GLP-1 Weight Loss FAQ
Getting Started
What is CHROMA23® and how does it work?
CHROMA23® is a clinical platform built on prescription protocols across five categories: weight loss, longevity, sexual health, hair, and skincare. Complete a free health assessment. A board-certified physician licensed in your state reviews your profile. If clinically appropriate, the physician issues a prescription that is dispensed and shipped by a licensed pharmacy. Every category, one place.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes, for every medication on the platform. Nothing is sold without a valid prescription issued by a board-certified physician after a clinical evaluation. CHROMA23® offers no over-the-counter products and no controlled substances.
Who decides whether treatment is right for me?
The board-certified physician assigned to your case, based on your complete health assessment. CHROMA23® does not make clinical decisions and not every applicant is approved. You must be 21 or older to use CHROMA23®. If the physician determines treatment is not appropriate, you are notified and everything you paid for the order is refunded in full. You do not need to request it.
Is CHROMA23® available in my state?
Current state coverage is listed on our Physicians & Coverage page. Availability of specific treatments varies by state based on applicable telehealth and prescribing laws, and is confirmed during the assessment.
How long does the whole process take?
The free assessment takes about two minutes and the full intake under ten. After you submit, a board-certified physician reviews your case. If a prescription is issued, it ships from the pharmacy with tracking. Timing varies with your case, your state, and the pharmacy. Some cases move quickly; some take longer. You're notified at every step.
Membership, Pricing & Billing
What is the CHROMA23+ Membership and what does it include?
CHROMA23+ is one membership across every category, and it is simply your plan commitment. The 3-month plan is CHROMA23+ Core and the 6-month plan is CHROMA23+ Advance. There is no separate membership fee. Committing embeds member pricing (member rates start at
3/month on a CHROMA23+ Advance plan), free shipping, and your included physician visits, across weight loss, longevity, sexual health, hair, and skincare. For weight loss, the CHROMA23+ plan is all-in: medication, physician visits, and dose adjustments in one flat price, with additional visits at $46. A single month is available at the non-member rate with no commitment.
How much does CHROMA23® cost?
The health assessment is free. Weight loss runs on all-in CHROMA23+ plans from
51/month on the Advance (6-month) plan. Other categories are member supply plans priced per treatment on each treatment card. CHROMA23® Rx is a $46 per-visit service for brand-name prescriptions or a single non-member month. Every cost is shown in full before checkout: no hidden fees.
Do you take insurance? Can I use FSA/HSA funds?
CHROMA23® is cash-pay only and does not accept, bill, or process health insurance. Brand-name GLP-1 prescriptions are paid directly to the manufacturer with no CHROMA23® markup. FSA/HSA cards are not accepted directly at checkout, but many plans reimburse telehealth care. We provide itemized receipts, and eligibility depends on your plan administrator.
How does billing work?
Plans are available monthly, 3-month, and 6-month; longer plans lower the per-month price and are billed once upfront for the period. Monthly plans charge at enrollment and on the same date each month. Plans renew at the end of the period at the same rate unless you cancel. Payment is by credit or debit card through Stripe-powered checkout.
Can I cancel? Is there a cancellation deadline?
You can cancel at any time from your dashboard or by contacting support@chroma23.com. There is no cancellation deadline or notice window. Cancellation stops all future charges and takes effect at the end of the current billing period. Prepaid periods are not prorated or refunded mid-cycle unless required by applicable state law.
What is the refund policy?
Three rules. (1) If the physician does not approve treatment before a prescription is issued, everything you paid for the order is refunded in full, with no request needed. (2) Prescription medications cannot be returned and are not refundable once dispensed and shipped, a pharmacy-regulation constraint, but are replaced free of charge for wrong medication or strength, pharmacy dispensing errors, shipping damage, or a verified cold-chain temperature excursion. (3) Memberships cancel anytime with no future billing and no prorated refunds for the current period. See the Refund & Cancellation Policy for full terms.
Weight Loss
What weight-loss medications does CHROMA23® offer?
Compounded tirzepatide in two formats, weekly injectable and a needle-free daily oral tablet, through all-in CHROMA23+ plans, plus FDA-approved brand-name options prescribed by your physician and fulfilled manufacturer-direct: Zepbound® (tirzepatide), Wegovy® (semaglutide, including the once-daily oral form), and Foundayo™ (orforglipron). Your physician determines which option is clinically appropriate. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Weight-loss treatments are not currently available in Louisiana; see the Physicians & Coverage page.
What is compounded tirzepatide, and how does it differ from Zepbound®?
Compounded tirzepatide is prepared for you by a state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacy against your prescription. Its active ingredient is tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist; as a compounded preparation it may differ from any branded product in inactive ingredients, concentration, or form, and it is not FDA-approved. It has not undergone the FDA's approval process for safety, efficacy, and manufacturing quality as a finished product. CHROMA23®'s compounded weight-loss line is tirzepatide only; we do not offer compounded semaglutide. FDA-approved branded options are also offered, and your physician will discuss which is appropriate for you.
Do you offer Ozempic® or Mounjaro®?
No. Ozempic® and Mounjaro® are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight management, and CHROMA23® does not prescribe for diabetes care. For weight management we offer Wegovy®, Zepbound®, and Foundayo™ (all FDA-approved for chronic weight management) plus compounded tirzepatide. If you have type 2 diabetes, disclose it in your assessment. It affects what your physician can safely prescribe.
Who is eligible for GLP-1 weight-loss treatment?
FDA labeling for GLP-1 weight-management medications covers adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition. That is the range physicians typically consider, but eligibility on CHROMA23® is determined solely by your assigned board-certified physician from your complete health profile, and not every applicant is approved. You must be 21 or older.
What are the side effects and contraindications of GLP-1 medications?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and decreased appetite, most pronounced during dose escalation. Serious potential risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and dehydration-related kidney issues. GLP-1 medications are contraindicated with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), and in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients on insulin or sulfonylureas face increased hypoglycemia risk. This list is not exhaustive. Your physician reviews your full history before prescribing. See the Informed Consent for complete risk disclosures.
How long do patients stay on treatment?
GLP-1 medications are generally prescribed for long-term use. Duration is a clinical decision your physician makes with you based on progress, goals, and overall health. There is no fixed program length, and dose changes never change your all-in plan price.
Longevity
What longevity treatments does CHROMA23® offer?
Physician-prescribed injectable protocols listed on the Longevity page, which may include NAD+, Niagen (nicotinamide riboside), Sermorelin, Glutathione, Tri-Immune, and lipotropic/B12 blends, where clinically appropriate. All are compounded by state-licensed 503A pharmacies against your prescription and are not FDA-approved. Availability depends on your physician's determination and state law.
Is Sermorelin the same as HGH?
No. Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It is not synthetic human growth hormone (somatropin) and does not deliver exogenous HGH. Your physician determines whether a peptide protocol is clinically appropriate.
Do I need labs before starting?
Baseline labs are typically required before a peptide protocol begins; the specifics depend on the protocol and your physician's judgment. You are notified of any lab requirements during intake, and your physician reviews results as part of the eligibility evaluation.
Is injectable glutathione different from oral supplements?
Yes. Oral glutathione is substantially broken down in the digestive tract before absorption; the injectable form is administered by injection. Whether it is clinically appropriate for you is your physician's determination.
How are longevity injectables administered?
By subcutaneous self-injection at home, following your prescribing physician's instructions and the pharmacy's dosing guide. Your comfort and ability to self-inject are reviewed during intake. Medication ships directly to you from the licensed pharmacy.
Sexual Health
Do I need an in-person visit for an ED prescription?
No. ED prescriptions are issued through telehealth: you submit a health assessment and the assigned board-certified physician evaluates it. Where state law or clinical judgment requires it, the physician initiates a live phone or video visit. You are notified before any additional step.
Can I take ED medication if I use nitrates or have heart problems?
PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) must never be combined with nitrates. The interaction can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Cardiovascular conditions require careful physician review, and the assessment includes hard-stop safety screening for nitrate use and cardiac history. CHROMA23® also offers PDE5-free sublingual options for men who cannot take PDE5 inhibitors; your physician determines what is safe for you. Seek emergency care for any erection lasting longer than four hours.
What is the difference between sildenafil and tadalafil?
Both are PDE5 inhibitors. Sildenafil is taken as needed, typically acting within 30 to 60 minutes for roughly 4 to 6 hours. Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours and is also available as a low-dose daily option. Your physician determines which fits your health history and needs.
What is Trimix and who is it for?
Trimix is a compounded injectable combining papaverine, phentolamine, and alprostadil, administered by intracavernosal injection. It is typically prescribed when oral PDE5 inhibitors have not worked adequately or are contraindicated, requires specific patient training, and carries a priapism risk that your physician reviews with you.
Do you offer treatments for women's sexual health?
Yes. Physician-prescribed options include compounded topical formulations and a bremelanotide nasal spray, prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies where clinically appropriate. Like all compounded medications, they are not FDA-approved, and your physician determines suitability from your health profile.
Hair
What hair-loss treatments does CHROMA23® offer?
Physician-prescribed compounded topicals for men and women, combination formulations built on minoxidil with additional actives such as finasteride (men's formulations), dispensed by state-licensed compounding pharmacies. Compounded formulations are not FDA-approved. Your physician determines which protocol, if any, fits your history and goals.
What are the known risks of finasteride?
Known potential side effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders in a subset of patients; some patients have reported persistent sexual side effects after discontinuing. Mood changes have also been reported. Finasteride is contraindicated in pregnancy and must not be handled by women who are or may become pregnant due to teratogenic risk. This applies to topical formulations too. Your physician reviews your complete history and discusses the risks before prescribing.
Can finasteride and minoxidil be used together?
They work through different mechanisms: finasteride reduces DHT, the androgen behind androgenetic alopecia, while minoxidil acts as a vasodilator, and can be prescribed together. Whether to combine them is your physician's clinical decision.
Why do your topicals require a prescription when store minoxidil doesn't?
Over-the-counter minoxidil (2% and 5%) needs no prescription. CHROMA23®'s formulations are prescription-strength compounded combinations, higher-concentration minoxidil plus prescription actives, prepared for you by a licensed compounding pharmacy against your physician's prescription.
Skincare
What skincare treatments does CHROMA23® offer?
Physician-prescribed compounded topicals, including copper-peptide (GHK-Cu) creams in graduated strengths and an NAD+ topical, prepared by state-licensed compounding pharmacies. Compounded formulations are not FDA-approved. Your physician determines which, if any, is appropriate for your skin goals and history.
Why does skincare require a prescription?
Because these are compounded prescription-strength formulations, not cosmetic-counter products. Prescription strength requires a physician's individualized determination that the formulation fits your needs, and preparation by a licensed pharmacy against that prescription. The same physician relationship covers your skincare and every other category.
How does the skincare process work?
The same as every category: free assessment, physician review, and, if prescribed, the compounded topical ships from the licensed pharmacy to your door, with physician guidance on application and follow-up through your care portal.
Physicians & Care
Who are the physicians, and are they CHROMA23® employees?
Independently licensed, board-certified physicians; they are not employees of CHROMA23®. Each is individually credentialed, with state licensure verified in the patient's state of residence and board certification confirmed. Physicians operate with full clinical independence: CHROMA23® does not direct, influence, incentivize, or discourage any clinical decision. The public roster with NPI numbers is on our Physicians & Coverage page.
Will I have a video call with the physician?
Usually not. Consultations default to asynchronous review: you submit a detailed health assessment and your physician evaluates it. Some states require a short intro video as part of intake, which remains an asynchronous review. Where state law or clinical judgment requires a live interaction, your physician initiates a phone or video visit. You are notified before any additional step.
What happens if my prescription is denied?
You are notified of the physician's determination, everything you paid for the order is refunded in full per our Refund Policy, and the physician may suggest alternatives or recommend in-person evaluation with a primary care provider. CHROMA23® does not override a physician's clinical decision.
How do I reach my physician after treatment starts?
Through secure messaging in your care portal, for questions, side effects, dose concerns, and follow-up. Platform support (support@chroma23.com, +1 (323) 639-3773, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm PST) handles everything non-clinical and escalates clinical questions to your physician. For emergencies, always call 911.
Can I request a different physician?
Contact support@chroma23.com with any concern about your assigned physician. Reassignment requests are handled case-by-case and are not guaranteed; patients do not select a specific physician from a directory.
Pharmacy & Shipping
Which pharmacy fills my prescription?
Prescriptions are routed to a licensed pharmacy in the fulfillment network based on your medication and state. The patient does not choose the pharmacy. Compounded medications are prepared by state-licensed 503A compounding pharmacies. Brand-name prescriptions are fulfilled manufacturer-direct. CHROMA23® is not a pharmacy and does not dispense medication. The partner pharmacies are named in the Prescription Policy.
What is a 503A compounding pharmacy?
A state-licensed pharmacy that prepares customized medications for a specific patient against a valid prescription, under licensed pharmacists and state board of pharmacy oversight. All compounded medications dispensed through CHROMA23® programs come from 503A pharmacies. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
What does shipping cost, and how fast is it?
Shipping is free on all 3-month and 6-month membership plans, and weight-loss program plans are shipping-inclusive. A flat
6 shipping fee applies only to single-month non-member orders of compounded treatments. Brand-name manufacturer-direct prescriptions carry no CHROMA23® shipping charge at all. The manufacturer handles delivery. Every order ships in discreet packaging with cold-chain protection where required, and tracking follows as soon as your treatment ships.
Where can medication be shipped, and what if it doesn't arrive?
To a valid US residential or business address in a state we serve (PO Boxes may not be available for all medications; no international shipping). If a package is late, lost, or damaged, contact support@chroma23.com. We coordinate with the pharmacy, and damaged or temperature-compromised shipments are replaced free of charge. Reshipping fees may apply only when a package returns due to an incorrect address.
Can I transfer my prescription to an outside pharmacy?
Transfers require your physician's explicit consent and coordination, and are not guaranteed. They depend on the medication, the receiving pharmacy, and applicable regulations. Contact support@chroma23.com to request one.
Privacy & Data
Who holds my health information?
Your clinical data, the health assessment and all clinical communications, flows directly to your physician group and lives in their HIPAA-compliant clinical systems. CHROMA23® holds only your membership and billing account data, encrypted at rest and in transit. See the Privacy Policy and HIPAA Notice for the complete picture.
Do you track me or sell my data?
No. CHROMA23® does not sell or share personal information with advertising technology partners, and places no ad pixels or cross-site trackers. The only analytics is Plausible, a cookieless, privacy-focused tool that loads solely with your consent via the "Your Privacy Choices" panel.
What are my privacy rights?
Depending on your state, rights include access, correction, deletion, and opting out of sale or sharing (we sell and share nothing regardless). Exercise any right via the "Your Privacy Choices" link at the bottom of every page or privacy@chroma23.com. Washington My Health My Data and similar state health-privacy statutes are covered in the Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy.
Legal & Compliance
Is it legal to get a prescription through telehealth?
Yes. Federal and state telehealth laws allow licensed physicians to evaluate patients and prescribe through telehealth for a wide range of conditions. Every CHROMA23® prescription is issued by a board-certified physician individually licensed in the patient's state after a clinical evaluation, and no medication on the platform is a controlled substance.
Are compounded medications legal, and why are they prescribed?
Compounding is legal when performed by properly licensed pharmacies under applicable conditions. Compounded formulations are prescribed when your physician determines that a preparation differing from the FDA-approved product, in form, strength, or included ingredients, serves your individualized clinical need. They are not FDA-approved, FDA policy in this area evolves, and if a change ever affects your treatment, your physician will transition you to an appropriate alternative.
Why doesn't CHROMA23® show before/after photos or results numbers?
By policy, CHROMA23® does not publish outcome claims, weight-loss statistics, before/after imagery, or testimonials. What treatment can realistically do for you is a conversation with your physician, based on your biology.
Why is CHROMA23® 21+ only?
A deliberate platform policy. Every treatment on the platform is designed and prescribed for adults, and the age gate is enforced at intake alongside identity verification in the clinical process.
How do I raise a complaint or grievance?
Start with support@chroma23.com or +1 (323) 639-3773. Most issues resolve there. The Patient Bill of Rights describes your grievance rights, and formal legal notices go to legal@chroma23.com. Nothing limits your right to contact your state medical board or consumer-protection authorities.
What entity operates CHROMA23®?
CHROMA23® is operated by CHROMA23® Health Network LLC. All policies are in the Legal & Trust Center. For legal, compliance, or regulatory inquiries: legal@chroma23.com.