Sprix Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Is There a Sprix Shortage in 2026?

If you've been struggling to find Sprix (Ketorolac nasal spray) at your pharmacy, you're probably wondering: is there an actual shortage? The answer is complicated — and that's exactly why we wrote this guide.

Sprix isn't on the FDA's official Drug Shortage Database as of early 2026, but that doesn't mean it's easy to find. Many patients report going to multiple pharmacies without success. In this post, we'll give you the latest information on Sprix availability, explain why it's hard to find, cover what it costs in 2026, and share practical steps you can take.

Is Sprix Still in Shortage?

Sprix is not listed as a formal shortage by the FDA, but it has experienced intermittent availability issues for years. The reality on the ground is that most retail pharmacies don't carry Sprix, making it functionally scarce for patients even when supply technically exists in the distribution chain.

This is different from a true shortage (where the manufacturer can't produce enough). Instead, it's a distribution and demand problem — the drug is available from wholesalers, but pharmacies don't stock it because prescriptions are uncommon.

Why Is Sprix Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to Sprix's limited availability:

• Low prescription volume: Sprix is a niche product used for short-term acute pain, mostly post-surgical. It's not a medication millions of people take daily.
• Manufacturer changes: Sprix has passed through multiple companies (Luitpold, Egalet, Zyla Life Sciences, Assertio Therapeutics), creating disruptions in production and distribution.
• High cost: At $2,600 to $3,500 per course, pharmacies hesitate to stock a product that may not sell.
• Insurance barriers: Prior authorization requirements and step therapy policies reduce the number of prescriptions, further suppressing demand.

For a deeper dive, read our full breakdown of why Sprix is so hard to find.

How Much Does Sprix Cost in 2026?

Sprix remains one of the more expensive NSAID options on the market:

• Brand-name Sprix: Approximately $3,459 for a 5-bottle supply (5-day course) without insurance
• Generic Ketorolac nasal spray: Around $2,657 for the same supply with a discount coupon
• With insurance: Costs vary widely. Many plans require prior authorization. Copays (if covered) can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on your plan's formulary tier.

For comparison, generic oral Ketorolac tablets cost just $10 to $30 for a 5-day course, and over-the-counter NSAIDs like Ibuprofen cost under $10.

Check our detailed savings guide for Sprix for coupons, discount cards, and patient assistance options.

New Options and Developments

While there haven't been major new formulations of Ketorolac nasal spray in recent years, patients have more tools than ever to navigate availability:

• Generic availability: Generic Ketorolac tromethamine nasal spray offers an identical alternative that may be easier to source.
• Pharmacy availability tools: Platforms like Medfinder help patients locate pharmacies with Sprix in stock in real time.
• Expanded alternative options: Doctors have a wider toolkit of non-opioid pain management options, including other NSAIDs and multimodal pain protocols.

How to Find Sprix in Stock Right Now

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

1. Search Medfinder to check pharmacy availability near your zip code.
2. Call independent pharmacies — they're more likely to stock or quickly order niche medications.
3. Ask your pharmacy to special-order it. Most wholesalers can deliver within 1-3 business days.
4. Check with specialty pharmacies that focus on pain management or post-surgical care.
5. Have your doctor send the prescription early if your need is planned (such as before a scheduled surgery).

For more detailed strategies, read our post on how to find Sprix in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

While Sprix isn't in a formal shortage, it remains genuinely difficult to find for many patients in 2026. The combination of limited demand, high cost, insurance hurdles, and manufacturing history creates persistent availability challenges. The best approach is to plan ahead, use availability tools, and work closely with your doctor and pharmacist.

If Sprix truly isn't an option, talk to your prescriber about effective alternatives. You have more options than you might think.