Struggling to find Ketorolac (Toradol) at your pharmacy? Learn why this powerful NSAID painkiller is hard to find in 2026 and what you can do about it.
You left the hospital or emergency room with a prescription for Ketorolac — also known by the brand name Toradol — and now you can't find it anywhere. Your pharmacy says it's out of stock. You've called three others with no luck. Sound familiar?
Ketorolac is one of the most effective non-opioid painkillers available, and for years, patients and providers alike have relied on it for short-term pain relief after surgery, in the ER, and for conditions like migraines and kidney stones. But finding it — especially the injectable form — has been a frustrating experience for many people.
In this post, we'll explain what Ketorolac is, why it's been hard to find, and what steps you can take to get the pain relief you need.
Ketorolac (brand names: Toradol, Sprix, Acular) is a powerful nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking enzymes called cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which are responsible for producing prostaglandins — chemicals in your body that cause pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Ketorolac is FDA-approved for the short-term management of moderately severe acute pain. It's available in several forms:
Unlike many painkillers, Ketorolac is not a controlled substance and is not an opioid. However, it's so potent that its use is limited to 5 days maximum due to the risk of serious side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney problems.
To learn more about how this drug works, check out our guide on how Ketorolac works.
There are several reasons why Ketorolac — particularly the injectable form — has been difficult to find in recent years. Here are the main factors:
Ketorolac injection has been on the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) drug shortage list multiple times since 2020. Major manufacturers like Hospira (a Pfizer subsidiary) and Fresenius Kabi have experienced production disruptions, quality control issues, and even product recalls. When one manufacturer goes offline, the remaining companies can't always keep up with the sudden surge in demand.
While supply has improved through 2024 and into 2025, some formulations — especially certain vial sizes of the injectable — still face intermittent availability issues.
With the ongoing opioid crisis, healthcare providers have increasingly turned to non-opioid pain management options. Ketorolac is one of the most effective injectable non-opioid painkillers available, making it a go-to choice in emergency rooms, surgical centers, and hospitals. This heightened demand puts additional strain on an already tight supply.
Only a handful of pharmaceutical companies manufacture injectable Ketorolac. When one or two of these companies experience production issues, it creates a ripple effect across the entire market. Generic oral tablets are produced by more manufacturers and are generally easier to find.
Injectable medications like Ketorolac have specific storage requirements and shorter shelf lives compared to oral tablets. Pharmacies — especially smaller or independent ones — may not always keep large quantities in stock, particularly if they don't frequently dispense it.
If you're struggling to fill your Ketorolac prescription, don't give up. Here are some practical steps:
Medfinder lets you search for Ketorolac availability at pharmacies near you in real time. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can quickly see which locations have it in stock.
If the injectable form is unavailable, talk to your doctor about whether the oral tablets or Sprix nasal spray might work for your situation. The oral form is generally easier to find and costs as little as $10 to $13 for a short course with a discount coupon.
Large chain pharmacies often face the biggest shortages because they serve more patients. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies may have stock that chains don't. It's worth a few extra phone calls.
If Ketorolac simply isn't available, your doctor can prescribe an alternative NSAID. Options include Ibuprofen, Diclofenac (including the injectable form Dyloject), Naproxen, or Celecoxib. Learn more in our post on alternatives to Ketorolac.
If your pharmacy's usual distributor is out of stock, your pharmacist may be able to order Ketorolac from an alternative wholesaler. It might take a day or two, but it's often a viable option.
Ketorolac is a powerful and important pain management tool, especially for patients who need a non-opioid option. While supply chain issues have made it harder to find — particularly in injectable form — the situation has been gradually improving. By using tools like Medfinder, exploring different formulations, and staying in touch with your healthcare provider, you can improve your chances of getting the medication you need.
For the latest information on Ketorolac availability in 2026, see our Ketorolac shortage update.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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