacturers, as well as the introduction of new competitors offering innovative pain management solutions.
Analyst Opinion
The opioid drug market in the United States is undergoing substantial upheaval, owing to the ongoing opioid epidemic, shifting regulatory landscape, and the emergence of alternative pain management therapies. While the market is anticipated to shrink in the coming years, there is still potential for companies that can provide safer and more effective opioid formulations, as well as non-opioid pain management options.
To overcome the hurdles provided by the opioid crisis, market actors must prioritise R&D, cooperation with healthcare providers and patient advocacy groups, and product portfolio diversity. Companies that can demonstrate a commitment to responsible opioid prescribing, patient education, and opioid misuse and addiction prevention will have a better chance of success in this fast-changing industry.
Overall, the opioid drug market in the United States is likely to go through a phase of adjustment and consolidation as it adapts to the changing regulatory and competitive environment. While the market may not develop significantly in the foreseeable future, it will continue to serve an important role in the management of chronic pain and palliative care in the United States.
Major Players
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Johnson & Johnson
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Purdue Pharma L.P.
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Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
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Endo International plc
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Mallinckrodt plc
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Market Definitions & Study Assumptions
1.2. Market Research Scope & Segment
1.3. Research Methodology
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2.1. Market Overview & Insights
2.2. Segment Outlook
2.3. Region Outlook
3. COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE
3.1. Companies Financial Position
3.2. Company Benchmarking -- Key Players
3.3. Market Share Analysis -- Key Companies
3.4. Recent Companies Key Activities
3.5. Pricing Analysis
3.6. SWOT Analysis
4. COMPANY PROFILES (Key Companies list by Country) (Premium) *
5. COMPANY PROFILES
5.1. Johnson & Johnson
5.2. Purdue Pharma L.P.
5.3. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
5.4. Endo International plc
5.5. Mallinckrodt plc. (*LIST NOT EXHAUSTIVE)
6. MARKET DYNAMICS
6.1. Market Trends
6.1.1. Growing Focus on Abuse-Deterrent Formulations
6.1.2. Increasing Adoption of Non-Opioid Pain Management Therapies
6.1.3. Shift Towards Personalized Medicine in Pain Management
6.2. Market Drivers
6.2.1. Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Pain Conditions
6.2.2. Rising Demand for Palliative Care
6.2.3. Growing Geriatric Population
6.3. Market Restraints
6.3.1. Opioid Epidemic and Misuse of Prescription Opioids
6.3.2. Stringent Regulations on Opioid Prescriptions
6.3.3. Development of Alternative Pain Management Therapies
6.4. Market Opportunities
6.5. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
6.5.1. Threat of New Entrants
6.5.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
6.5.3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
6.5.4. Threat of Substitute Products
6.5.5. Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
6.6. Supply Chain Analysis
6.7. Value Chain Analysis
6.8. Trade Analysis
6.9. Pricing Analysis
6.10. Regulatory Analysis
6.11. Patent Analysis
6.12. SWOT Analysis
6.13. PESTLE Analysis
7. BY DRUG TYPE (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2025-2032)
7.1. Oxycodone
7.1.1. Abuse-Deterrent Formulations
7.1.2. Conventional Formulations
7.2. Hydrocodone
7.2.1. Abuse-Deterrent Formulations
7.2.2. Conventional Formulations
7.3. Fentanyl
7.3.1. Transdermal Patches
7.3.2. Buccal Tablets
7.3.3. Others
7.4. Tramadol
7.4.1. Extended-Release Formulations
7.4.2. Immediate-Release Formulations
7.5. Others
8. BY APPLICATION (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2025-2032)
8.1. Pain Management
8.1.1. Cancer Pain
8.1.2. Chronic Back Pain
8.1.3. Neuropathic Pain
8.1.4. Others
8.2. Anesthesia
8.3. Cough Suppression
8.4. Diarrhea Suppression
9. BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL (MARKET SIZE/VALUE (US$ Mn), SHARE (%), MARKET FORECAST (%), YOY GROWTH (%)-- 2025-2032)
9.1. Hospital Pharmacies
9.2. Retail Pharmacies
9.3. Online Pharmacies
By Drug Type:
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Oxycodone
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Hydrocodone
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Fentanyl
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Tramadol
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Others
By Application:
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Pain Management
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Anesthesia
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Cough Suppression
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Diarrhea Suppression
By Distribution Channel:
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Hospital Pharmacies
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Retail Pharmacies
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Online Pharmacies
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