Your Pharmacy Is Out of Ketorolac — Now What?

You've got a prescription for Ketorolac (commonly known by the brand name Toradol), and you need it filled — fast. Maybe you just had surgery, or you're dealing with a painful migraine or kidney stone. But your usual pharmacy doesn't have it in stock. This is a frustrating situation, but it's more common than you might think.

Ketorolac, especially in its injectable form, has experienced supply challenges in recent years. The good news? With the right tools and strategies, you can still find it. Here's how.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Search Pharmacies Near You

The fastest way to find Ketorolac in stock is to use Medfinder. Medfinder is a free tool that checks real-time medication availability at pharmacies in your area. Instead of spending hours on the phone calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can search once and see which locations near you currently have Ketorolac.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Type in "Ketorolac" or "Toradol"
3. Enter your ZIP code or city
4. Browse results showing pharmacies with current stock

This is especially helpful if you're looking for a specific formulation, like the 10 mg oral tablets or the injection. Medfinder can save you time and get you to a pharmacy that actually has what you need.

Tip 2: Call Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

When big chain pharmacies run out of a medication, it doesn't mean every pharmacy in your area is out. Independent pharmacies — the locally owned ones — often source their medications from different wholesalers than the major chains. This means they may have Ketorolac in stock when CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid don't.

Compounding pharmacies are another option worth exploring. While they typically make custom medications, many also stock commonly prescribed drugs like Ketorolac.

Here are some tips for calling around:

• Be specific. Tell the pharmacist exactly what formulation you need (e.g., "Ketorolac 10 mg oral tablets" or "Ketorolac 30 mg/mL injection").
• Ask if they can order it. Even if they don't have it on the shelf, many pharmacies can get it from their distributor within 24 to 48 hours.
• Ask about Sprix. The Sprix nasal spray is another form of Ketorolac that some pharmacies carry. It may be available when tablets or injections aren't.

Tip 3: Try Off-Peak Hours and Be Ready to Transfer

Pharmacy stock levels can change throughout the day and week. Calling or visiting during off-peak hours — early morning or mid-week — can sometimes improve your chances. Shipments from wholesalers often arrive in the morning, so pharmacies may have fresh stock early in the day.

If you find Ketorolac at a different pharmacy than the one your prescription was sent to, ask your original pharmacy to transfer the prescription. Most pharmacies can do this quickly with a phone call between pharmacists. You can also ask your doctor's office to send a new prescription to the pharmacy that has it in stock.

What If You Still Can't Find Ketorolac?

If you've tried these tips and still can't find Ketorolac, here are a few more options:

Ask Your Doctor About an Alternative

Several other NSAIDs can provide effective pain relief. Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, and Celecoxib are all potential alternatives depending on your medical situation. Your doctor can help you choose the best option. Read our full guide on alternatives to Ketorolac for more details.

Check Hospital Outpatient Pharmacies

Hospital pharmacies, especially those connected to surgical centers or emergency departments, are more likely to keep injectable Ketorolac in stock since it's commonly used in those settings. If you received your prescription from a hospital, ask if their outpatient pharmacy can fill it before you leave.

Consider Mail-Order or Online Pharmacies

Some mail-order pharmacies may have Ketorolac available when local pharmacies don't. Keep in mind that Ketorolac is typically prescribed for short-term acute pain (5 days max), so timing is important — you'll want overnight shipping if you go this route.

Look Into Savings While You Search

If cost is also a concern, generic Ketorolac oral tablets can cost as little as $10 to $13 with a discount coupon from services like GoodRx or SingleCare. Learn more in our guide on how to save money on Ketorolac.

Final Thoughts

Finding Ketorolac in stock can take a little extra effort, especially for the injectable form. But with tools like Medfinder, a willingness to check independent pharmacies, and good communication with your healthcare team, you can usually track it down. The key is to act quickly — Ketorolac is prescribed for short-term pain, so the sooner you find it, the sooner you can get relief.

For the latest on Ketorolac availability and shortages, see our 2026 shortage update.