Comprehensive information about Zepbound (tirzepatide), its regulatory status in Nigeria, and what alternatives are available for weight management.
Not NAFDAC Registered
Cannot be legally sold
Active: Tirzepatide
Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist
Alternatives Available
Compounded tirzepatide
Zepbound is the brand name for tirzepatide, a prescription medication manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023 specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or greater) or overweight (BMI of 27 or greater) with at least one weight-related condition.
Zepbound is the same active ingredient as Mounjaro, which is approved for type 2 diabetes management. While Mounjaro targets diabetes, Zepbound is specifically approved and marketed for weight loss.
Mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which signals fullness to your brain, slows stomach emptying, and helps regulate blood sugar levels after meals.
Also targets the GIP hormone receptor, which enhances insulin secretion and may improve fat metabolism. This dual-action is unique to tirzepatide.
In the 72-week SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial, participants on the highest dose of tirzepatide (15mg) achieved:
Source: SURMOUNT-1 trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 2022.
As of January 2026, Zepbound (tirzepatide for weight loss) has not been registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria. This means it cannot be legally imported, sold, or distributed in Nigeria.
Any entity claiming to sell genuine Zepbound in Nigeria is operating outside the law. NAFDAC has not approved this medication for sale.
Importing Zepbound for personal use or commercial sale without NAFDAC approval violates Nigerian pharmaceutical regulations.
Products sold as "Zepbound" in Nigeria may be counterfeit, expired, or improperly stored, posing serious health risks.
You can verify any medication's registration status at nafdac.gov.ng or by calling NAFDAC directly.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is Nigeria's regulatory body responsible for ensuring that all food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and chemicals are safe for consumption and use. Any prescription medication must be registered with NAFDAC before it can be legally sold in Nigeria.
Tirzepatide is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in both Zepbound (for weight loss) and Mounjaro (for type 2 diabetes). It represents a new class of medications called dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists.
While the branded versions are not available in Nigeria, compounded tirzepatide - containing the same active ingredient prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies - may be available through authorized providers.
Compounded medications are custom-prepared by pharmacists and can provide access to medications when brand-name versions are unavailable or unaffordable.
While Zepbound is not available, Nigerians seeking GLP-1 weight loss therapy have options through providers offering compounded tirzepatide and semaglutide.
Comprehensive weight loss programs with compounded GLP-1 medications, doctor supervision, and nationwide delivery.
Visit SiteNigerian-focused weight management with tirzepatide and semaglutide options. Cold-chain delivery across Nigeria.
Visit SitePremium peptide therapy including compounded tirzepatide. Medical consultations and personalized dosing.
Visit SiteThese providers offer compounded tirzepatide (the same active ingredient as Zepbound), not the brand-name product. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication. Verify any provider's legitimacy before making purchases.
No. Zepbound (the brand-name product from Eli Lilly) is not registered with NAFDAC and cannot be legally purchased in Nigeria. Any entity claiming to sell genuine Zepbound in Nigeria is likely selling counterfeit products or operating illegally. However, compounded tirzepatide (the same active ingredient) may be available through legitimate providers.
The brand-name products (Zepbound and Mounjaro) are not NAFDAC-approved, so they cannot be legally sold. However, compounded medications prepared by licensed pharmacies operate in a different regulatory category. If you're considering tirzepatide therapy, consult with a healthcare provider who can guide you on legally available options.
Both contain the exact same active ingredient: tirzepatide. The only differences are:
Neither is currently available through official channels in Nigeria.
Nigerians seeking GLP-1 weight loss therapy have several options:
See the Alternatives section for providers offering these options.
Look for these indicators of a legitimate provider:
Common side effects of tirzepatide include:
Serious side effects are rare but can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and hypoglycemia (when used with other diabetes medications). Always use under medical supervision.