• 15 Jul, 2026
• UnityPain
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Who Should Not Get Toradol Injections | UnityPain

When Toradol May Not Be Right for You

Living with pain can feel exhausting and overwhelming. When a flare-up hits hard, you want relief fast — and that is completely understandable. Toradol (ketorolac) injections are a powerful non-opioid option that many people find helpful for short-term pain relief. But like every medical treatment, Toradol is not the right choice for everyone. Understanding who should avoid it can help you stay safe and find the care that truly fits your needs.

This article will walk you through the most important reasons why a doctor might say Toradol is not a good fit for you right now. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you have a more informed conversation with your care team — and that is always a good thing.

What Is Toradol and How Is It Used?

Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. It works by blocking certain chemicals in the body that cause pain and swelling. When given as an injection, it gets into your system quickly and can provide strong short-term relief for moderate to severe pain. It is commonly used after procedures, for muscle pain, and for certain types of acute pain flare-ups.

Because Toradol does not contain opioids, it is often seen as a safer alternative for people who need to avoid narcotic medications. However, it is still a powerful drug with real risks. Doctors limit its use to short courses — typically no more than five days — for good reason. The risks go up significantly with longer use or in people who have certain health conditions.

Kidney Problems or Reduced Kidney Function

One of the most important reasons to avoid Toradol is if you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function. NSAIDs like Toradol can reduce blood flow to the kidneys. In a healthy person, the kidneys can usually handle this short-term change. But if your kidneys are already struggling, Toradol can make things much worse and may even lead to serious kidney injury.

Your doctor may check your kidney function before recommending any NSAID, including Toradol. If you have been told you have chronic kidney disease, are on dialysis, or have had kidney problems in the past, it is very important to share that information. There may be other pain relief options that are safer for you.

History of Stomach Ulcers or Bleeding

Toradol can irritate the lining of your stomach and intestines. For most people, this is manageable with short-term use. But if you have a history of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or inflammatory bowel conditions, the risk goes up significantly. NSAIDs block chemicals that also help protect the stomach lining, which can make existing problems worse or cause new ones.

Signs that Toradol may be causing stomach trouble include stomach pain, nausea, dark or tarry stools, or vomiting blood. These are serious warning signs that need immediate medical attention. If you have had ulcers or GI bleeding before, your provider will likely look for a different approach to managing your pain that carries less risk to your digestive system.

Cardiovascular Concerns and Blood Clotting Issues

People who have a history of heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure need to be careful with NSAIDs. Toradol can raise blood pressure and may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events in people who are already at risk. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits against these risks before recommending it.

Toradol also affects how your blood clots. It should not be used by people who have bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinners like warfarin. It is also not appropriate right before or after certain surgeries where bleeding control is critical. If you are scheduled for a procedure, always tell your doctor about any medications or injections you have received recently.

Pregnancy, Allergies, and Other Important Factors

Toradol is not safe during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. It can cause serious problems for the developing baby, including issues with the heart and kidneys. Pregnant women should always speak with their OB-GYN or primary care provider before taking any pain medication, including over-the-counter NSAIDs.

People who are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs should also avoid Toradol. This includes people who have had reactions like hives, swelling, or breathing problems after taking ibuprofen or naproxen. A serious allergic reaction to Toradol can happen quickly and can be life-threatening. Additionally, people who have asthma triggered by aspirin or NSAIDs are at higher risk and should discuss this with their provider before receiving Toradol.

Finding the Right Pain Treatment for You

If Toradol is not a good fit for you, that does not mean you are out of options. There are many ways to manage pain effectively and safely. Depending on your condition, your provider might recommend trigger point injections, joint injections, physical therapy, medication management, or other targeted treatments. The right approach depends on your full health picture — not just your pain level today.

At Unity Pain Management in Modesto, CA, the care team works to understand your full medical history before recommending any treatment. If you are unsure whether Toradol or another injection is right for you, a consultation — including telehealth options — can help you get clear answers without the hassle. The clinic accepts most major insurance plans, making it easier to access the evaluation you deserve.

A Hopeful Path Forward

Living with pain is hard, and it can be frustrating when a treatment you hoped for turns out not to be right for your situation. But knowing your options and your risks is actually a sign of strength. It means you are advocating for yourself and your health. There is almost always a path forward — it may just look a little different than you expected.

You do not have to figure this out alone. Working closely with a pain specialist who listens to you and reviews your full health history is the best way to find relief that is both effective and safe. You deserve care that treats you as a whole person — not just a set of symptoms.

References

• Buckley, Matthew M., and Rex N. Brogden. “Ketorolac: A Review of Its Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Properties, and Therapeutic Potential.” Drugs. 1990.
• U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection.” MedlinePlus, National Institutes of Health. 2023.
• Ungprasert, Patompong, et al. “Individual Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Risk of Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.” European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2015.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Ketorolac (Injection Route) — Precautions.” Mayo Clinic. 2024.
• Bindu, Samik, Somnath Mazumder, and Uday Bandyopadhyay. “Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Organ Damage: A Current Perspective.” Biochemical Pharmacology. 2020.