Dinoprostone is used to prepare the cervix for the induction of labor in pregnant women who are at or near term. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Dinoprostone comes as a vaginal insert and as a gel that is inserted high into the vagina. It is administered using a syringe, by a health professional in a hospital or clinic setting. After the dose has been administered you should remain lying down for up to 2 hours as directed by your physician. A second dose of the gel may be administered in 6 hours if the first dose does not produce the desired response.

Before taking dinoprostone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dinoprostone or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma; anemia; a cesarean section or any other uterine surgery; diabetes; high or low blood pressure; placenta previa; a seizure disorder; six or more previous term pregnancies; glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye; cephalopelvic disproportion; previous difficult or traumatic deliveries; unexplained vaginal bleeding; or heart, liver, or kidney disease.

Dinoprostone gel should be stored in a refrigerator. The inserts should be stored in a freezer. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Side effects from dinoprostone are not common, but they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• flushing of the skin
• headache
• fever

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• unpleasant vaginal discharge
• continued fever
• chills and shivering
• increase in vaginal bleeding several days after treatment
• chest pain or tightness
• skin rash
• hives
• difficulty breathing
• unusual swelling of the face

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Do not let anyone else use your medication.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.