Cough, Cold and Allergy (Hay Fever) Remedies in Taiwan

PROSPECTS

Consumers choose cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies for their convenience

Combination cold and flu remedies remained the largest portion of cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies in 2019. Due to the well-established National Health Insurance programme in Taiwan, many people prefer to visit doctors in clinics to take prescription medicine even for common colds and the flu as most costs will be covered by the insurance.

Demand for antihistamines/allergy remedies and decongestants continues to rise

Worsening air pollution in urban areas plus the constantly rising urban population in Taiwan drove up the population suffering from allergies, which are often triggered or aggravated by air pollutants. Allergies typically result in symptoms such as nasal congestion, a runny nose and sneezing.

Government tightens control on active ingredients due to illegal drug manufacturing

Since 2017, the police in Taiwan have cracked down on several illegal drug manufacturing operations, involving the active pharmaceutical ingredient of decongestants, namely pseudoephedrine, which is also an ingredient used to produce amphetamines. The fact that anyone could easily purchase a large quantity of decongestants as an OTC drug without a doctor’s prescription in drugstores offered the opportunity to criminals to produce drugs and increased the number of drug-related crimes.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

GSK Consumer Healthcare led sales in 2019

GSK Consumer Healthcare was the leading player in cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies supported by the strong performance of Panadol and Otrivin. Even with a higher price, Panadol won consumers’ hearts through strong marketing initiatives.

Taisho Pharmaceutical (Taiwan) Co Ltd records robust growth

Pabron, owned by Taisho Pharmaceutical (Taiwan) Co Ltd, enjoyed outstanding performance following its entry in 2014 in Taiwan. Taiwanese consumers generally have the perception that the quality of Japanese products is high and they are safe to use.

Local leading brand Yuluan Solution recalls products that fail to meet quality standards

Yuluan Solution, the long-standing local brand well known for its combination cold syrup, found that the active pharmaceutical ingredient, chlorpheniramine maleate, in its cold syrup failed to meet the regulated amount and might impact the drug’s efficacy. After reporting to the FDA, Yulaun Solution was required to recall over 93,000 bottles of cold syrup in April 2019.

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