Key takeaways:
Ketorolac is a prescription-only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ketorolac tablets and nasal spray (Sprix) are often prescribed for short-term pain relief after surgery. Ketorolac is typically taken for 5 days or less.
How much you’ll pay for ketorolac will depend on factors such as your dosage form and whether or not you have insurance coverage.
Without insurance or discounts, 20 ketorolac 10 mg tablets (a typical 5-day supply) cost $36.49 on average. But you could pay as little as $10.80 with a free GoodRx discount. Sprix’s manufacturer also offers the brand-name nasal spray at a discounted price with at-home delivery.
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Ketorolac is a prescription-only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It’s often prescribed for short-term pain relief after surgery. Ketorolac comes in several forms, including tablets and a nasal spray (Sprix).
How much you pay for ketorolac can depend on the form you’re prescribed and whether you have insurance coverage, among other factors. Here’s what to know about how much ketorolac costs without insurance and ways to make your prescription more affordable.
How much does ketorolac cost without insurance?
In most cases, you’ll only take ketorolac for 5 days or less. The cost of 20 ketorolac 10 mg tablets (a typical 5-day supply) averages around $36.49 without insurance or discounts.
The nasal spray typically costs more, with an average cash price of $2572.02 per package (a 5-day supply).
Good to know: Ketorolac comes in an injectable form that’s typically given in a medical setting. It also comes in multiple eye drops — Acular, Acular LS, and Acuvail. This pricing guide focuses on the tablets and nasal spray for at-home pain relief. It doesn’t include pricing for injectable or eye-related forms of ketorolac.
What factors affect the cost of ketorolac?
The cost of ketorolac can vary based on several factors.
Brand-name vs. generic availability
Oral ketorolac is available as a generic medication. Toradol, the brand-name version of the tablets, is no longer available. Ketorolac nasal spray comes as both a brand-name and a generic medication.
Generic medications are generally more affordable than their brand-name counterparts. But manufacturer discounts are more commonly available for brand-name medications.
Dosage form
The form of ketorolac you’re prescribed can affect how much you pay. Ketorolac tablets typically cost less than the nasal spray.
Location
Where you live can affect the cost of your prescription medications. For example, according to GoodRx research, people in Little Rock, Arkansas, tend to pay more for prescription medications than people in Houston.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies negotiate their own pricing for prescription medications. So the cash price for ketorolac can vary among different pharmacies — even ones located in the same neighborhood. GoodRx can help you compare prices at pharmacies in your area to find the best deal.
Insurance coverage
If you have insurance, it may lower what you pay for ketorolac. But you may still have out-of-pocket costs, such as a deductible, copays, or coinsurance.
Checking your plan’s formulary (list of covered medications) in advance can help you know whether ketorolac is covered and what you can expect to pay. You can typically access your summary of benefits and coverage and formulary online or by calling the help desk number on your prescription insurance card.
Add GoodRx as a trusted source on GoogleAdd GoodRx as a trusted sourceWhat to do if ketorolac isn’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover ketorolac, consider trying these options:
Ask your prescriber to submit a letter of medical necessity or request a formulary exception. If the request is denied, you can appeal the decision.
Talk to your prescriber about a ketorolac alternative, such as diclofenac tablets, that may be covered by your insurance.
Look into other savings options, like the ones described below.
Ways to save on ketorolac
There are a few ways to save on the cost of your ketorolac prescription. Here are four to consider.
1. Use a GoodRx coupon
A free GoodRx discount may help lower the cost of ketorolac tablets or nasal spray. The table below shows what you might pay for ketorolac tablets or nasal spray with a GoodRx coupon versus with cash.
Dose, form, and quantity | Average cash price | GoodRx low price |
|---|---|---|
10 mg, 20 tablets | ||
15.75 mg nasal spray, 5 bottles |
To save with a GoodRx discount:
Visit www.goodrx.com or download the GoodRx app.
Search for “ketorolac.”
Select your prescribed dose, form, and quantity.
Compare pharmacy prices in your area to find the best deal.
Choose if you want to receive the discount card by text or email. You can also take a screenshot on your phone.
To avoid delays, provide the discount information to your pharmacy before you go in to pick up your medication.
Keep in mind: GoodRx savings may vary by pharmacy and geographic location. The GoodRx website and app can help you compare prices in your area.
2. Enroll in GoodRx Companion
You can access discounted prescription medications with a GoodRx Companion subscription. Over 250 medications (including ketorolac tablets) are available for free at certain pharmacies, with hundreds more for under $10 per month. Keep in mind that prices and availability may vary by pharmacy and geographic location.
The GoodRx Companion program also includes benefits to help you cut your self-pay costs. You’ll have access to lower prices for online care visits, discounts on dental care, and other health service savings.
3. See if you’re eligible for a manufacturer copay savings card
You could pay as little as $0 for a 5-day supply of brand-name Sprix (ketorolac nasal spray) through the Sprix Direct program. If you’re eligible, the medication will be shipped to you directly; this isn’t a discount card you can use at your local pharmacy.
To use the Sprix Direct program:
You must have commercial insurance coverage. People who have government-funded insurance are not eligible.
Your prescriber must send your prescription directly to Scripts Rx for processing.
Call 1-844-977-7749 for questions or help using Sprix Direct savings.
4. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
If you have a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), you can use it to help cover your out-of-pocket costs for ketorolac. These tax-advantaged healthcare accounts let you pay for eligible expenses with tax-free dollars.
Pay directly with your HSA or FSA card at the pharmacy, or cover the cost yourself and request reimbursement. The funds in HSAs and some HRAs roll over annually. But you have to use FSA dollars before a certain deadline or they’ll expire.
The bottom line
Ketorolac is a prescription-only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ketorolac tablets and nasal spray (Sprix) are often prescribed for short-term pain relief after surgery. Ketorolac is typically taken for 5 days or less.
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