Cervidil

Before taking this medicine

Cervidil must not be used if you: • Have a known allergy to prostaglandins. • Have known or suspected fetal distress when delivery is not imminent. • Have unexplained vaginal bleeding during the current pregnancy. • Have a known or suspected significant mismatch between the baby’s size and your pelvis. • Have a condition that makes inducing labour or using medicines that stimulate uterine contractions unsuitable. • Have had a previous caesarean section or other uterine surgery expected to affect the integrity of the uterus, such as surgery to remove fibroids. • Have a condition in which prolonged uterine contractions could endanger the baby. • Are receiving intravenous medicines that stimulate uterine contractions. • Have had six or more previous pregnancies carried to term. A history of glaucoma requires caution; the clinician should consider cervical-ripening methods that do not use prostaglandins. Uterine activity must be monitored. The vaginal insert must be removed if contractions become too frequent, excessively strong or prolonged. Clinicians should also assess for abnormal blood clotting and clot breakdown immediately after birth and monitor for signs of amniotic fluid embolism syndrome, including low blood pressure, low blood oxygen, respiratory failure, abnormal clotting, coma or seizures. Supportive care is required if this syndrome occurs.