★★★★★ 4.8 out of 5 · 175+ verified reviews across RX and CALM

The Stack: RX + CALM

Prescription-strength topical NSAID for acute pain plus transdermal magnesium cream for daily muscle tension. One subscription. Both delivered monthly after your provider approves your prescription.

RX Pain Gel is prescription-only. A licensed provider reviews your health questionnaire after checkout. If RX isn't right for you, you pay nothing.

Subscribe & Save Save 24%
$151/mo
Both products auto-delivered monthly. Free shipping over $75. Pause or cancel anytime.
RX Pain Gel for acute flares + CALM Magnesium Cream for daily tension. One monthly subscription. Provider review included.
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Free $75+
CALM 60-Day Guarantee
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Certifications
Your order includes
Free licensed provider consultation for RX
Free shipping on orders over $75
60-day money-back on CALM (first order); RX non-returnable once compounded
Pause or cancel either subscription independently
RX compounded per order at an FDA-registered US pharmacy
If your provider determines RX isn't right for you, you pay nothing. Pause or cancel anytime.
★★★★★

“RX for the flare-ups, CALM every night. Haven't taken an oral painkiller in two months.”

JOSE C., 54 · SAN FRANCISCO, CA · VERIFIED BUYER
How The Stack Works
One Checkout. Two Products.
RX requires a prescription. CALM is added at the same checkout after your provider approves you. Both auto-deliver monthly.
1
Start
Begin your RX consultation. Choose Subscribe & Save or one-time purchase.
2
Questionnaire
Complete a short online health questionnaire. About 3 minutes. No appointment needed.
3
Provider Review
A licensed provider reviews your information and approves your prescription within 24-48 hours.
4
The Stack Ships
Once approved, your Stack subscription auto-delivers monthly. RX from Precision Compounding Pharmacy, CALM from Ketro fulfillment.

RX ships from Precision Compounding Pharmacy in 5-7 business days after approval. CALM ships separately from Ketro fulfillment. If your provider determines RX isn't right for you, you pay nothing for the RX half.

Two Mechanisms. One System.
RX targets acute pain at the source with prescription-strength NSAID. CALM supports daily muscle recovery with transdermal magnesium. Both go through your skin — never through your gut.
The Ketro Stack
Targeted, Not Systemic
RX applied during pain flares. CALM applied daily for muscle tension. Both absorb through the skin to the tissue that needs them. No pills, no GI pathway, no systemic processing.
  • RX: prescription-strength for acute flares
  • CALM: daily magnesium for muscle tension
  • No GI side effects from either
  • Fast-absorbing, no greasy residue
Oral Pain + Supplement Routine
Systemic Pathway
Ibuprofen and oral magnesium both flood your entire system. Pass through stomach, liver, and bloodstream before reaching the muscle. More side effects, less control over where it goes.
  • Oral NSAIDs flood the entire system
  • GI risk from daily oral NSAID use
  • Oral magnesium often causes loose stool
  • Neither goes directly to the muscle that hurts
Ketro lifestyle — editorial pause
The Science
How The Stack Works On Your Body
Two topical products. Two timings. Both absorb through the skin to the tissue underneath — never processed through your digestive system or bloodstream first.
RX — For Flares
Apply RX directly to the site of acute pain 3-4 times daily as needed. Prescription-strength ketorolac absorbs quickly with no greasy residue.
CALM — Daily
Apply CALM morning and night to tight shoulders, jaw, legs, or wherever daily tension shows up. Transdermal magnesium absorbs in under 60 seconds.
Targeted, Both
Both products deliver active ingredient directly to the muscle tissue underneath. No pills. No GI pathway. Targeted, not systemic.
Why The Stack Beats An Oral Pain + Supplement Routine
Ketro Stack Oral NSAID + Supplement Drugstore Topicals
Prescription-strength NSAID for flares
Direct delivery to the muscle
No GI side effects
Daily muscle recovery support
Fast-absorbing, no residue
RX compounded specifically for you
Pro-athlete formulation
Ketro lifestyle — evening recovery
Verified Reviews Across RX and CALM
★★★★★
Done with daily ibuprofen
“I've had TMJ for years and was tired of taking ibuprofen every day. My dentist suggested a topical NSAID and I found Ketro. I apply RX along my jawline during flare-ups and use CALM at night. The combination works without the stomach issues I was getting from daily ibuprofen.”
Rebecca Landry • Verified Buyer • 2/28/26
★★★★★
Part of my recovery routine
“Been using CALM after CrossFit sessions for my legs and lower back. Lightweight, no smell, doesn't feel like those chalky drugstore creams. I keep RX around for the bigger tweaks when they happen. It's part of my routine now.”
James Russo • Verified Buyer • 1/22/26
★★★★★
Same class of medication, no oral route
“My doctor told me to stop taking NSAIDs daily because of the GI risks. RX gives me the same class of medication without the oral route. CALM covers the daily muscle stuff between flares. The prescription process was easy.”
Karen Whitfield • Verified Buyer • 3/05/26
★★★★★
Finally switched from pills
“I use CALM on my shoulders after long days at my desk and it absorbs fast without residue on my clothes. Switched from oral magnesium because of the stomach issues. Added RX for the sharper pain days and I don't even think about Advil anymore.”
Sarah Middleton • Verified Buyer • 2/14/26
★★★★★
Wish I had this years ago
“Chronic neck and upper back tension from desk work. RX for the worse days, CALM every evening before bed. I used to take Advil multiple times a week and it was messing with my stomach. Now I don't.”
Lisa Cheng • Verified Buyer • 1/22/26
What's In The Stack
RX is three ingredients, compounded per order. CALM is formulated like skincare. Nothing unnecessary in either.
RX — Ketorolac 0.5%
The active ingredient in RX. A prescription-strength NSAID that targets inflammation directly at the source when applied topically. Same class of medication as ibuprofen, without the oral route.
RX — Olive Oil
A natural carrier in RX that supports smooth transdermal absorption. Nourishes the skin while delivering the active ingredient where it's needed.
RX — Topical Gel Base
Lightweight, fast-absorbing gel engineered for rapid delivery through the skin. No greasy residue, no strong medicinal smell. Formulated like skincare.
CALM — Magnesium Chloride
The primary active in CALM. Delivered transdermally through your skin directly to the muscles that need it. High bioavailability without GI disruption.
CALM — Hyaluronic Acid
A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, creating a smooth, hydrated feel while supporting magnesium absorption.
CALM — Arnica Montana Extract
A botanical known for centuries for its soothing properties. Supports the body's natural response to muscle tension and soreness.

RX is compounded specifically for you at an FDA-registered US compounding pharmacy by Precision Compounding Pharmacy. Never mass-produced. CALM is manufactured by Biocrown and packaged by MYPACK to skincare-grade standards.

The Evidence Behind Topical Delivery
Topical NSAIDs and transdermal magnesium are both supported by peer-reviewed research. Here's what the literature shows about why skin-delivered is different from oral.
Topical ketorolac gel was significantly more effective than placebo in reducing pain and swelling in a double-blind controlled trial of acute ankle sprains.

Diebschlag W, Nocker W. "A Double-Blind Study of the Efficacy of Topical Ketorolac Tromethamine Gel in the Treatment of Ankle Sprain." The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 1990. PubMed 2105985

Topical NSAIDs demonstrate similar efficacy to oral NSAIDs for both acute and chronic pain, with significantly fewer gastrointestinal adverse events. GI toxicity with topical NSAIDs was comparable to placebo.

Klinge SA, Sawyer GA. "Effectiveness and Safety of Topical Versus Oral Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: A Comprehensive Review." The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 2013. PubMed 23703519

A systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that topical NSAIDs carry no increased risk of GI adverse events compared to placebo, while oral NSAIDs significantly increase GI risk.

Honvo G et al. "Safety of Topical Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Osteoarthritis: Outcomes of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Drugs & Aging, 2019. PMC 6509095

Oral ketorolac use beyond 5 days more than doubled the risk of GI bleeding (OR 2.20), with higher doses and older patients at greatest risk. Topical formulations bypass this pathway entirely.

Strom BL et al. "Parenteral Ketorolac and Risk of Gastrointestinal and Operative Site Bleeding: A Postmarketing Surveillance Study." JAMA, 1996. PubMed 8569017

Topical ketorolac delivery via transdermal gel achieved effective local tissue concentrations while maintaining minimal systemic absorption, supporting targeted pain relief without systemic side effects.

Nair B et al. "Topical Delivery of Ketorolac Tromethamine via Cataplasm for Inflammatory Pain Therapy." Pharmaceutics, 2023. PubMed 37242647

All citations are from peer-reviewed, indexed medical journals. Ketro RX is a compounded topical ketorolac formulation. Individual results may vary.
The Ketro Story
Originally Formulated for the Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox training staff needed a topical pain relief formula their players could use before and during games — something prescription-strength that wouldn't require popping pills, wouldn't cause GI issues, and would absorb fast enough to apply between innings. So they asked a compounding pharmacy to build one. The result was a ketorolac-based topical gel designed for rapid absorption and clean application. Players used it on shoulders, knees, elbows, and anywhere they needed targeted relief.

That formula is Ketro RX. Still compounded specifically for you at an FDA-registered US pharmacy. Still the same three ingredients.

CALM Magnesium Cream is the daily counterpart Ketro built next — the same topical philosophy applied to magnesium. Where RX is prescription-strength for acute pain, CALM is skincare-formulated for daily tension and recovery. Together, they cover both ends of the spectrum.

Common Questions
How does the Stack checkout work?

Start the Stack by beginning the RX intake. Complete a short health questionnaire. A licensed provider reviews and approves your prescription. Once approved, your Stack subscription includes both products — RX ships from Precision Compounding Pharmacy, CALM ships from Ketro fulfillment. Both auto-deliver monthly.

Why pair them?

RX is prescription-strength ketorolac, applied when acute pain flares. CALM is daily transdermal magnesium, applied to support muscle recovery between flares. Using both means you're not waiting for pain to flare before doing something about it — you're also supporting the muscle with daily magnesium to reduce the tension that leads to pain in the first place.

How is the Stack priced?

Subscribe & Save is $151/mo for the full Stack — RX Pain Gel + CALM Magnesium Cream delivered monthly. One-time purchase is $200. Subscription saves 24% and includes free shipping (orders over $75).

Do both products ship together?

They arrive separately. CALM ships from Ketro fulfillment. RX is compounded per order and ships from Precision Compounding Pharmacy once your provider approves your prescription. Both bill through the same checkout.

Do I need a prescription for RX?

Yes. After checkout, you'll complete a short online health questionnaire. A licensed provider reviews your information and approves your prescription. The entire process happens online. No office visit needed.

What if the provider says no?

If your provider determines RX isn't right for you during the questionnaire, you pay nothing — you're only charged once the prescription is approved.

Can I return or cancel my order?

CALM (60-day money-back on first order). If CALM isn't working for you, email customerservice@ketroskin.com within 60 days of delivery on your first order and we'll refund you. No need to return the product. Subscription refills are non-refundable, but you can pause or cancel anytime.

RX — cancel before we compound. Because RX Pain Gel is compounded specifically for you at Precision Compounding Pharmacy, we can't accept returns once it's been made. Email customerservice@ketroskin.com immediately if you need to cancel — we may be able to stop the order before compounding begins.

RX damage / defect / wrong item. Per pharmacy regulations, you have 7 days from delivery to report any damage, defect, or incorrect item with your RX. Email us with your order number and a photo and we'll send a replacement or full refund.

What conditions is The Stack good for?

The Stack is designed for people managing ongoing musculoskeletal pain who want both prescription-strength acute relief and daily muscle support. Common use cases include:

TMJ and jaw tension — RX along the jawline during flares, CALM daily on the masseter and temple.

Arthritis — RX on the affected joint during flare-ups, CALM daily for surrounding muscle tension.

Neck and upper back tension — desk tension from long hours at a computer. RX for the sharp days, CALM every evening.

Shoulder and rotator cuff — overuse, sports, repetitive motion. RX targeted, CALM for recovery.

Lower back — post-exertion soreness, chronic tightness. RX for acute flares, CALM daily.

Knee pain — runner's knee, arthritis. RX on the joint, CALM on surrounding muscle.

Sports recovery — RX for acute injuries, CALM as part of the daily recovery routine.

Tension headaches — applied to the temples, forehead, and base of the skull.

Restless legs and nighttime cramping — CALM massaged into the calves before bed; RX if there's an underlying joint pain component.

Your provider will review your specific condition during the RX questionnaire.

Can I use The Stack for TMJ?

Yes. TMJ is one of the most common use cases. Apply RX along the jawline, in front of the ear, and along the temple during flare-ups — because it's topical, the ketorolac reaches the temporomandibular joint area directly. Use CALM daily on the same area to ease the background muscle tension that drives clenching and grinding.

Is The Stack good for arthritis?

RX is commonly used for osteoarthritis pain in the knees, hands, wrists, and hips — a prescription-strength topical alternative to daily oral NSAIDs. CALM supports the surrounding muscle tension that often accompanies joint pain. Together they let you manage both the inflammation at the joint and the compensation pain in the muscles around it.

Can athletes use The Stack?

RX was originally formulated for the Boston Red Sox training staff — used before and during games. CALM fits cleanly into a daily recovery routine. Together they cover both acute injury (RX) and ongoing training-load muscle maintenance (CALM). Absorbs quickly, no residue, doesn't interfere with grip or mobility.

I'm already on multiple medications. Can I still use this?

One of the advantages of topical delivery is minimal systemic absorption, which means fewer drug interactions compared to oral NSAIDs. This is especially relevant for people managing chronic conditions who are already on several medications. Your provider will review your current medications during the RX questionnaire.

Is the doctor consultation free?

Yes. The provider review is included in your order. Never a separate charge.

Where is RX compounded?

Compounded per order by Precision Compounding Pharmacy, an FDA-registered, licensed US compounding facility. Every batch is made to order. Never mass-produced, never sitting on a shelf.

The Stack: RX + CALM $200$151/mo Save 24%
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