Methodology

What the data supports. What it doesn't.

PharmaPath combines Google Maps lookup, FDA records, and optional user-submitted reports while keeping every claim inside a clear boundary.

Reading guide

Handled search inputs

Indexed server-side

Medication typeahead hits a normalized FDA-backed index plus a clearly isolated demo-only catalog, while location accepts freeform Google-backed searches such as city/state, ZIP, address, pharmacy name, and landmark queries.

Medication context

FDA evidence

Listing, shortage, recall, and approval records stay separate so the access signal remains explainable instead of sounding like a stock feed.

Crowd layer

Separate by design

User-submitted reports can add context where available, but they never become proof of live inventory at a specific store.

Data sources
Google Maps Platform

Freeform location searches resolve through Google Places Autocomplete, Place Details, and Geocoding, then nearby pharmacy names, hours, ratings, and Maps links come from Google Places.

FDA Listing Records

openFDA drug listing records shape the matched strengths, dosage forms, routes, active listing counts, and manufacturer breadth.

Drugs@FDA

Approval history, application numbers, and formulation records.

FDA Drug Shortages

Active, available, resolved, and discontinued shortage entries for matching presentations.

FDA Recall Enforcement

Recall and enforcement records tied to the matched medication family.

User-submitted reports

Signed-in users can submit fill reports. Those reports sit in a separate weighted layer and are not public-source inventory data.

Claim boundary

What PharmaPath can state directly, and what still needs a call.

The app keeps live nearby discovery, medication-wide evidence, crowd input, and still-manual steps separate so the product never overstates store-level availability.

Shown directly
  • Live nearby pharmacies
  • FDA shortage, recall, and approval records
  • Medication-wide access friction estimate
Still manual
  • Real-time shelf inventory at any specific store
  • Guaranteed same-day pickup
  • Insurance approval or copay outcome
Health status

Live route and integration checks from /api/health, kept here so the search views stay focused on patient and medication questions.

Checking route status...