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Last Updated: April 19, 2025

Drug Price Trends for MORPHINE SULFATE IR


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Drug Price Trends for MORPHINE SULFATE IR

Average Pharmacy Cost for MORPHINE SULFATE IR

These are average pharmacy acquisition costs (net of discounts) from a US national survey
Drug Name NDC Price/Unit ($) Unit Date
MORPHINE SULFATE IR 15 MG TAB 00832-0273-11 0.25331 EACH 2025-03-19
MORPHINE SULFATE IR 15 MG TAB 67877-0670-01 0.25331 EACH 2025-03-19
MORPHINE SULFATE IR 15 MG TAB 00054-0235-24 0.25331 EACH 2025-03-19
MORPHINE SULFATE IR 15 MG TAB 00406-5118-62 0.25331 EACH 2025-03-19
MORPHINE SULFATE IR 30 MG TAB 67877-0671-01 0.38397 EACH 2025-03-19
MORPHINE SULFATE IR 15 MG TAB 00406-5118-01 0.25331 EACH 2025-03-19
MORPHINE SULFATE IR 15 MG TAB 00054-0235-25 0.25331 EACH 2025-03-19
>Drug Name >NDC >Price/Unit ($) >Unit >Date

Market Analysis and Price Projections for Morphine Sulfate IR

Introduction to Morphine Sulfate IR

Morphine sulfate, an immediate-release (IR) formulation, is a potent opioid analgesic derived from the opium poppy plant. It is widely used for managing moderate to severe pain, particularly in clinical settings such as hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers.

Global Market Overview

The global morphine market is projected to grow significantly over the next decade. Here are some key points:

  • Market Size: The global morphine market is expected to grow from USD 22.46 billion in 2023 to USD 34.87 billion by 2033, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.50%[3].
  • Market Segmentation: The market is segmented by type (oral tablets, injections, capsules), application (anesthesia, cough suppressant, diarrhea suppressant, others), and end user (hospitals & clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, others)[3].

Segmentation and Growth Drivers

By Type

  • Oral Tablets: This segment is anticipated to hold the greatest share of the global morphine market. Oral tablets offer a convenient and non-invasive method of pain management, with controlled-release formulas providing longer-lasting relief[3].

By Application

  • Anesthesia: The anesthesia segment is expected to grow at the fastest pace. Morphine is crucial in surgical treatments for ensuring patient comfort and pain management during procedures[3].

By End User

  • Hospitals & Clinics: This segment is predicted to grow at the highest pace. Morphine is widely used in hospitals and clinics for managing pain in patients undergoing surgery, those with severe injuries, or those with life-threatening illnesses[3].

Regional Analysis

  • North America: This region is expected to hold the largest share of the global morphine market due to its advanced healthcare system, large patient population, and supportive healthcare policies. The United States is a significant market within this region[3].
  • Asia Pacific: This region is predicted to grow at the fastest pace driven by rising healthcare costs, developing healthcare infrastructure, and the expansion of healthcare facilities in countries like China and India[3].

Price Analysis

Street Prices vs. Legitimate Market Prices

  • Street prices for morphine can vary significantly. For example, immediate-release hydromorphone, a related opioid, has been reported to fetch a street price of up to US$75 per 4-mg tablet, while the median price in a Vancouver study was around Can$25 per tablet[1].
  • In contrast, legitimate market prices for morphine sulfate IR formulations are more stable:
    • Injectable Solutions: Prices range from $25.38 for 20 milliliters of a 50 mg/mL solution to $437.90 for 900 milliliters of a 1 mg/mL preservative-free solution[2].
    • Oral Solutions: Prices range from $13.30 for 100 milliliters of a 10 mg/5 mL solution to $160.46 for 50 units of a 10 mg/0.5 mL solution[2].

Cost Considerations

  • The cost of morphine sulfate IR can vary based on the dosage form and quantity. For instance, a 30-day supply equivalent to 60 mg of oral morphine per day can range from under $30 to over $90, depending on the formulation (immediate-release or sustained-release)[5].

Abuse Potential and Regulatory Impact

  • Abuse Potential: Studies have shown that crushed morphine sulfate IR tablets have a higher abuse potential compared to formulations like morphine sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride extended-release capsules (MSN), which are designed to reduce euphoria and drug liking[4].
  • Regulatory Environment: The market is influenced by regulatory measures aimed at controlling opioid abuse. For example, special authorities may be required for certain formulations, and there is a growing emphasis on pain management guidelines to reduce misuse[5].

Competitive Landscape

  • The market is competitive with various pharmaceutical companies launching new products. For instance, Qinhai Zhiyao Pharmaceutical launched a new morphine sulfate injection in China, designed for rapid pain relief[3].

Future Projections

  • Given the growing need for effective pain management, especially in regions like North America and the Asia Pacific, the demand for morphine sulfate IR is expected to increase.
  • The market is likely to be driven by advancements in healthcare infrastructure, increasing awareness of pain management, and supportive government regulations.

Key Takeaways

  • The global morphine market, including morphine sulfate IR, is projected to grow significantly by 2033.
  • Oral tablets and anesthesia applications are expected to be key growth drivers.
  • North America and the Asia Pacific will be significant regions for market growth.
  • Prices vary widely between street and legitimate market prices, with legitimate prices being more stable.
  • Regulatory measures and abuse potential studies will continue to shape the market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the projected growth rate of the global morphine market? The global morphine market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.50% from 2023 to 2033[3].

2. Which segment is expected to hold the greatest share of the global morphine market? The oral tablets segment is anticipated to hold the greatest share of the global morphine market[3].

3. How does the street price of morphine compare to legitimate market prices? Street prices can be significantly higher and more variable compared to the stable prices in the legitimate market[1][2].

4. What are the main applications of morphine sulfate IR? Morphine sulfate IR is primarily used for pain management, particularly in anesthesia, and for treating severe pain in clinical settings[3].

5. How does the regulatory environment impact the morphine market? Regulatory measures aimed at controlling opioid abuse, such as special authorities for certain formulations, influence the market and shape its growth[5].

Sources Cited

  1. The news on the street: prescription drugs on the black market - CMAJ[1]
  2. Morphine Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance - Drugs.com[2]
  3. Global Morphine Market Size To Worth USD 34.87 Billion By 2033 - GlobeNewswire[3]
  4. Assessment of Pharmacodynamic Effects Following Oral Administration - Pain Medicine[4]
  5. Opioids in Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: The Basics - Gov.bc.ca[5]

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