PHILIPPINES – The global health crisis changed people’s perception of health and wellness and their relationship with medicines and healthcare as a whole. According to Millennial Medicine Cabinets, a February 2022 survey by health website druggenius.com, one in three millennials has become more interested in vitamins and supplements since the pandemic started, with immune health and multivitamins topping their interests. Furthermore, one in three millennials also increased their supplement and vitamin consumption since March 2020, proving that health and wellness are not only top of mind but a major factor in lifestyle changes.
Gen Zs are not to be left behind in terms of health and wellness. They are seen to be more open to conversations about health, whether physical and mental, and are very concerned about physical fitness, even supporting health with new technologies, according to a recent report from management consulting firm Oliver Wyman.
Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy, the first online compounding pharmacy in the Philippines, sees similar positive views on health and wellness among its millennials and Gen Z patients. Besides taking charge of their health, AIP’s data shows growing interest among the future generation in modern medications such as compounded drugs.
Millennials and Gen Zs start their compounding medicine journey around the age of 20, AIP data reveals. AIP saw an astounding 375 percent increase in patient-respondents taking compounded medication from 2021 to 2022. The number of patients further grew by 45 percent in 2023.
Weight management products consistently topped the medication category prescribed to millennials throughout 2021 and 2022 and until May 2023, with usage reaching 51 percent and 55 percent, respectively, for the first two years. Apotheca offers a variety of compounded solutions for weight management, including Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) solution, which aims to protect beneficial lean muscle mass while burning undesirable fat. This comes part of an intensive diet plan called the HCG Diet, which aids patients in shedding off pounds of collective weight.
Among Gen Z patients, corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory medicine prescribed for a wide range of conditions, topped prescriptions by doctors, with usage peaking at 88 percent in 2021. Data for May 2023 shows corticosteroids remain the top category with 57 percent usage.
Fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone are the compounded medications being offered by AIP under the corticosteroids category. Fludrocortisone works by helping the body maintain the balance of minerals and water while hydrocortisone calms down the body’s immune response to pain and itching and swelling.
AIP has further observed changes in millennials’ interest in wellness and incorporating compounding medication into their lifestyles. Millennials are increasingly recognizing the benefits of nutraceuticals: 2023 prescriptions thus far have risen by 65 percent from 39 percent in 2021. Nutraceutical prescriptions enjoy steady use among the mid-20s to early 30s age group, with patients aged 31 to 33 the dominant customers of this product. This could be attributed to rising awareness of the benefits of adding natural and organic products to daily diets.
The usage prescription of intravenous (IV) products, which has recently been gaining traction among health enthusiasts, varies over the years. It hit 8 percent in 2021 and increased to 23 percent in 2022. Data for 2023 shows a slight dip but IV drips nevertheless remain a relatively significant product among millennials, especially among the 25 to 28 age group. Adoption among those 30 years old and above is generally lower.
Citing their flexible and dynamic nature in addressing various needs and goals, including cognitive function, immune support, stress management, and energy enhancement, AIP recommends nutraceuticals as a solution to try or invest in. Integrating vitamin and mineral supplements in millennials’ and Gen Zs’ diets can make small positive changes that in the long term impact overall health.
As the local pharmaceutical market continues to grow and adopt new innovations and technologies and with the young people leading the charge, AIP will continue providing Filipinos with the best possible medicines and healthcare solutions. The pharmacy will continue innovating medicines that will help Filipinos get the nutrition and solutions they need for their specific health needs and wellness goals. AIP also aims to continue and sustain the discussion on the importance of preventative measures when it comes to health. As more young Filipinos put a premium on their health and wellness, AIP will be a constant provider of quality and personalized medicines they can trust and rely on.