Circular 16 March 2026: Update to the Dinoprostone Vaginal Gel Stock Constraints and Proposed Therapeutic Alternatives
This is an update to the previous circular: Dinoprostone Vaginal Gel; 1 mg/3g; Prefilled Syringe Stock Supply Shortage and the Proposed Therapeutic Alternatives (Reference: 20260227/EDP01). The Adult Hospital Level (AHL) Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) and Essential Medicines List (EML) currently recommends dinoprostone vaginal gel as a treatment option for labour induction for an unfavourab
This is an update to the previous circular: Dinoprostone Vaginal Gel; 1 mg/3g; Prefilled Syringe Stock Supply Shortage and the Proposed Therapeutic Alternatives (Reference: 20260227/EDP01).
The Adult Hospital Level (AHL) Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) and Essential Medicines List (EML) currently recommends dinoprostone vaginal gel as a treatment option for labour induction for an unfavourable cervix (Bishop score < 7).
The contracted supplier of dinoprostone vaginal gel, Pfizer Laboratories (Pty) Ltd, is however experiencing supply constraints with this product, and although some stock is being received at the end of February 2026, limited stock will be available until the end of October 2026. The AHL STGs and EML also recommends the use of alternative prostaglandins: dinoprostone tablets or misoprostol. Dinoprostone tablets are currently not available on national contract. It is therefore recommended that misoprostol be utilised for this indication where dinoprostone vaginal gel is unavailable. Refer to the document below for guidance.