Cervidil Side Effects

Generic name: dinoprostone topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 24, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Cervidil Side Effects associated with dinoprostone topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Cervidil.

Applies to dinoprostone topical: vaginal gel/jelly, vaginal insert extended release.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Vaginal route (suppository)

Dinoprostone should be used with strict adherence to recommended dosages and only by medically trained personnel in a hospital setting that can provide immediate intensive care and acute surgical facilities.

Common side effects of Cervidil

Some side effects of dinoprostone topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• abdominal or stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting

Less common or rare

• chills or shivering
• constipation
• flushing
• headache
• swelling of the genital area (vulva)
• tender or mildly bloated abdomen or stomach

This procedure may still result in some effects, which occur after the procedure is completed, that need medical attention. Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects occur while taking dinoprostone topical:

• chills or shivering (continuing)
• fever (continuing)
• foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• pain in lower abdomen
• unusual increase in bleeding of the uterus

Serious side effects of Cervidil

Along with its needed effects, dinoprostone topical (the active ingredient contained in Cervidil) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dinoprostone topical:

Less common or rare

• fast or slow heartbeat
• hives
• increased pain of the uterus
• pale, cool, blotchy skin on arms or legs
• pressing or painful feeling in chest
• shortness of breath
• swelling of face, inside the nose, and eyelids
• tightness in chest
• trouble in breathing
• weak or absent pulse in arms or legs
• wheezing

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dinoprostone topical: vaginal gel, vaginal insert, vaginal suppository.

Gastrointestinal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Any fetal heart rate abnormality
• Frequency not reported: Hearing impairment, neonatal distress, neonatal death, stillbirths, low Apgar score^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, bradycardia
• Frequency not reported: Flushing or hot flashes, chest pain, cardiac arrhythmia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fever
• Frequency not reported: Headache, dizziness, weakness, tremor, paresthesia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Postpartum disseminated intravascular coagulation
• Frequency not reported: Elevated WBC^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Dehydration^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Back pain, joint inflammation or pain new or exacerbated, muscle cramp or pain, nocturnal leg cramps^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Dyspnea, coughing, pharyngitis, laryngitis, wheezing, tightness in chest, pharyngitis, laryngitis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Rash, diaphoresis, skin discoloration^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, eye pain^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reactions (including anaphylactic shock)^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Uterine hyperstimulation (with or without fetal distress), fetal distress without uterine hyperstimulation, warm feeling in vagina
• Frequency not reported: Uterine hypertonus, uterine rupture, placenta abruptio, rapid cervical dilatation, vaginal pain, vaginal irritation, vaginitis or vulvitis, breast tenderness, vaginismus, genital edema, transient vasovagal symptoms (flushing, shivering, headache, dizziness)^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Tension^[Ref]

Further information

Cervidil side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer