Guide to buying Mounjaro in Mexico

By Mourad B. | May 19 2025

For expats and travelers managing type 2 diabetes or seeking weight loss solutions, access to medication while abroad is a critical concern. Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a groundbreaking injectable medication, has gained significant attention for its effectiveness in both blood sugar control and weight management. This comprehensive guide explores Mounjaro's availability in Mexico, prescription requirements, comparison with similar medications, side effects, and assistance programs to help you navigate your healthcare needs while in Mexico.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injectable prescription medication developed by Eli Lilly that was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2022 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. What sets Mounjaro apart from many other diabetes medications is its dual-action mechanism. It functions as both a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, effectively mimicking two natural hormones that regulate blood sugar and appetite.

The medication has garnered substantial attention not only for its effectiveness in managing diabetes but also for its remarkable weight loss benefits. In clinical trials, patients taking Mounjaro lost an average of 15-22% of their body weight, making it one of the most effective medications for weight management currently available. While its weight loss indication is marketed under the brand name Zepbound in the United States, many healthcare providers prescribe Mounjaro off-label for weight management.

Mounjaro Availability in Mexico

If you're wondering "can you get mounjaro in mexico," the answer is yes, but with some important caveats. As of 2025, Mounjaro has limited distribution in Mexico, with availability depending on local pharmacy stock and healthcare regulations. According to recent reports, Eli Lilly plans to officially launch Mounjaro in Mexico by 2026, along with other emerging markets like China, India, and Brazil.

Currently, Mounjaro can be found at major pharmacy chains in Mexico, including Farmacia San Pablo and Farmacia del Ahorro. However, availability may vary by location and stock levels. The medication requires approval by COFEPRIS (Mexico's regulatory body for health products) for full distribution, and the increasing global demand suggests it will become more widely available throughout Mexico in the coming years.

For expats and travelers seeking Mounjaro in Mexico, it's advisable to call ahead to pharmacies in major cities to confirm availability before making a special trip. Some pharmacies may also offer ordering services if the medication is not immediately available in stock.

Is Mounjaro Available Over the Counter in Mexico?

A common question among travelers is "is mounjaro available over the counter in mexico?" The definitive answer is no. Mounjaro is not available over the counter in Mexico. Like in the United States and most countries worldwide, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) requires a valid prescription from a licensed doctor.

It's important to note that US prescriptions are not valid in Mexico. If you need Mounjaro while in Mexico, you must consult with a Mexican doctor to obtain a local prescription. This is true even if you have a current, valid prescription from your home country.

Mexican pharmacies strictly adhere to this requirement for Mounjaro due to its potent effects and the need for medical supervision. According to a Facebook post from December 2024, "No compounding pharmacies in Mexico and neither Mounjaro nor Zepbound are approved by Cofepris, so not available in a regular pharmacy without prescription."

How Expats and Travelers Can Get Mounjaro in Mexico

For expats and travelers wondering "can you get mounjaro in mexico" for their personal use, here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Consult with a Mexican doctor:
   • Consult our list of English-speaking Endocrinologists in Polanco and Del Valle
   • Visit a local clinic or hospital in Mexico
   • Private clinics in tourist areas often have English-speaking doctors
   • Bring your medical records and any current prescriptions from your home country
   • Explain your current treatment plan and why you need Mounjaro
2. Obtain a valid Mexican prescription:
   • The doctor will evaluate your condition and, if appropriate, provide a Mexican prescription
   • This prescription will be recognized by all Mexican pharmacies
   • Mexican prescriptions typically include the doctor's professional license number and other identifying information
3. Purchase from reputable pharmacies:
   • Take your prescription to established pharmacy chains like Farmacia San Pablo or Farmacia del Ahorro
   • Avoid purchasing from unregulated sources to prevent counterfeit medications
   • Be prepared to show your Mexican prescription at the pharmacy
4. Documentation for border crossing:
   • If planning to bring Mounjaro back to your home country, carry:
     • Your Mexican prescription
     • Original packaging with pharmacy labels
     • A letter from your doctor explaining the medical necessity
     • Be aware of your home country's customs regulations regarding prescription medications

The cost of Mounjaro in Mexico is significantly lower than in the United States. At Farmacia San Pablo, Mounjaro 5mg/0.5ml is priced at approximately $1,798.00 MXN (about $89 USD), while Farmacia del Ahorro offers both 2.5mg and 5mg doses for around $1,792.00 MXN (approximately $89 USD). This represents substantial savings compared to US prices, which can exceed $1,000 per month without insurance coverage.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Key Differences

When discussing weight loss and diabetes medications, "Mounjaro vs Ozempic" is a common comparison. Both medications are injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists used for type 2 diabetes management and weight loss, but they have several important differences:

Mechanism of Action

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Functions as both a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, targeting two hormone pathways
• Ozempic (semaglutide): Works solely as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, targeting one hormone pathway

Effectiveness for Type 2 Diabetes

Based on the Phase 3 SURPASS-2 clinical study:

• Mounjaro reduced A1C (a measure of average blood sugar) by 2% to 2.3%
• Ozempic reduced A1C by 1.9% at the 1mg dose
• This suggests Mounjaro may provide slightly better blood sugar control for many patients

Weight Loss Effects

• Mounjaro led to weight loss of 7.7 kg (17 lb) to 11.4 kg (25 lb) on average
• Ozempic led to weight loss of 5.9 kg (13 lb) on average
• In one study, Mounjaro led to at least a 5% weight loss within one year in 81.8% of adults compared to 66.5% of those using Ozempic

FDA Approvals

• Mounjaro: Approved for type 2 diabetes
• Ozempic: Approved for:
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Reducing risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
  • Reducing risk of worsening kidney disease and heart-related death in patients with type 2 diabetes

Dosing

Mounjaro:

• Starting dose: 2.5 mg subcutaneously once weekly
• After 4 weeks, increase to 5 mg once weekly
• Maximum dose: 15 mg once weekly

Ozempic:

• Starting dose: 0.25 mg subcutaneously once weekly
• After 4 weeks, increase to 0.5 mg once weekly
• Maintenance dose: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg once weekly
• Maximum dose: 2 mg once weekly

For expats and travelers in Mexico, both medications require a prescription, but Mounjaro may be preferred by those seeking more significant weight loss or better glycemic control. However, individual responses vary, and the choice between these medications should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Mounjaro Side Effects

Understanding "Mounjaro side effects" is crucial for anyone considering this medication. Like all prescription drugs, Mounjaro can cause various side effects ranging from mild to severe:

Common Side Effects

• Nausea (most common, affecting up to 30% of patients)
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Abdominal pain

Other Side Effects

• Fatigue
• Injection site reactions
• Dizziness
• Burping/gas
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when used with insulin or insulin secretagogues

Serious Side Effects (Warnings)

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (based on animal studies)
• Acute kidney injury
• Diabetic retinopathy complications
• Allergic reactions
• Gallbladder problems

Managing Side Effects

• Side effects are typically most pronounced when starting treatment or increasing doses
• Slowly increasing the dose as directed by healthcare providers helps manage gastrointestinal side effects
• Most side effects tend to decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication
• Staying well-hydrated and eating smaller, more frequent meals may help reduce nausea

If you experience severe or persistent side effects while in Mexico, consult with a local healthcare provider immediately. Major tourist areas have hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff who can provide appropriate care.

Mounjaro Assistance Program and Mexican Pharmacy Acceptance

For those concerned about medication costs, the "Mounjaro assistance program" offers potential savings. Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, provides a Savings Card program for eligible participants with commercial insurance in the United States. With this program, eligible participants may pay as little as $25 for a 1-month supply (4 pens) or 3-month supply (up to 12 pens).

However, it's important to understand how this program relates to purchases in Mexico:

US Program Limitations: The US-based Mounjaro Savings Card is designed for use with US commercial insurance and at US pharmacies. It generally cannot be directly applied to purchases in Mexican pharmacies. Mexican Pharmacy Programs: Major Mexican pharmacy chains have their own membership and discount programs: Farmacia San Pablo: Offers a "Club Salud" membership program. Their website explicitly states that Mounjaro "es parte del programa de laboratorio Eli Lilly" (is part of the Eli Lilly laboratory program). When purchasing Mounjaro, customers can activate their Club Salud membership, which may provide additional discounts.

Farmacia del Ahorro: Features a "Monedero del Ahorro" (Savings Wallet) program, which functions as their loyalty/discount program. While they carry Mounjaro, their website doesn't explicitly mention the Eli Lilly assistance program. Checkout Process:

• At Farmacia San Pablo, the checkout process prompts you to enter membership card information if you have joined their Club Salud program.
• At Farmacia del Ahorro, you can use their Monedero del Ahorro program for potential discounts and rewards.

It's worth noting that even without assistance programs, Mounjaro prices in Mexico are significantly lower than US retail prices. The approximately $89 USD price in Mexico compares favorably to the $1,000+ monthly cost in the US without insurance coverage.

Cost Comparison: Mexico vs. US

For many expats and travelers, the cost savings are a primary motivation for seeking medications in Mexico. Here's how Mounjaro prices compare:

• Mexico: Approximately $1,792-1,798 MXN ($89 USD) per month
• United States:
  • Without insurance: $1,000-1,300 USD per month
  • With insurance: Variable, but often $25-100 with coverage and manufacturer savings card
  • Without insurance but with Optum Perks or similar discount cards: $800-1,000 USD

This significant price difference makes Mexico an attractive option for those paying out-of-pocket for Mounjaro, even when factoring in travel costs for those living near the border.

Practical Tips for Expats and Travelers

If you're planning to obtain Mounjaro while in Mexico, consider these practical tips:

1. Research before travel: Call pharmacies in your destination city to confirm availability and current pricing.
2. Language preparation: Learn key Spanish phrases related to your medical needs or use translation apps.
3. Medical tourism services: In major tourist areas, medical concierge services can help arrange doctor appointments and pharmacy visits.
4. Storage considerations: Mounjaro requires refrigeration. If traveling, bring an insulated bag with ice packs for transportation.
5. Insurance considerations: Check if your international health insurance covers doctor visits in Mexico.
6. Border crossing: Research your home country's regulations about bringing prescription medications across borders. The US generally allows up to a 90-day supply of non-controlled prescription medications for personal use.