Dinoprostone, Cervical Gel or Insert

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: oxytocic; prostaglandin

Generic and brand names: dinoprostone, cervical gel; Prepidil

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used in the vagina to help prepare the cervix (the neck of the uterus) for the delivery of a baby when a pregnant woman is at or near term (the time for the baby to be born) and needs medical help to begin labor.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• anemia
• asthma or other lung problems
• diabetes
• glaucoma
• heart problems
• high or low blood pressure
• liver or kidney disease
• pelvic inflammatory disease or surgery on the uterus (including Cesarean section)
• unexplained vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
• 6 or more previous pregnancies resulting in live birth

How do I use it?

This medicine comes in two forms. Both the gel and the insert forms are used in a hospital. Healthcare providers trained in the use of this medicine will squeeze the gel form of medicine into your vagina using a syringe and special catheter (tube). Then you must lie down for about 30 minutes. You may need a second application of the gel after about 6 hours, depending on your response to the first one. A healthcare provider will place the insert into your vagina so that the medicine comes into contact with your cervix. Then you must lie down for 2 hours. The insert will be taken out after 12 hours or when you go into labor.

What should I watch out for?

The gel should not come in contact with your skin. If any gel touches your skin, wash the area right away.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that is severe or continues; vaginal bleeding; chest pain; fast heartbeat; shortness of breath.

Other: Headache, fever, flushing, shivering, dizziness, backache.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• ergot alkaloids such as ergonovine (Ergotrate) and methylergonovine (Methergine)
• oxytocics (other drugs used in labor and delivery)

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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Published by RelayHealth.
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