openFDA connector
Set up the openFDA connector in Kaivo: authentication, configuration, the 9 BigQuery tables it syncs, and answers to common questions.
Written By Lauri Raivio
Last updated 16 days ago
Kaivo is a fully managed data platform that syncs your openFDA data into a Google BigQuery warehouse and keeps it up to date automatically. There is no pipeline to build and no infrastructure to run, so you can spend your time analysing your data from openFDA instead of moving it.
What is the openFDA connector
Sync your OpenFDA adverse events, recalls, and drug data into BigQuery with Kaivo to analyse safety reports and enforcement across FDA datasets.
Getting started with the openFDA connector
- Sign up for Kaivo and create a workspace.
- Connect your openFDA account.
- Choose which tables to sync.
- Wait for the initial sync to finish.
- Query your data in BigQuery or your favourite AI or BI tool.
Authenticating openFDA
Follow the steps below to connect your openFDA account.
Tables and columns synced from openFDA
Kaivo syncs 9 tables from openFDA into a dedicated dataset in your BigQuery warehouse. Click any table to see its columns and types.
animal_veterinary_adverse_events (38 columns)
animal_veterinary_adverse_events (38 columns)
Nested subtables
Repeating fields are split into their own tables, listed here with their column counts.
animal_veterinary_adverse_events__drug(30 columns)animal_veterinary_adverse_events__drug__active_ingredients(8 columns)animal_veterinary_adverse_events__outcome(5 columns)animal_veterinary_adverse_events__reaction(8 columns)
drug_adverse_events (38 columns)
drug_adverse_events (38 columns)
Nested subtables
Repeating fields are split into their own tables, listed here with their column counts.
drug_adverse_events__patient__drug(26 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__application_number(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__brand_name(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__generic_name(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__manufacturer_name(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__nui(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__package_ndc(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__pharm_class_cs(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__pharm_class_epc(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__pharm_class_moa(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__pharm_class_pe(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__product_ndc(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__product_type(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__route(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__rxcui(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__spl_id(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__spl_set_id(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__substance_name(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__drug__openfda__unii(4 columns)drug_adverse_events__patient__reaction(6 columns)
drug_ndc_library (19 columns)
drug_ndc_library (19 columns)
Nested subtables
Repeating fields are split into their own tables, listed here with their column counts.
drug_ndc_library__active_ingredients(5 columns)drug_ndc_library__openfda__is_original_packager(4 columns)drug_ndc_library__openfda__manufacturer_name(4 columns)drug_ndc_library__openfda__nui(4 columns)drug_ndc_library__openfda__pharm_class_cs(4 columns)drug_ndc_library__openfda__pharm_class_epc(4 columns)drug_ndc_library__openfda__pharm_class_moa(4 columns)drug_ndc_library__openfda__pharm_class_pe(4 columns)drug_ndc_library__openfda__rxcui(4 columns)drug_ndc_library__openfda__spl_set_id(4 columns)drug_ndc_library__openfda__unii(4 columns)drug_ndc_library__openfda__upc(4 columns)drug_ndc_library__packaging(8 columns)drug_ndc_library__pharm_class(4 columns)drug_ndc_library__route(4 columns)
drug_product_labelling (6 columns)
drug_product_labelling (6 columns)
Nested subtables
Repeating fields are split into their own tables, listed here with their column counts.
drug_product_labelling__description(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__abuse(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__active_ingredient(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__active_ingredient_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__adverse_reactions(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__adverse_reactions_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__animal_pharmacology_and_or_toxicology(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__animal_pharmacology_and_or_toxicology_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__ask_doctor(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__ask_doctor_or_pharmacist(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__boxed_warning(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__carcinogenesis_and_mutagenesis_and_impairment_of_fertility(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__clinical_pharmacology(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__clinical_pharmacology_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__clinical_studies(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__clinical_studies_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__contraindications(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__controlled_substance(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__dependence(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__description_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__do_not_use(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__dosage_and_administration(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__dosage_and_administration_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__dosage_forms_and_strengths(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__dosage_forms_and_strengths_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__drug_abuse_and_dependence(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__drug_abuse_and_dependence_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__drug_and_or_laboratory_test_interactions(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__drug_interactions(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__drug_interactions_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__general_precautions(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__geriatric_use(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__geriatric_use_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__how_supplied(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__how_supplied_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__inactive_ingredient(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__inactive_ingredient_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__indications_and_usage(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__indications_and_usage_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__information_for_patients(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__information_for_patients_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__instructions_for_use(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__instructions_for_use_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__keep_out_of_reach_of_children(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__labor_and_delivery(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__laboratory_tests(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__mechanism_of_action(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__microbiology(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__microbiology_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__nonclinical_toxicology(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__nonteratogenic_effects(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__nursing_mothers(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__application_number(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__brand_name(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__generic_name(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__is_original_packager(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__manufacturer_name(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__nui(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__original_packager_product_ndc(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__package_ndc(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__pharm_class_cs(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__pharm_class_epc(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__pharm_class_moa(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__pharm_class_pe(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__product_ndc(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__product_type(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__route(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__rxcui(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__spl_id(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__spl_set_id(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__substance_name(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__unii(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__openfda__upc(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__other_safety_information(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__overdosage(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__package_label_principal_display_panel(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__patient_medication_information(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__pediatric_use(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__pediatric_use_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__pharmacodynamics(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__pharmacodynamics_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__pharmacogenomics(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__pharmacokinetics(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__pharmacokinetics_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__precautions(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__precautions_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__pregnancy(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__pregnancy_or_breast_feeding(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__purpose(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__purpose_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__questions(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__recent_major_changes(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__recent_major_changes_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__references(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__references_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__risks(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__route(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__safe_handling_warning(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__spl_medguide(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__spl_medguide_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__spl_patient_package_insert(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__spl_patient_package_insert_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__spl_product_data_elements(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__spl_unclassified_section(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__spl_unclassified_section_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__statement_of_identity(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__stop_use(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__storage_and_handling(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__teratogenic_effects(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__use_in_specific_populations(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__use_in_specific_populations_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__user_safety_warnings(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__warnings(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__warnings_and_cautions(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__warnings_and_cautions_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__warnings_table(4 columns)drug_product_labelling__when_using(4 columns)
drug_recall_enforcement_reports (26 columns)
drug_recall_enforcement_reports (26 columns)
Nested subtables
Repeating fields are split into their own tables, listed here with their column counts.
drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__application_number(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__brand_name(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__generic_name(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__is_original_packager(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__manufacturer_name(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__nui(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__original_packager_product_ndc(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__package_ndc(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__pharm_class_cs(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__pharm_class_epc(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__pharm_class_moa(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__pharm_class_pe(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__product_ndc(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__product_type(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__route(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__rxcui(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__spl_id(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__spl_set_id(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__substance_name(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__unii(4 columns)drug_recall_enforcement_reports__openfda__upc(4 columns)
drugs (4 columns)
drugs (4 columns)
Nested subtables
Repeating fields are split into their own tables, listed here with their column counts.
drugs__openfda__application_number(4 columns)drugs__openfda__brand_name(4 columns)drugs__openfda__generic_name(4 columns)drugs__openfda__manufacturer_name(4 columns)drugs__openfda__nui(4 columns)drugs__openfda__package_ndc(4 columns)drugs__openfda__pharm_class_cs(4 columns)drugs__openfda__pharm_class_epc(4 columns)drugs__openfda__pharm_class_moa(4 columns)drugs__openfda__pharm_class_pe(4 columns)drugs__openfda__product_ndc(4 columns)drugs__openfda__product_type(4 columns)drugs__openfda__route(4 columns)drugs__openfda__rxcui(4 columns)drugs__openfda__spl_id(4 columns)drugs__openfda__spl_set_id(4 columns)drugs__openfda__substance_name(4 columns)drugs__openfda__unii(4 columns)drugs__products(11 columns)drugs__products__active_ingredients(5 columns)drugs__submissions(11 columns)drugs__submissions__application_docs(8 columns)drugs__submissions__submission_property_type(4 columns)
food_adverse_events (8 columns)
food_adverse_events (8 columns)
Nested subtables
Repeating fields are split into their own tables, listed here with their column counts.
food_adverse_events__outcomes(4 columns)food_adverse_events__products(7 columns)food_adverse_events__reactions(4 columns)
food_enforcement_reports (26 columns)
food_enforcement_reports (26 columns)
tobacco_problems_reports (8 columns)
tobacco_problems_reports (8 columns)
Nested subtables
Repeating fields are split into their own tables, listed here with their column counts.
tobacco_problems_reports__reported_health_problems(4 columns)tobacco_problems_reports__reported_product_problems(4 columns)tobacco_problems_reports__tobacco_products(4 columns)
How the openFDA sync works
After the first load, Kaivo keeps your BigQuery warehouse up to date for you. Where openFDA supports it, each sync pulls only new and changed records so it stays fast; otherwise it refreshes the whole table. Every record keeps its original ID, so you won't get duplicate rows.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the initial sync take for openFDA?
It depends on how much history is in your openFDA account. Most initial syncs finish within minutes, while large accounts can take a few hours. After that, syncs only fetch new and changed records, so they're much faster.
Can I sync only some tables or columns?
Yes. You pick which tables to sync when you set up the connection and can change the selection later. Tables you don't select are never copied to your warehouse.
What happens when openFDA's schema changes?
New fields are never added automatically. You choose which fields to sync, so data you haven't selected (sensitive personal data, for example) never lands in your warehouse. When a new field appears, it becomes available for you to add. What happens to removed or renamed fields depends on a table's sync mode: full-refresh tables always match what's currently in openFDA, so dropped fields disappear, while incremental tables keep their existing columns and history, so an old field stays and newly added fields fill in over time.
How do I handle GDPR or data deletion requests?
Your data lives in your own Kaivo-managed BigQuery warehouse, so the most direct option is to delete or anonymise specific records right in BigQuery. If you delete data in openFDA instead, full-refresh tables drop it on the next sync, while incremental tables keep it, so you would remove the row in BigQuery or ask us to run a full refresh. To remove everything, delete the openFDA connector in Kaivo and all of its synced data is deleted with it.
Common use cases for openFDA data
Adverse event analysis
Use drug_adverse_events and food_adverse_events to study reactions and outcomes over time.
Recall tracking
Report on food_enforcement_reports and drug_recall_enforcement_reports by classification and date.
Drug reference
Use drug_ndc_library and drugs to enrich your data with product and sponsor detail.
Safety monitoring
Combine adverse events with product data to monitor safety signals.
Use openFDA data in your AI and BI tools
Once openFDA data lands in your Kaivo-managed BigQuery warehouse, you can explore it with AI tools or any BI tool that connects to BigQuery. Here's how the most common destinations work with openFDA data.
Claude
Use Kaivo's MCP server to give Claude secure, workspace-scoped access to your data. Setup guide →
Power BI
Microsoft's BI tool with a native BigQuery connector. Supports direct query and scheduled refresh. Setup guide →
Data Studio
Free Google BI tool with native BigQuery support. One-click connection to your Kaivo warehouse; great for SMB teams on Google Workspace. Setup guide →
Tableau
The premium analytics standard, with native BigQuery integration. Setup guide →
Google Sheets
Use Connected Sheets to query BigQuery directly from a spreadsheet, with no SQL. Setup guide →
Excel
Connect via Power Query's BigQuery connector. Setup guide →
Metabase
Open-source BI tool with strong BigQuery support. Setup guide →
See our pricing page for openFDA connector pricing and plan details.
Related connectors
- Demo: Sync Demo to BigQuery.
- Care Quality Commission: Sync Care Quality Commission to BigQuery.
- DingConnect: Sync DingConnect to BigQuery.
- CIMIS: Sync CIMIS to BigQuery.
- Navan: Sync Navan to BigQuery.
- Eventbrite: Sync Eventbrite to BigQuery.
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