Source record
The FDA’s National Drug Code list
As of September 26, 2026, being on this drug list does not mean a medicine has FDA approval.
Read the sourceBegin
What do these words mean?
Look for the words you have seen in a care offer. Each section explains them and gives a question to ask.
Who is giving the care?
A prescriber writes the medicine order. A pharmacist handles medicine questions. A clinic name can sit above both roles; ask for the people and the pharmacy behind it.
Arizona checks pharmacist licenses and pharmacy permits separately, as of October 3, 2026.
Ask: “What is the person’s full name? Where can I check their license and the pharmacy’s permit?”
What kind of medicine is it?
With compounding, medicine is prepared to order, instead of using a finished product supplied by a drug maker.
A compounded product has no approval from the FDA for that medicine, as of September 26, 2026.
An NDC, short for National Drug Code, is a number used in the FDA’s list of drug products.
As of September 26, 2026, an NDC number does not show that the FDA approved the medicine.
Ask: “Can you show the approval record for this exact product?”
How will the visit happen?
Telehealth means care given remotely. A live visit happens while both people are present. In a delayed exchange, a clinician reads what you send and replies later.
Ask: “How can I ask another question, and who will answer after the visit?”
Who agrees to pay?
An insurer’s formulary is its list of covered medicines.
Prior authorization means getting the plan’s agreement before the medicine is covered.
Ask: “What happens to the bill if the plan says no?”