Certus

A production-ready Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for real-time, authoritative medical and medication information. Certus integrates with Claude Desktop and provides live access to FDA drug data, including shortages, recalls, and labeling, via openFDA APIs.

Project Versions

This project supports both Python and JavaScript implementations of the MCP servers. You can use either version depending on your environment and preferences.

• Python version: in `PY_version/` (feature-complete)
• JavaScript version: in `JS_version/` (Node.js, feature parity for enhanced medication info)

Quick Start

1. Clone the Repository

# Clone and enter the project directory
$ git clone 
$ cd med_info_mcp_project

Python Version Setup (`PY_version/`)

Installation

cd PY_version
pip install -r ../requirements.txt
touch __init__.py

Environment Setup (Optional)

Create a `.env` file for your OpenFDA API key (optional, improves rate limits):

OPENFDA_API_KEY=your_api_key_here

Get a free API key at: https://open.fda.gov/apis/authentication/

Testing

Test RxNorm client:

python3 drug_features.py

Test OpenFDA client:

python3 openfda_client.py

Claude Desktop Integration (Python)

Edit your Claude Desktop config file:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "enhanced-medication-info": {
      "command": "python3",
      "args": ["/full/path/to/PY_version/enhanced_mcp_server.py"]
    },
    "drug-features": {
      "command": "python3",
      "args": ["/full/path/to/PY_version/drug_server.py"]
    }
  }
}

JavaScript Version Setup (`JS_version/`)

Prerequisites

• Node.js v18 or higher

Installation

cd JS_version
npm install

Environment Setup (Optional)

Set your OpenFDA API key (optional, improves rate limits):

export OPENFDA_API_KEY="your_api_key_here"

Get a free API key at: https://open.fda.gov/apis/authentication/

Testing

Run the test client:

npm test
# or
node test-client.js

Claude Desktop Integration (JavaScript)

Edit your Claude Desktop config file:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "enhanced-medication-info": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/full/path/to/JS_version/enhanced-mcp-server.js"],
      "env": {
        "OPENFDA_API_KEY": "your_openfda_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Features (Both Versions)

• Comprehensive Drug Profiles: FDA labeling, shortage status, manufacturer, and more
• Real-Time Shortage Search: Live shortage data from openFDA (1,900+ records)
• Recall Information: Current and historical drug recalls from FDA enforcement database
• Label-Only Lookup: Retrieve only FDA-approved drug labeling
• Shortage Search Guidance: Tips and strategies for finding shortage data
• Market Trend Analysis: Analyze shortage patterns and risk for a drug
• Batch Analysis: Assess shortages, recalls, and risk for up to 25 drugs at once

Project Structure

med_info_mcp_project/
├── JS_version/                # JavaScript/Node.js implementation
│   ├── enhanced-mcp-server.js
│   ├── openfda-client.js
│   ├── package.json
│   ├── test-client.js
│   └── ...
├── PY_version/                # Python implementation
│   ├── enhanced_mcp_server.py
│   ├── drug_server.py
│   ├── drug_features.py
│   ├── ...
├── data/                      # Data files (e.g., images for testing)
├── requirements.txt           # Python dependencies
├── README.md                  # This file
└── ...

API Endpoints & Tools

All endpoints are exposed as MCP tools and callable via Claude Desktop or programmatically. Below is a summary of each endpoint for both Python and JavaScript versions:

Enhanced Medication Info MCP Server

Drug Features MCP Server (Python only)

Data Sources & API Documentation

• openFDA Drug Label API (docs)

Endpoint: `https://api.fda.gov/drug/label.json`

• openFDA Drug Shortages API (docs)

Endpoint: `https://api.fda.gov/drug/shortages.json`

• openFDA Drug Enforcement/Recalls API (docs)

Endpoint: `https://api.fda.gov/drug/enforcement.json`

• openFDA FAERS (Adverse Events) API (docs)

Endpoint: `https://api.fda.gov/drug/event.json`

• RxNorm API (docs)

Endpoint: `https://rxnav.nlm.nih.gov/REST`

Troubleshooting & FAQ

• MCP not working in Claude Desktop?

1. Double-check your config file paths and commands

2. Ensure dependencies are installed (`pip install -r requirements.txt` or `npm install`)

3. Restart Claude Desktop

• API key issues? Add your key to `.env` (Python) or as an env variable (JS) for higher rate limits
• Wrong Claude version? Use Claude Desktop, not claude.ai web
• Permissions? Ensure server files are executable

Dependencies

• Python: See `requirements.txt`
• JavaScript: See `JS_version/package.json`

License

This project provides access to public FDA data through openFDA APIs. Always consult healthcare providers for medical decisions.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please open issues or pull requests for improvements or bug fixes.