When You Can't Get Sprix, What Are Your Options?

You've got a prescription for Sprix (Ketorolac nasal spray), but you can't fill it. Maybe the pharmacy doesn't have it in stock. Maybe the price — which can run $2,600 to $3,500 without insurance — is simply out of reach. Or maybe your insurance requires you to try something else first.

Whatever the reason, you still need pain relief. The good news is there are real, effective alternatives to Sprix that your doctor can prescribe. Let's walk through them.

What Is Sprix and How Does It Work?

Sprix is a nasal spray form of Ketorolac tromethamine, a potent NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It works by blocking COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes in your body, which reduces the production of prostaglandins — chemicals that cause pain, inflammation, and fever.

Sprix is FDA-approved for short-term management of moderate to moderately severe pain, typically after surgery. It delivers 15.75 mg of Ketorolac per spray and is limited to a maximum of 5 days of use due to the risk of serious side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney damage.

What makes it special is the delivery method: a nasal spray means patients can self-administer powerful pain relief at home without needing injections. For more details, see our post on what Sprix is and how to use it.

Alternatives to Sprix

Here are the most common alternatives your doctor may consider if Sprix isn't available or isn't the right fit:

1. Injectable Ketorolac (Toradol)

Why it's similar: Toradol is the same active ingredient — Ketorolac tromethamine — given as an intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection. It's the gold standard for acute pain in emergency departments and post-surgical settings.

Key differences:

• Requires a healthcare provider to administer (you can't give it to yourself at home)
• Available as a generic, making it significantly cheaper — often under $20 per dose
• Same 5-day maximum treatment duration
• Same boxed warnings for GI bleeding and cardiovascular risk

Best for: Patients who have access to a clinic or infusion center for daily injections, or those in a hospital setting.

2. Oral Ketorolac Tablets

Why it's similar: Same medication in pill form. Generic Ketorolac 10 mg tablets are widely available and very affordable — typically $10 to $30 for a 5-day supply.

Key differences:

• Usually prescribed as a continuation after starting with injectable Ketorolac (not typically used as a first-line standalone)
• Oral absorption is slower than nasal spray
• Same 5-day limit and same warnings

Best for: Patients who started on injectable Ketorolac and are transitioning to at-home management, or when cost is the primary barrier.

3. Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cambia)

Why it's an alternative: Diclofenac is another potent NSAID available in multiple forms — oral tablets, topical gel, and Cambia (a powder mixed with water for migraines).

Key differences:

• Can be used for longer than 5 days (though still carries NSAID risks)
• Topical form (Voltaren gel) has fewer systemic side effects
• Generic versions are widely available and affordable

Best for: Patients who need pain relief beyond the 5-day Ketorolac window, or those with mild to moderate (rather than severe) pain.

4. Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Why it's an alternative: Celecoxib is a COX-2 selective NSAID, meaning it targets inflammation more precisely and carries a lower risk of GI bleeding compared to traditional NSAIDs like Ketorolac.

Key differences:

• Less potent for acute, severe pain compared to Ketorolac
• Can be used for longer-term pain management
• Generic available — typically $15 to $60 per month
• Still carries cardiovascular warnings

Best for: Patients with GI concerns or those who need pain management beyond the short-term acute window.

5. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve)

Why they're alternatives: These are the most accessible NSAIDs — available over the counter and extremely affordable. While less potent than Ketorolac, they can be effective for moderate pain.

Key details:

• Ibuprofen: 200-800 mg every 6-8 hours
• Naproxen: 220-500 mg every 8-12 hours
• Cost: Under $10 for a supply at most pharmacies

Best for: Mild to moderate pain, or as a bridge while waiting for Sprix to become available.

Important: Don't Switch on Your Own

While these alternatives are all NSAIDs, they have different potencies, durations, and risk profiles. Never switch medications without talking to your doctor first. Your prescriber chose Sprix for a reason and can help you find the best substitute based on your specific pain level, medical history, and risk factors.

Final Thoughts

If you can't find or afford Sprix, you have real options. From injectable and oral Ketorolac to other NSAIDs like Diclofenac and Celecoxib, your doctor can help you find effective pain relief. The key is to have the conversation early — don't wait until you're in severe pain to explore alternatives.

Still looking for Sprix? Try Medfinder to find pharmacies with Sprix in stock near you. And if cost is the barrier, check out our guide to saving money on Sprix.