Breathing problems, due to pollution and seasonal changes, have resulted in a significant increase in the sales of respiratory drugs in India. Whether it was wet conditions due to monsoons or cold, polluted air during winter, sales of respiratory drugs increased multifold in 2024 with an impressive growth of 66% within five months. This is not just an indication of health problems but also of the change in nature of the medicine market in India.

Key Take-Aways:

• Huge Increase in Narcotic Sales:

Sales of respiratory drugs increased from ₹989 crore in June to ₹1,638 crore in November 2024. This is a 66% increase in just five months.
The sales trend, which had been steadily declining up until earlier in the year, now reversed course, from ₹1,591 cr in January 2024 to a low in June.

• Seasonal Reasons for Demand:

Thereby from the mid months of July up to winter, the escalating rates were influenced in part by the rainy season.

Monthly sales figures are steadily upwards:

1. July: ₹1,152 crore

2. August: ₹1,301 crore

3. September: ₹1,433 crore

4. October: ₹1,522 crores

5. November: ₹1,638 crore; up 7.6% from October.

• Respiratory drug market in Pharma:

The respiratory category accounts for 8% of India's Pharma Market, called IPM, revenue.
Anti-asthma and COPD drug sales increased by 5%, and cough and cold medicines sales grew by a whopping 11.3% in November 2024.

Expert Opinion:

• Pharmarack’s Viewpoint:

Sheetal Sapale, VP Commercial at Pharmarack, explained that the respiratory category follows a seasonal trend, peaking from monsoon to winter.

• Medical Perspective:

Dr. Sandeep Nayar, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, noted that many patients seek over-the-counter relief before consulting doctors, contributing to higher sales of anti-allergic and cough medicines.
Dr. Vikas Mittal, CK Birla Hospital, added that colder weather and high pollution levels exacerbate conditions like asthma and COPD, necessitating more medical interventions and medication adjustments.

Healthcare Impact:

• Rise in Hospital Admission:

Hospitals in North India reported 50% more outpatient visits for breathing and lung problems in November 2024.

• Self-Medication Risks:

Many patients first tried to treat themselves before getting help from doctors, which led to a higher need for respiratory medications.This massive rise in the sales of respiratory drugs is very indicative of health challenges people face due to pollution and seasonal variations. An increase in respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD requires better education, preventive care, and accessible treatment to avoid burdening the individual or healthcare sectors.