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Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Drug Price Trends for DILAUDID


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Drug Price Trends for DILAUDID

Best Wholesale Price for DILAUDID

These are wholesale prices available to the US Federal Government which, by law, must be the best prices available to any customer under comparable terms and conditions
Drug Name Vendor NDC Count Price ($) Price/Unit ($) Unit Dates Price Type
DILAUDID HCL 8MG TAB Rhodes Pharmaceuticals L.P. 42858-0338-01 100 694.88 6.94880 EACH 2022-01-01 - 2026-02-14 FSS
DILAUDID 4MG TAB Rhodes Pharmaceuticals L.P. 42858-0234-01 100 252.27 2.52270 EACH 2021-02-15 - 2026-02-14 Big4
DILAUDID 4MG TAB Rhodes Pharmaceuticals L.P. 42858-0234-50 500 1818.61 3.63722 EACH 2023-01-01 - 2026-02-14 FSS
>Drug Name >Vendor >NDC >Count >Price ($) >Price/Unit ($) >Unit >Dates >Price Type
Price type key: Federal Supply Schedule (FSS): generally available to all Federal Govt agencies / 'BIG4' prices: VA, DoD, Public Health & Coast Guard only / National Contracts (NC): Available to specific agencies

Market Analysis and Price Projections for DILAUDID (Hydromorphone)

Last updated: July 27, 2025

Introduction

DILAUDID, the brand name for hydromorphone, is a potent opioid analgesic primarily used in the management of acute and chronic pain where other less potent opioids are insufficient. As part of its pharmacological profile, DILAUDID is classified under Schedule II controlled substances due to its high potential for dependence and abuse. The global opioid market, driven by increasing pain management needs, especially among aging populations and in postoperative care, forms a complex landscape with significant implications for DILAUDID. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the current market dynamics and projects future pricing trends for DILAUDID.


Market Overview

Global Demand Drivers

Demand for hydromorphone-containing medications like DILAUDID is influenced by several factors:

  • Rising Pain Prevalence: Conditions such as cancer, osteoarthritis, and postoperative pain increase the need for potent opioids [1].
  • Aging Population: Countries with aging demographics, particularly in North America and Europe, exhibit higher chronic pain management needs, boosting the demand for opioids.
  • Healthcare Infrastructure: Growing healthcare infrastructure and procedural volume support increased opioid use.
  • Regulatory and Prescriptive Trends: Despite regulatory scrutiny, opioids remain a central component of pain management, with prescriber flexibility varying across regions.

Market Segments

DILAUDID’s market segments include:

  • Hospital Use: Predominant for acute pain and post-surgical analgesia.
  • Long-term Care: For chronic pain management, especially in palliative or oncology settings.
  • Compounded and Generic Supplies: Growing prevalence of generic hydromorphone formulations expands access and influences price.

Regulatory and Ethical Considerations

Stringent controls, including prescription monitoring and opioid stewardship programs, impact prescribing patterns, potentially constraining market growth but also encouraging pharmaceutical innovation.


Competitive Landscape

Key Players

While several generic manufacturers produce hydromorphone, DILAUDID retains a strong market position due to brand recognition, established manufacturing protocols, and regulatory approvals. Major players include:

  • Mylan (now part of Viatris)
  • Hospira (a Pfizer subsidiary)
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals
  • Sun Pharmaceutical
  • Other regional and generic manufacturers

Market Entry Barriers

Regulatory compliance, high manufacturing standards, and the need for secure distribution channels create significant barriers to new entrants, consolidating market share among established companies.


Pricing Dynamics

Current Price Range

As of 2023, the average wholesale price (AWP) for DILAUDID varies based on formulation (liquid, tablet, injectable), dosage, and regional market factors. In the U.S., typical prices are:

  • Injectable (2 mg/mL): $30–$50 per vial
  • Tablets (2 mg): $1–$2 per pill
  • Oral solution: $1–$3 per mL

Generic hydromorphone formulations are generally priced lower than the brand, but DILAUDID benefits from brand loyalty and prescriber preference.

Price Influencing Factors

  • Regulatory and Legal Changes: Restrictions or opioid prescribing guidelines influence demand and pricing.
  • Supply Chain Dynamics: Manufacturing costs, raw material procurement, and distribution logistics impact pricing.
  • Market Competition: Entry of high-quality generics exerts downward pressure.
  • Reimbursement Policies: Insurance coverage levels influence patient out-of-pocket costs, indirectly affecting pricing strategies.

Market and Price Projections (2023–2028)

Short-term Outlook (2023–2025)

The immediate future sees moderate growth driven by ongoing demand in acute care settings. Market stability is anticipated with slight price reductions owing to increased generic competition and healthcare policies emphasizing opioid stewardship.

  • Estimated Annual Growth Rate: 1–3%
  • Price Trend: Slight decline (2–5%) in average wholesale prices due to generics.

Medium-term Outlook (2026–2028)

Potential growth opportunities stem from:

  • Innovative formulations: Sustained-release and abuse-deterrent formulations could command premium pricing.
  • Expanding indications: Approval for new or expanded uses could stimulate demand.
  • Regulatory relaxation or tightening: Depending on legislation, prices could fluctuate significantly.

Projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for market value: approximately 3%.

Price Projection Summary

Year Estimated Price Range (U.S., per unit) Notes
2023 $1–$2 (tablet) / $30–$50 (injectable) Stable with slight decline
2025 $0.95–$1.90 (tablet) / $28–$48 (injectable) Increasing generic penetration
2028 $0.90–$1.80 (tablet) / $26–$45 (injectable) Possible premium for formulations

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges

  • Regulatory Risks: strident policies could restrict use; legal actions against opioid manufacturers may influence market health.
  • Abuse and Diversion: High abuse potential demands rigorous security measures, increasing costs.
  • Market Saturation: Growing presence of generics limits price inflation.

Opportunities

  • Formulation Innovation: Abuse-deterrent and sustained-release formulations can secure premium pricing.
  • Emerging Markets: Expanding healthcare infrastructure in Asia-Pacific and Latin America could enlarge demand.
  • Digital and Data Analytics: Leveraging real-world evidence enhances prescribing practices and can optimize market access.

Conclusion

DILAUDID remains a vital component in pain management with a stable but gradually evolving market landscape. Price projections suggest modest declines due to generics but also opportunities for differentiation via formulation innovations. A nuanced understanding of regulatory developments, market competition, and emerging demand trends is essential for strategic positioning.


Key Takeaways

  • Market stability: Despite regulatory pressures, DILAUDID continues to serve critical medical needs globally.
  • Pricing trends: Slight downward pricing pressures are expected due to generics, but premium formulations offer revenue potential.
  • Growth prospects: Emerging markets and formulation innovation are promising avenues.
  • Regulatory environment: Vigilant monitoring of legislation is crucial, as restrictions could significantly impact sales.
  • Market entry barriers: High standards and compliance requirements favor established manufacturers, constraining new entrants.

FAQs

1. How does regulatory oversight impact DILAUDID pricing?
Stringent regulations, including prescription monitoring programs, tend to reduce misuse but can also constrain supply and prescribing, potentially stabilizing or slightly reducing prices. Conversely, policy shifts that loosen or tighten controls can influence demand and price levels.

2. What are the main drivers of demand for DILAUDID worldwide?
Increased prevalence of chronic and acute pain conditions, demographic shifts towards aging populations, and reliance on potent opioids in clinical settings primarily drive demand.

3. How does the entry of generic hydromorphone affect DILAUDID’s market share?
Generic entry increases price competition, leading to lower prices and potential erosion of profit margins for the brand name, but it expands overall market access and volume.

4. What future innovations could influence DILAUDID’s market position?
Improvements such as abuse-deterrent formulations, long-acting delivery systems, and novel administration routes can create premium segments and bolster market presence.

5. Are there opportunities for DILAUDID in emerging markets?
Yes. Countries with expanding healthcare infrastructure and rising chronic pain management needs present significant growth opportunities, especially if regulatory frameworks become more permissive.


Sources:

[1] World Health Organization. (2021). Global Pain Management Review.

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