Ketorolac can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Ketorolac may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using ketorolac, especially in older adults.
You should not use ketorolac if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
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active or recent stomach ulcer, stomach bleeding, or intestinal bleeding;
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a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
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a closed head injury or bleeding in your brain;
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bleeding from a recent surgery;
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severe kidney disease or dehydration;
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a history of asthma or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID;
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if you are scheduled to have surgery (especially bypass surgery); or
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if you are in late pregnancy or you are breast-feeding a baby.
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with ketorolac. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:
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pentoxifylline;
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probenecid; or
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aspirin or other NSAIDs--ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
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heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
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a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
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stomach ulcers or bleeding;
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inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease;
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liver disease;
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kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
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asthma; or
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fluid retention.
If you are pregnant, you should not take ketorolac unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Ketorolac is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.