diff --git a/rmw_fastrtps_shared_cpp/src/utils.cpp b/rmw_fastrtps_shared_cpp/src/utils.cpp
index a891418ff..9e72e9030 100644
--- a/rmw_fastrtps_shared_cpp/src/utils.cpp
+++ b/rmw_fastrtps_shared_cpp/src/utils.cpp
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ create_datareader(
     updated_qos,
     listener,
     eprosima::fastdds::dds::StatusMask::subscription_matched());
-  if (!data_reader &&
+  if (!(*data_reader) &&
     (RMW_UNIQUE_NETWORK_FLOW_ENDPOINTS_OPTIONALLY_REQUIRED ==
     subscription_options->require_unique_network_flow_endpoints))
   {
@@ -172,6 +172,11 @@ create_datareader(
       listener,
       eprosima::fastdds::dds::StatusMask::subscription_matched());
   }
+
+  if (!(*data_reader)) {
+    return false;
+  }
+
   return true;
 }