openFDA

Overview

openFDA exposes US FDA data — drug adverse events, recalls, device reports, and food enforcement — via a public Elasticsearch-style API. An API key is recommended but basic queries work keyless (verified live).

Quick Start

Drug adverse events (verified live — keyless):

curl "https://api.fda.gov/drug/event.json?limit=1"

{
  "meta": { "disclaimer": "...", "license": "...", "last_updated": "2026-08-22" },
  "results": [
    {
      "patient": { "reaction": [{ "reactionmeddrapt": "Headache" }] },
      "seriousnessdeath": "N"
    }
  ]
}

With a key (recommended for volume):

curl "https://api.fda.gov/drug/event.json?limit=10&api_key=YOUR_KEY"

Search:

curl "https://api.fda.gov/drug/event.json?search=patient.drug.openfda.brand_name:%22aspirin%22&limit=3"

Authentication

• Keyless queries work but are rate-limited (verified).
• Free key: register at open.fda.gov → API key (emailed) → send as api_key parameter.

Rate Limits & Notes

• Keyless: limited calls/hour; with key: 240 calls/minute (check the docs).
• Datasets: /drug/event.json, /drug/enforcement.json, /device/event.json, /food/enforcement.json, /drug/label.json.
• The search syntax is Elasticsearch-style (field:value, quotes for phrases).

FAQ

Is openFDA free? Yes — keyless queries work; a free key raises limits.

Do I need a key? Basic queries work without one (verified) — use a key for production.

What data is available? Drug adverse events, labels, recalls, and device/food enforcement.