What counts as a useful source?

Choose the record that fits the question

A licence record shows who has permission to give care. A medicine approval record shows which product was approved. A rule says what is allowed. Use the kind of record that matches the claim you are checking.

Do not confuse a listing with approval

FDA is the Food and Drug Administration. It checks medicines before granting approval. As of September 2026, a medicine can be found on a list using its National Drug Code; that number is no proof of FDA approval. Registering a business with FDA also does not mean FDA approved the business or its medicines.

For example, someone might show you a page with a medicine’s name and drug code. Ask whether that page shows an approval or only a place on a list. Keep the exact medicine name beside the record.

Read a dated claim as a dated claim

For a price, ask when the terms were checked and what happens after an opening offer. For a rule, ask whether the source describes an existing rule or a proposed change.

At the September 2026 check, semaglutide and tirzepatide injections were off the national shortage list.

Use the official source for a later check. If a broad claim and a detailed record seem to disagree, bring both to the person treating you and ask for the difference to be explained.