Dinoprostone 3mg vaginal tablets and 1mg/2.5ml, 2mg/2.5ml vaginal gel shortage
National Patient Safety Alert: The DHSC has published a National Patient Safety Alert on the shortage of dinoprostone 3mg vaginal tablets and 1mg/2.5ml, 2mg/2.5ml vaginal gel.
Published: 9 April 2026
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published a National Patient Safety Alert regarding a shortage of dinoprostone 3mg vaginal tablets and 1mg/2.5ml, 2mg/2.5ml vaginal gel.
Pfizer has advised that quality issues affecting the raw materials used in manufacturing have resulted in supply interruptions for their Prostin® E2 (dinoprostone) range as follows:
- Prostin® E2 3 mg vaginal tablets (pessary): unavailable until October 2026
- Prostin® E2 1 mg/2.5 ml gel: unavailable from 4 May to 3 August 2026
- Prostin® E2 2 mg/2.5 ml gel: unavailable from 13 April to 7 September 2026
Other uterotonic products remain available and can support additional demand in varying amounts.
The National Patient Safety Alert has further background, clinical information and actions for providers.