Complete Price Breakdown: Brand vs Compounded, Monthly Costs & Payment Options
Published: January 2026 | Last Updated: 2026 | EidosLife Clinical Pricing Guide
Tirzepatide is experiencing significant adoption in Nigeria following its FDA approval in 2022 and subsequent market entry as Mounjaro. Unlike semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), which has been available longer, tirzepatide pricing remains higher due to its newer formulation and premium efficacy profile.
For Nigerian consumers, understanding tirzepatide costs is critical because the medication represents a significant health investment. At an average monthly cost of ₦95,000-120,000, most patients invest ₦1.1-1.4 million annually. This guide breaks down every cost component so you can make informed decisions.
Key context: The average Nigerian salary is ₦40,000-60,000 monthly, making tirzepatide a premium health expense that requires careful budgeting and understanding of payment flexibility options.
Mounjaro is the FDA-approved, brand-name tirzepatide injection manufactured by Eli Lilly (distributed globally by Pfizer in some markets). In Nigeria, authentic Mounjaro is extremely limited and prohibitively expensive.
| Mounjaro Dose | Price per Injection (Naira) | Monthly Cost (4 injections) | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg weekly pen | ₦180,000 | ₦720,000 | ₦8,640,000 |
| 5mg weekly pen | ₦210,000 | ₦840,000 | ₦10,080,000 |
| 7.5mg weekly pen | ₦240,000 | ₦960,000 | ₦11,520,000 |
| 10mg weekly pen | ₦250,000 | ₦1,000,000 | ₦12,000,000 |
Availability Reality: Most pharmacy chains in Nigeria do not stock authentic Mounjaro pens regularly. When available, they're obtained through special order with lead times of 2-4 weeks. Cold-chain shipping from authorized distributors significantly increases costs, explaining the premium pricing.
Compounded tirzepatide refers to pharmaceutical-grade tirzepatide formulated by licensed pharmacies under regulatory supervision. The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is identical to brand-name Mounjaro—same efficacy, same results—but costs 60-70% less.
| Compounded Dose | Budget Price (Naira) | Standard Price (Naira) | Monthly Cost (4 injections) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg weekly | ₦75,000 | ₦85,000 | ₦300,000 - ₦340,000 |
| 5mg weekly | ₦85,000 | ₦95,000 | ₦340,000 - ₦380,000 |
| 7.5mg weekly | ₦95,000 | ₦110,000 | ₦380,000 - ₦440,000 |
| 10mg weekly | ₦110,000 | ₦120,000 | ₦440,000 - ₦480,000 |
Why Compounded is Affordable: Compounding eliminates packaging, brand licensing, and international cold-chain costs. Pharmacies source the pharmaceutical-grade API in bulk, reducing per-unit costs significantly. Quality assurance and sterility protocols remain identical to brand-name manufacturing.
The tirzepatide injection cost typically includes:
What's NOT Included:
Cost per injection: ₦85,000-120,000 (depending on dose)
Monthly total (4 injections): ₦340,000-480,000
Pros: Pay-as-you-go flexibility; no upfront bulk payments; can adjust doses week-to-week; stop anytime
Cons: Higher per-injection cost; more frequent clinic visits; less convenience
12 injections at 5-8% discount: ₦3,900,000-4,100,000
Average per injection: ₦78,000-96,000
Monthly equivalent: ₦312,000-384,000
Pros: 5-8% cost savings; fewer clinic visits; better convenience; consistent supply
Cons: Large upfront payment; requires storage space; less flexibility if side effects occur
Recommendation: For most Nigerian patients, monthly or bi-weekly purchasing provides better flexibility while you adjust to the medication and confirm tolerability. Quarterly purchases work best after 8-12 weeks when dose stability is confirmed.
Your first visit includes medical history, weight/height assessment, blood pressure measurement, and physician evaluation to confirm tirzepatide candidacy. This consultation establishes the baseline for monitoring and ensures no contraindications exist.
| Lab Test | Baseline Cost (Naira) | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting blood glucose | ₦5,000-8,000 | Every 12 weeks | Monitor diabetes risk, glucose control |
| Renal function (creatinine, BUN) | ₦8,000-12,000 | Every 12 weeks | Ensure kidneys tolerate GLP-1 |
| Liver function tests | ₦8,000-12,000 | Every 12 weeks | Monitor liver health |
| Lipid panel (cholesterol) | ₦6,000-10,000 | Every 12 weeks | Track metabolic improvements |
| Full metabolic panel | ₦20,000-30,000 | Baseline only (8-12 weeks apart after) | Comprehensive baseline health |
Most protocols include 4-6 follow-up visits in the first 6 months (weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20) to monitor weight loss progress, side effects, and inject technique. After 6 months, visits decrease to monthly or quarterly.
6-Month Follow-up Cost: 5 visits × ₦10,000 average = ₦50,000
Some clinics offer courier delivery to your home if you're outside Lagos or in remote areas. This is optional; most urban patients pick up from clinic locations.
| Cost Category | Breakdown | 12-Month Total |
|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide Injections (5mg) | ₦95,000 × 52 weeks (13 cycles) | ₦1,235,000 |
| Initial Consultation | One visit | ₦20,000 |
| Baseline Labs | Initial full metabolic panel | ₦30,000 |
| Monitoring Labs | 4 panels × ₦20,000 (quarterly) | ₦80,000 |
| Follow-up Visits | 6 visits first 6 months, 2 per second half | ₦80,000 |
| Optional Delivery | 12 shipments (if not picking up) | ₦48,000 |
| TOTAL FIRST-YEAR COST (Rounded) | ₦1,493,000 |
Monthly Average: ₦124,400
Note: Second-year costs decrease because baseline labs aren't repeated. Year 2 typically costs ₦1,280,000-1,350,000 (injections + monitoring only).
Pay per injection at each clinic visit. Some clinics offer small discounts (2-3%) for cash payments.
Certain clinics offer tirzepatide subscriptions where you pay ₦400,000-450,000 monthly and receive all components: 4 injections, 2 follow-ups, and monthly lab work. This simplifies budgeting for working professionals.
Pay ₦1,050,000-1,200,000 upfront for a 3-month supply with 5-8% savings on per-injection costs. Popular with salaried employees who receive performance bonuses or end-of-quarter payouts.
Some larger Nigerian companies have negotiated tirzepatide programs with pharmacies. Employee costs may be 10-15% lower. Check with your HR department.
Coverage in Nigeria is limited but growing:
Action: Contact your HMO directly and ask about tirzepatide coverage. Provide the generic name "tirzepatide" and ICD-10 code for obesity (E66.9) to check coverage eligibility.
| Metric | Semaglutide (Ozempic alt.) | Tirzepatide (Mounjaro alt.) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per injection | ₦65,000-75,000 | ₦85,000-120,000 | Tirzepatide +30-60% |
| Monthly (4 injections) | ₦260,000-300,000 | ₦340,000-480,000 | Tirzepatide +₦80,000-180,000 |
| Annual total | ₦1,040,000-1,200,000 | ₦1,240,000-1,600,000 | Tirzepatide +₦200,000-400,000 |
| Efficacy | 15-18% weight loss | 20-22% weight loss | Tirzepatide +2-4% better |
| Cost per 1% weight loss | ₦64,000-80,000 | ₦56,000-80,000 | Comparable efficiency |
Bottom Line: Tirzepatide costs 30-60% more per injection but delivers 2-4% superior weight loss. When calculated as cost-per-percentage-weight-loss, the two medications are competitively priced. Choose semaglutide for budget-conscious patients; choose tirzepatide if maximum efficacy is the priority.
For reference, brand-name Ozempic (semaglutide pen) in Nigeria costs ₦150,000-180,000 per injection when available. Wegovy (same semaglutide, higher doses) costs even more.
| Medication | Per Injection Cost | Annual Cost (Rough) | Availability in Nigeria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Ozempic 1mg | ₦150,000-180,000 | ₦2,000,000+ | Very rare; special order only |
| Brand Wegovy 2.4mg | ₦170,000-200,000 | ₦2,300,000+ | Extremely rare in Nigeria |
| Compounded Semaglutide | ₦65,000-75,000 | ₦1,040,000-1,200,000 | Widely available |
| Compounded Tirzepatide | ₦85,000-120,000 | ₦1,240,000-1,600,000 | Increasingly available |
Cost Savings with Compounded Options: Using compounded medications instead of brand-name saves ₦700,000-1,200,000 annually, while maintaining identical efficacy and safety profiles.
A practical way to evaluate medication ROI is cost-per-kilogram weight loss achieved:
Context for value assessment:
Interpretation: Tirzepatide costs more per kilogram than lifestyle-only approaches, but delivers superior, faster, and more predictable results. Most patients value the consistency and health benefits (reduced metabolic disease risk, blood sugar control) alongside weight loss.
Begin with compounded semaglutide (₦65,000/injection) for 3-6 months to test tolerability and establish a baseline. If weight loss plateaus or you want faster results, upgrade to tirzepatide. This reduces initial financial commitment.
Save 5-8% by purchasing 3-month supplies instead of monthly. Plan quarterly budget allocations: ₦1,050,000 every three months is more manageable than ₦380,000 monthly for some patients.
Ask about:
Some healthcare startups offer group-based tirzepatide programs where bulk purchasing reduces per-person costs to ₦70,000-85,000/injection. These are emerging in Lagos and Abuja.
Maximize tirzepatide results through nutrition and exercise, potentially allowing you to pause treatment after 12-18 months and restart only if weight regain occurs. This spreads annual costs across multiple years.
Multinationals and large Nigerian companies increasingly fund employee wellness initiatives. Check if your employer offers subsidies for weight management, nutritionist consultations, or pharmaceutical copayments.
Yes, when sourced from licensed pharmacies following pharmaceutical standards:
Green Flags (Legitimate):
Many patients trial tirzepatide for 6 months before committing long-term:
Use Case: Ideal for patients wanting to test medication tolerability, confirm lifestyle compatibility, and assess realistic results before larger financial commitment.
As calculated earlier, year-one costs are ₦1,450,000-1,550,000 with 18-22kg weight loss expected. Year 2 costs drop to ₦1,280,000-1,350,000 (no baseline labs needed).
Long-Term (24-Month) Projection:
Beyond direct tirzepatide expenses, budget for:
Realistic total "invisible costs": ₦150,000-800,000 during the year you're on tirzepatide, depending on lifestyle choices.
To put ₦1,450,000 annual tirzepatide cost in perspective:
Financial reality: Tirzepatide is a premium health investment accessible primarily to Nigeria's salaried, professional class and business owners. Most patients budget for it by:
Use this template to plan your personal tirzepatide budget:
| Cost Category | Your Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tirzepatide injections (₦85,000-120,000 × 4/month) | ₦________ | Depends on chosen dose |
| Consultations & follow-ups (first 6 months) | ₦________ | ₦10,000-15,000 per visit |
| Lab tests (monthly or quarterly) | ₦________ | ₦15,000-30,000 per panel |
| Delivery/shipping (if applicable) | ₦________ | ₦3,000-8,000 per shipment |
| Nutritionist consultations (optional) | ₦________ | ₦15,000-50,000 per session |
| Gym membership (optional) | ₦________ | ₦20,000-60,000/month |
| MONTHLY TOTAL | ₦________ |
Dedicated weight loss clinics in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt typically offer:
Branches of large pharmacy chains (e.g., Pharmarite, HealthPlus selected locations) stock compounded tirzepatide:
Emerging telehealth startups offer remote physician consultations + delivered tirzepatide:
Bulk purchasing directly from pharmaceutical distributors (if you have clinical credentials) bypasses retail markup but requires licensing and minimum order quantities.
Not recommended for individual consumers; primarily for registered clinics/pharmacies.
The evidence supports tirzepatide's value for patients who:
Semaglutide remains the more cost-effective entry point for most Nigerian patients. Choose tirzepatide if superior efficacy justifies the additional 30-60% cost premium.
Ready to start your tirzepatide journey? Our physicians provide evidence-based assessment, transparent pricing, and clinical oversight throughout your treatment. Discuss pricing options, payment flexibility, and your specific situation with our team.
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