Frequently Asked Questions
Where does PlainMeds get its drug information?
All information comes from official FDA databases: Structured Product Labeling (SPL) for drug labels, the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) for real-world side effect reports, and FDA Drug Enforcement Reports for recall information. We do not use third-party data, unverified sources, or fabricated medical claims.
What is Structured Product Labeling (SPL)?
SPL is the official FDA format for drug labeling submitted by pharmaceutical manufacturers. It is the same detailed labeling your pharmacist reads and covers indications (what a drug is approved for), dosage instructions, warnings, contraindications, drug interactions, adverse reactions, and storage requirements.
Are the adverse event counts on a drug's page dangerous thresholds?
No. Adverse event counts from FAERS reflect the number of reports submitted to the FDA, not the rate of adverse events per population of users. A drug used by millions of people will generate more reports than a rarely-used drug even if neither is comparatively unsafe. FAERS data is useful for awareness and discussion with your doctor, not for comparing drug safety.
My medication has an active recall. What should I do?
Check the official FDA recall notice linked on the drug's page. Recalls range from Class I (serious risk) to Class III (unlikely to cause harm). Follow the instructions in the official notice — typically contacting your pharmacy or the manufacturer for a refund or replacement. Do not stop taking a critical medication without consulting your prescriber.
Why does my drug's label information look different from what's in the package insert?
PlainMeds translates complex medical language into plain English summaries to improve readability. The underlying factual data comes directly from the FDA SPL, but you may notice differences in wording. For official prescribing information, always refer to the current package insert or FDA labeling, which we link to on each drug page.
Can I search for a medication by active ingredient?
Yes. PlainMeds indexes drugs by brand name, generic name, and active ingredient. If you search for an active ingredient like ibuprofen, you'll find all brand-name and generic products containing that ingredient.
Is PlainMeds connected to the FDA or any pharmaceutical company?
No. PlainMeds is an independent project and is not affiliated with the FDA, any pharmaceutical company, or any healthcare organization. We present publicly available FDA data to help people understand their medications more easily.