Toradol/Ketorolac

WHAT IS TORADOL?

Toradol is the brand name for a prescription drug called ketorolac. Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).  It is typically used to treat moderate to severe pain. Because it is more potent than other NSAIDS, it also has more acute side effects.

WHAT IS TORADOL USED FOR?

Toradol is most effective for moderate to intense pain levels. It can decrease the intensity of pain as well as reduce any related symptoms, such as a fever or swelling in the affected area. Toradol can help the pain associated with the following:

·       Arthritis and gout: Toradol can diminish the pain related to arthritis attacks. It’s especially helpful in cases of gout, an advanced type of arthritis known for intense and sudden flare-ups. Because Toradol is designed for short-term use, it’s not recommended for chronic, ongoing arthritis pain. 

·       Headaches and migraines: Toradol offers powerful pain relief compared to over-the-counter medications. This makes it ideal for severe headaches or the pounding pain experienced during a migraine attack, especially if other medications haven’t worked for you.

·       Post-surgical pain management: If you’re wary of taking an opioid medication while you’re recuperating from a surgical procedure, Toradol is a comparatively safer choice. Pain relief is important after surgery—when you’re not in pain, it’s easier to start moving around again, which can speed up your recovery time.

·       Injury or overuse caused by physical activity: A Toradol shot near the injury site can help ease inflammation that causes pain. Some people use Toradol for back pain, certain kinds of bone fractures, and other injuries. 

HOW DOES TORADOL WORK?

Toradol addresses the inflammation behind the pain. The immune system is the body’s defender, jumping into action with a surge of protective white blood cells at the first sign of an attack on the body. This is why you may experience swelling, warmth, or pain around a surgical incision site, injury, or infection. This type of inflammation is usually temporary until the problem is resolved. However, other types of inflammation can be more persistent, such as with autoimmune diseases like arthritis, where the immune system acts as if it’s constantly under attack. 

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

You’ll feel the effects of a Toradol shot quickly after the injection, especially compared to a pill or tablet. This makes it an effective pain reliever. It usually takes about six hours for Toradol to wear off.  

BENEFITS

Many people receive Toradol injections to treat their pain more quickly than with a pill version. After all, there are more benefits to Toradol than possible side effects or risks.

The following are a number of benefits you can experience from receiving Toradol injections:

  • Rapid pain relief

  • No risk of addiction; Toradol is not an opioid or narcotic

  • Affordability

  • Ability to stop migraine attacks

  • Strong enough for moderate to severe pain levels 

WHO SHOULD NOT USE TORADOL?

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding must receive approval from OBGYN.

  • People with severe kidney problems or high risk for kidney problems.

  • Do not use ketorolac if you are taking high doses of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

  • GI bleeding or peptic ulcer disease. 

SIDE EFFECTS

  • Common side effects of Toradol can include:

  • Swelling at the injection site

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Headaches

  • Diarrhea

  • Gas

  • Drowsiness

  • Lightheadedness

  • Elevated blood pressure

  • Constipation

Serious side effects are rare but may include mood swings, vision or hearing issues, and fainting. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms.