Ketorolac Shortage: Where Do Things Stand in 2026?

If you rely on Ketorolac — the powerful NSAID painkiller sold under brand names like Toradol and Sprix — you may have experienced the frustration of trying to fill a prescription only to be told it's unavailable. Ketorolac injection has been on and off shortage lists since 2020, leaving patients and providers scrambling for solutions.

In this update, we'll break down the current status of the Ketorolac shortage, explain why it's been hard to find, what it costs in 2026, and what you can do to get the pain relief you need.

Is Ketorolac Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, the Ketorolac shortage picture is mixed:

• Ketorolac injection has seen the most significant supply issues. It has been listed on the ASHP Drug Shortage list continuously since 2020, with updates posted as recently as August 2024. Multiple manufacturers — including Hospira (Pfizer), Fresenius Kabi, Hikma, and Athenex — have experienced production disruptions at various points. Supply has gradually improved, but some vial sizes and concentrations may still be intermittently unavailable.
• Ketorolac oral tablets (10 mg) have been less affected by the shortage. Generic tablets are produced by several manufacturers and are generally available at most pharmacies.
• Sprix nasal spray availability depends on manufacturer supply and insurance formulary status. It may be harder to find at retail pharmacies since it's a less commonly dispensed formulation.
• Acular eye drops (ophthalmic ketorolac) have generally remained available in generic form.

The bottom line: if you need Ketorolac in 2026, the oral and ophthalmic forms are usually findable, while the injection may still require some effort.

Why Has Ketorolac Been Hard to Find?

Several factors have contributed to the Ketorolac shortage:

Manufacturing Disruptions

The injectable pharmaceutical supply chain is complex and fragile. Hospira — one of the largest manufacturers of Ketorolac injection — experienced production issues and recalls that took months to resolve. When one major supplier goes down, the remaining manufacturers can't always absorb the additional demand.

Increased Demand for Non-Opioid Pain Relief

As the medical community has shifted away from opioids for acute pain management, demand for alternatives like Ketorolac has surged. It's one of the few injectable NSAIDs potent enough to match opioid-level pain relief, making it essential in ERs and surgical suites.

Limited Producer Base

Only a handful of companies make injectable Ketorolac. This concentration of supply means any disruption at a single facility can affect availability nationwide. For a deeper dive, read our post on why Ketorolac is hard to find.

How Much Does Ketorolac Cost in 2026?

The cost of Ketorolac depends on the formulation:

• Generic oral tablets (10 mg, 20 tablets): $10 to $25 at retail. With a discount coupon from GoodRx or SingleCare, you can pay as little as $10 to $13.
• Generic injection (per vial): $5 to $30, typically administered in a healthcare setting where the cost is included in your facility charges.
• Sprix nasal spray (brand): $1,700 to $2,200 without insurance. This is significantly more expensive and may require prior authorization.
• Generic Acular eye drops: $13 to $30 with a coupon.

For most patients taking the oral form, Ketorolac is very affordable. To find the best price, check out our guide on saving money on Ketorolac.

Are There New Options for Patients?

While no new Ketorolac formulations have been introduced recently, patients have more ways than ever to find and access the medication:

• More generic manufacturers have entered or re-entered the market, gradually improving supply.
• Pharmacy search tools like Medfinder make it easier to find real-time stock at pharmacies near you.
• Alternative NSAIDs like injectable Diclofenac (Dyloject) provide another option when Ketorolac injection isn't available. See our guide on Ketorolac alternatives.
• Telehealth providers can prescribe oral Ketorolac remotely for appropriate cases, getting you a prescription faster.

How to Find Ketorolac in Stock Right Now

If you need Ketorolac today, here's your action plan:

1. Search on Medfinder. Visit medfinder.com and search for Ketorolac to see which pharmacies near you have it in stock.
2. Call independent pharmacies. They often source from different distributors than the big chains and may have stock others don't.
3. Ask about different formulations. If the injection is unavailable, ask your doctor about oral tablets or Sprix nasal spray.
4. Request a special order. Your pharmacist may be able to order Ketorolac from an alternative wholesaler for next-day delivery.
5. Consider alternatives. If Ketorolac isn't available in any form, your doctor can prescribe Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen, or Celecoxib.

For more detailed tips, read our guide on how to find Ketorolac in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Ketorolac shortage has been a real challenge for patients dealing with acute pain, but the situation is improving. Oral tablets are generally available, and injectable supply is gradually recovering. By staying informed, using tools like Medfinder, and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can find a path to effective pain relief — even in a challenging supply environment.

We'll continue to update this page as the situation evolves. For provider-specific information, see our provider shortage briefing.