EDUCATIONAL CONTENT ONLY - We do not sell, supply, or distribute Mounjaro

Educational Resource

Understanding Mounjaro in Nigeria

Comprehensive educational information about Mounjaro (tirzepatide), its regulatory status in Nigeria, and what options are available for those seeking weight management solutions.

Important Notice

This is an educational website. We do not sell, supply, or distribute Mounjaro or any medications. Mounjaro is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.

Understanding the Medication

What Is Mounjaro?

An evidence-based overview of tirzepatide and how it works

The Science Behind Mounjaro

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a first-in-class medication that acts as a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. This dual mechanism makes it unique among weight loss medications.

Manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, it was initially developed for type 2 diabetes management but showed remarkable weight loss results in clinical trials, leading to its approval for chronic weight management in several countries.

How It Works

  • Reduces appetite by acting on brain receptors that control hunger and satiety
  • Slows gastric emptying, helping you feel full longer after meals
  • Improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar levels
  • Dual-action mechanism targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors for enhanced efficacy

SURMOUNT Clinical Trials

The SURMOUNT trial program studied tirzepatide's efficacy for weight management:

20-25%
Average body weight reduction at highest dose over 72 weeks
52 kg
Maximum weight lost by participants (up to 52 kg / 115 lbs)
91%
Participants achieving 5%+ weight loss at highest dose

Source: Jastreboff AM, et al. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216

About Eli Lilly

Eli Lilly and Company is an American pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1876, it is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world and the developer of Mounjaro.

Important Information

Regulatory Status in Nigeria

What you need to know about Mounjaro's legal status

Mounjaro Is NOT Registered with NAFDAC

As of January 2026, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has not been registered or approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for sale or distribution in Nigeria.

This means that Mounjaro cannot be legally purchased, sold, or imported for commercial purposes in Nigeria. Any claims of selling "authentic Mounjaro" in Nigeria should be viewed with extreme caution.

What This Means

  • - Cannot be legally sold in Nigerian pharmacies
  • - Not covered by Nigerian healthcare regulations
  • - Products claiming to be Mounjaro may be counterfeit
  • - No quality assurance from Nigerian authorities

About NAFDAC

NAFDAC is the Nigerian regulatory body responsible for:

  • - Regulating and controlling food, drugs, and medical devices
  • - Ensuring quality, safety, and efficacy of medications
  • - Protecting public health from harmful products

Global Approval Status

Mounjaro is FDA-approved in the United States (2022) and EMA-approved in the European Union (2023) for type 2 diabetes. Zepbound, the weight loss formulation of tirzepatide, was FDA-approved in November 2023. Approval status varies by country, and Nigeria has not yet approved this medication.

The Active Ingredient

Understanding Tirzepatide

The molecule behind Mounjaro's effectiveness

What Is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a synthetic peptide that mimics two natural hormones: GIP and GLP-1. It's administered via weekly subcutaneous injection and comes in various dosage strengths (2.5mg to 15mg).

Dual Mechanism

Unlike single-action GLP-1 agonists (like semaglutide in Ozempic), tirzepatide targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. This dual action may explain its superior weight loss results in clinical trials.

Administration

Tirzepatide is injected once weekly, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Treatment starts at a low dose (2.5mg) and gradually increases to minimize side effects.

Compounded Tirzepatide

Due to supply shortages and high costs of brand-name medications, some compounding pharmacies produce tirzepatide using the same active ingredient. These compounded versions:

  • Contain the same active molecule (tirzepatide)
  • Are typically more affordable than brand-name versions
  • Require proper cold-chain storage and handling
  • Should only be obtained through licensed healthcare providers
Available Options

Weight Management Alternatives in Nigeria

If you're seeking weight management solutions in Nigeria, these services may be helpful

Always Consult a Healthcare Professional

Before starting any weight management medication, consult with a licensed healthcare provider. GLP-1 medications have potential side effects and contraindications that must be evaluated by a medical professional.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Mounjaro in Nigeria

No. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is not registered with NAFDAC and therefore cannot be legally sold, purchased, or imported for commercial purposes in Nigeria. Any vendor claiming to sell authentic Mounjaro in Nigeria should be approached with extreme caution, as the product may be counterfeit or illegally imported.
Mounjaro is not approved by NAFDAC for use in Nigeria. This means it cannot be legally marketed, sold, or distributed in the country. While the medication itself is not "illegal" in the sense of being a controlled substance, its commercial sale without NAFDAC registration violates Nigerian pharmaceutical regulations.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide): A dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Eli Lilly. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 20-25%.

Ozempic (semaglutide): A GLP-1 receptor agonist only, made by Novo Nordisk. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 15-18%.

The dual mechanism of tirzepatide appears to provide greater weight loss efficacy in clinical studies.

While brand-name Mounjaro is not available, some healthcare providers in Nigeria work with compounding pharmacies that produce tirzepatide (the same active ingredient). Additionally, compounded semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic/Wegovy) may be available. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider and ensure any medication is obtained through legitimate channels.

Common side effects include:

  • Nausea (especially in early treatment)
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Decreased appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain

Serious side effects (rare): pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney issues, allergic reactions. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any medication.

Tirzepatide is contraindicated for:

  • People with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
  • People with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • People with severe gastrointestinal disease
  • People with a history of pancreatitis

A thorough medical evaluation is required before starting treatment.