Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. SterlingMedicalCenter.org is an independent health research publication and is not a medical practice, clinic, or healthcare provider. Content may contain affiliate links — see our Research Standards & Disclosures for details. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any prescription medication or treatment program.
By SterlingMedicalCenter.org Editorial Team
Quick Answer: Novi GLP-1 is a telehealth platform operated by Novi International LLC that connects eligible adults with licensed U.S. clinicians for evaluation and, if prescribed, access to compounded semaglutide (from $133/month) or compounded tirzepatide (from $166/month). Compounded medications are not FDA-approved finished drug products. Prescriptions are not guaranteed. The platform holds LegitScript certification and lists a team of credentialed providers. Before enrolling, confirm in writing whether your enrollment is subject to the FAQ's month-to-month description or the Terms of Service's 3-month upfront non-refundable commitment — these two documents are inconsistent.
What Is Novi GLP-1?
Novi is a direct-to-consumer telehealth platform that connects adults seeking prescription weight management support with licensed U.S. clinicians. The platform is operated by Novi International LLC, registered in Sheridan, Wyoming. When a clinician independently determines that prescription treatment is medically appropriate, eligible patients receive compounded semaglutide or compounded tirzepatide shipped to their address with free 2-day delivery.
Three distinct entities are involved in the Novi program structure: Novi International LLC, which operates the platform and handles billing and patient communication; licensed U.S. clinicians who independently evaluate patients and issue prescriptions at their discretion; and partner compounding pharmacies, described by Novi as “trusted, licensed U.S. pharmacies,” that fulfill and dispense the medications. Novi does not publicly identify its specific pharmacy partners on the offer page — a detail prospective patients should ask about directly before enrolling.
Novi is not a pharmacy and does not provide medical advice. The platform's Terms of Service explicitly state: “We do not provide any medical advice or medical care.” Prescribers operate as independent licensed professionals, and Novi does not guarantee that any applicant will receive a prescription.
Who This Is For
The Novi program is structured for adults who have not achieved weight management goals through diet and exercise alone, who prefer a telehealth model over in-person care, and who are comfortable with a cash-pay prescription program outside traditional insurance billing. The platform currently serves users only within the United States.
Specifically, the program may suit adults with a BMI that places them in the overweight or obese category who have a medical history compatible with GLP-1 prescription eligibility, as determined by a licensed clinician. Suitability for the program is not self-assessed; it requires an independent clinical evaluation. Novi's intake process begins with a health assessment quiz and may include a brief telehealth visit before any prescription decision is made.
Who This Is NOT For
Novi's program is not appropriate for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), as GLP-1 receptor agonists carry a contraindication for these conditions. It is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
It is also not appropriate for anyone seeking an FDA-approved finished drug product. Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not FDA-approved — they are prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies under state and federal pharmacy law and have not gone through the FDA's drug approval process for safety, efficacy, or manufacturing quality. Patients who need the assurance of an FDA-approved, bioequivalent-tested product should speak with a licensed physician about branded options such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Zepbound.
Anyone seeking a genuinely month-to-month, no-commitment program should read the cancellation section of this review before purchasing. The program's FAQ and Terms of Service contain materially inconsistent information regarding the commitment structure.
How Novi GLP-1 Works
GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a naturally occurring hormone released primarily from the small intestine in response to food intake. It acts on GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas to stimulate insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, on the brain to signal satiety, and on the stomach to slow gastric emptying — the rate at which food moves from the stomach into the small intestine. The combined effect of these mechanisms reduces appetite and total caloric intake without requiring conscious dietary restriction as the primary driver of weight loss.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — a synthetic molecule that binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors similarly to the endogenous hormone but with a significantly longer half-life, enabling once-weekly dosing in injection form. Tirzepatide is a dual agonist that activates both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors, a broader metabolic target that has demonstrated stronger weight-reduction outcomes in head-to-head clinical trials with branded versions of both medications.
Within the Novi program, a licensed clinician selects the medication and dosage based on the individual patient's health profile. The program uses a titration protocol — gradual dose escalation — to minimize gastrointestinal side effects during the initial adjustment period. Monthly shipments include the medication and all administration supplies. Ongoing clinician access for dose adjustments and side effect support is included at no additional cost. Health coaching is also included.
What We Verified
The SMC Research Desk independently verified the following items for this review. Verification was completed May 2026.
Pricing: Offer page confirmed compounded semaglutide at $133/month and compounded tirzepatide at $166/month, with a stated $200 promotional discount as of May 2026. Promotional pricing on landing pages may differ from standard checkout pricing. The binding price is what appears at checkout with written confirmation from Novi.
Provider credentials: Novi's published provider page lists: Daniel Funsch MD (board-certified, American Board of Emergency Medicine), Michael Wasef MD (board-certified, American Board of Internal Medicine), Takashi Nakamura MD (board-certified, American Board of Emergency Medicine), Kimberli Hastings NP (credentialed, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners), Kristine Clements NP (board-certified family nurse practitioner, 25+ years experience, former USAF flight medic), and Theresa Vergara NP (certified nurse practitioner with doctoral training in nursing). These credentials are sourced from Novi's published provider page and have not been independently cross-referenced with state licensing boards for this review.
LegitScript certification: Confirmed via independent analysis. LegitScript is a third-party verification service for online pharmacies and telehealth platforms.
Compounding status: Confirmed as compounded — not FDA-approved finished drug products. This is stated on Novi's Terms of Service and is consistent with the FDA's regulatory characterization of these medications.
Refund policy: Confirmed from Novi's Terms of Service. All products are listed as non-refundable. Exception: if a Novi provider determines that prescription treatment is medically inappropriate for the patient, the initial payment is refunded. Once a prescription has been dispensed or shipped, no return or refund is available. Cancellation stops future renewals but does not result in a refund of amounts already charged.
CANCELLATION CONFLICT DOCUMENTED: Novi's FAQ states: “You can cancel your Novi subscription at any time. Our program is month-to-month with no minimum commitments or long-term contracts, so cancellation is simple and flexible. To avoid another charge, cancel before your next renewal date.” Novi's Terms of Service states: “Subscription-based Products and/or Services require a minimum 3-month commitment… your payment account will be automatically charged” for three consecutive months upfront, described as non-refundable. These two statements are materially inconsistent. Before enrolling, email support@joinnovi.com and ask in writing which cancellation structure applies to your specific enrollment. Do not rely on the FAQ or the Terms of Service in isolation — get written confirmation of the applicable terms before purchase.
Contact information confirmed: support@joinnovi.com | 214-427-4553 | Novi International LLC, 30 N Gould St Ste R, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Pharmacy partners: Specific partner pharmacy names are not publicly disclosed on the offer page. Prospective patients should ask Novi directly which pharmacy will fulfill their prescription and verify that pharmacy's state licensure before enrolling.
The 2026 FDA Regulatory Environment
The regulatory landscape for compounded GLP-1 medications has shifted materially since early 2025 and continues to evolve. Understanding the current environment is a necessary step before committing to any compounded GLP-1 program.
The FDA drug shortage designations for semaglutide and tirzepatide — which provided the broadest legal basis for mass-market compounding of these medications — were resolved in February 2025 (semaglutide) and December 2024 (tirzepatide). With those designations removed, compounding under the 503B outsourcing facility pathway is no longer justified under the shortage provisions.
On April 30, 2026, the FDA proposed excluding semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide from the 503B outsourcing facility bulk drug substances list entirely. If finalized, this would prohibit 503B facilities from compounding these medications under any circumstances, including future shortages. A public comment period is open through June 29, 2026. This is a proposed rule, not yet final — but the direction is unambiguous.
Novi, based on its program structure as described in its Terms of Service, appears to operate through the 503A patient-specific compounding pathway rather than through 503B outsourcing facilities. A 503A pharmacy can compound a GLP-1 medication for a specific individual patient under a valid prescription — but only when the compounded version is not considered “essentially a copy” of a commercially available drug, requiring clinical documentation of the individualized medical need. The 503A pathway has not been formally prohibited, but it is narrower than consumer-facing marketing typically suggests. Since branded semaglutide and tirzepatide are now fully available through commercial channels, the individualized-need documentation requirement carries greater weight than during the shortage period.
In September 2025, the FDA issued more than 55 warning letters to online sellers of compounded GLP-1 medications for misleading advertising. In February 2026, the FDA announced additional enforcement actions targeting the API supply chain and deceptive marketing across the compounded GLP-1 space. Patients considering any compounded GLP-1 program should review the program's current compliance status and ask their prescriber directly about the legal basis for their specific prescription before beginning treatment.
Pricing and Policies
Novi's promotional offer page listed compounded semaglutide from $133 per month and compounded tirzepatide from $166 per month as of May 2026, under a stated $200 promotional discount. These prices include the 4-week medication supply, administration supplies, free 2-day shipping, unlimited clinician access for check-ins and dose adjustments, and health coaching. There are no separate membership or coaching fees based on these verified terms.
Novi programs are cash-pay only. The platform is not enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or commercial insurance networks for purposes of these compounded medications. Branded semaglutide and tirzepatide products may have some insurance coverage options through separate channels — this is not available through Novi's compounded program.
As noted in the What We Verified section, the cancellation structure in Novi's FAQ (month-to-month, cancel anytime) and its Terms of Service (3-month upfront commitment, non-refundable) are inconsistent. Prospective patients must resolve this discrepancy in writing before purchase. The Terms of Service contain the binding legal language; the FAQ does not carry the same legal weight. If the 3-month upfront billing structure applies, the effective upfront cost is $399 for semaglutide or $498 for tirzepatide at promotional pricing — confirm at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Novi GLP-1 legitimate?
Novi International LLC is a registered telehealth platform that holds LegitScript certification and publicly lists a credentialed provider team. It uses licensed U.S. compounding pharmacies for medication fulfillment. The medications are compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide — not FDA-approved finished drug products. Prescriptions are not guaranteed and require independent clinician evaluation. The program's FAQ and Terms of Service contain an inconsistency about cancellation terms that prospective patients should resolve in writing before enrolling. Legitimacy as a platform and the regulatory status of the medications it provides are two different assessments — both matter before committing to a multi-month program.
What is the difference between compounded semaglutide and Ozempic or Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy are FDA-approved finished drug products that have passed the FDA's approval process for safety, efficacy, and manufacturing quality. Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient but is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy under state and federal pharmacy law, not through FDA drug approval. Compounded versions are not required to demonstrate bioequivalence. The 2026 regulatory environment has narrowed the legal basis for prescribing and dispensing compounded semaglutide. Patients seeking assurance that their medications are FDA-approved and bioequivalent should consult a physician about branded options.
How much does Novi GLP-1 cost per month?
As of May 2026, Novi's promotional offer page listed compounded semaglutide at $133 per month and compounded tirzepatide at $166 per month, with a stated $200 discount. These figures include medication, supplies, shipping, clinician access, and coaching. The binding price is what appears at checkout and is confirmed in writing by Novi. If the 3-month upfront billing structure in the Terms of Service applies, the first charge may be $399 (semaglutide) or $498 (tirzepatide). Confirm the actual billing structure and total upfront charge before completing enrollment.
Can I cancel Novi GLP-1 anytime?
Novi's FAQ says yes — month-to-month, cancel before renewal. Novi's Terms of Service state that a 3-month minimum commitment applies, with 3 months billed upfront and non-refundable. These are inconsistent. The Terms of Service is the legally binding document. Before enrolling, email support@joinnovi.com and obtain written confirmation of which structure governs your enrollment. Do not enroll assuming month-to-month terms if the Terms of Service language may apply to your purchase.
Who should not use GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are contraindicated for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. They are not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended. Patients with a history of pancreatitis, severe GI disease, or renal impairment should discuss risks with a physician before starting. GLP-1 medications carry drug interaction considerations that require a full medication review. Novi's clinicians conduct an independent medical evaluation before issuing any prescription — approval is not guaranteed for every applicant.
Final Assessment
Novi GLP-1 presents a structured telehealth program with a credentialed provider team, transparent promotional pricing, LegitScript certification, and a bundled all-inclusive monthly fee. For patients who have established clinical eligibility with a licensed provider and understand the compounding status of the medications involved, the program structure is among the more clearly documented in the compounded GLP-1 telehealth space.
Two issues require prospective patients' attention before committing. First, the inconsistency between the FAQ and the Terms of Service regarding cancellation is not a cosmetic difference — if the 3-month upfront billing structure applies, it represents a meaningful financial commitment. Email Novi before enrolling. Second, the 2026 regulatory environment for compounded GLP-1 medications is genuinely unsettled. The FDA's enforcement posture has tightened consistently since early 2025; the shortage designations that previously justified broad compounding have been resolved; and a proposed rule that would further restrict 503B compounding is open to public comment through June 2026. Patients should discuss the current legal and clinical status of compounded GLP-1 prescriptions with their clinician before beginning treatment.
For a broader review of how Novi compares to other telehealth GLP-1 programs in 2026, see our GLP-1 telehealth platform comparison guide. For a clinical explanation of how GLP-1 hormones work, see how GLP-1 affects weight loss and appetite regulation. For the full safety profile of this medication class, see our GLP-1 safety guide: interactions, contraindications, and when to consult a physician.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. SterlingMedicalCenter.org is an independent health research publication and is not a medical practice, clinic, or healthcare provider. GLP-1 medications, including compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide, are prescription drugs that require a licensed clinician's evaluation. They are not appropriate for everyone. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved finished drug products. Individual results vary significantly. The clinical trial outcomes cited in this article reflect FDA-approved branded medications in controlled research settings and should not be interpreted as expected outcomes for compounded medications or for any individual patient. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any prescription medication or treatment program.