Wondering why Sprix nasal spray is so hard to find at pharmacies? Learn the key reasons behind limited availability and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
You finally got a prescription for Sprix (Ketorolac nasal spray), only to hear the dreaded words: "We don't have it in stock." If this has happened to you, you're not imagining things. Sprix is one of the harder medications to find at your local pharmacy, and there are real reasons why.
In this post, we'll break down exactly why Sprix is so hard to find in 2026, what's behind the supply issues, and — most importantly — what you can do about it.
Sprix is the brand name for Ketorolac tromethamine nasal spray. It's a powerful nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that doctors prescribe for short-term management of moderate to moderately severe pain, typically after surgery. Think of it as the nasal spray version of Toradol — the same active ingredient, just delivered through your nose instead of an injection.
What makes Sprix unique is that it gives patients a non-opioid option for serious pain relief that they can use at home, without needing a needle. Each spray delivers 15.75 mg of Ketorolac, and treatment is limited to no more than 5 days.
There are several reasons Sprix can be difficult to track down at pharmacies. Here are the main ones:
Unlike common medications that pharmacies stock by the hundreds, Sprix is a specialty nasal spray with a relatively small patient population. Most pharmacies don't keep it on their shelves because they rarely get prescriptions for it. When your pharmacy doesn't stock a drug routinely, they have to special-order it — and that can take days.
Sprix has changed corporate hands multiple times over the years — from Luitpold Pharmaceuticals to Egalet to Zyla Life Sciences to Assertio Therapeutics. These transitions can disrupt manufacturing and distribution. With fewer companies making the product, any hiccup in production can lead to gaps in supply.
Sprix carries a hefty price tag — roughly $2,600 to $3,500 for a 5-day supply without insurance. Pharmacies are businesses, and stocking an expensive medication that sits on the shelf unsold is a financial risk. Many pharmacies simply choose not to carry it unless a patient specifically orders it.
Many insurance plans either don't cover Sprix or require prior authorization and step therapy (meaning you have to try cheaper alternatives first). This reduces the overall number of prescriptions written, which in turn reduces demand and pharmacy stocking. It's a cycle that makes Sprix harder to find.
The good news is that Sprix isn't impossible to find — it just takes a little extra effort. Here are some practical steps:
Before driving to the pharmacy, call and ask if they have Sprix in stock or can order it. This saves you time and frustration.
Tools like Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies that currently have Sprix in stock near you. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, let the tool do the work.
Large chain pharmacies aren't always your best bet for niche medications. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies may be more willing to special-order Sprix or may already stock it for regular customers. Specialty pharmacies that focus on pain management are another good option.
If you absolutely can't find Sprix, talk to your prescriber. They may be able to prescribe injectable Ketorolac (Toradol), oral Ketorolac tablets, or another NSAID like Diclofenac or Celecoxib. You can learn more in our post on alternatives to Sprix.
If cost is part of the barrier, explore savings options. Read our guide on how to save money on Sprix for coupons, discount cards, and patient assistance programs that can bring the price down significantly.
Finding Sprix in 2026 can be a challenge, but it's not a dead end. The combination of low demand, limited manufacturing, high cost, and insurance hurdles makes it harder to stock than your average medication. But with the right approach — using availability tools, calling ahead, and exploring specialty pharmacies — you can get the pain relief your doctor prescribed.
If you're struggling to find Sprix right now, search Medfinder to check real-time availability at pharmacies near you.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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