Sold under the brand name “Prepidil”, Dinoprostone Cervical Gel is used in pregnant women to prepare the cervix for delivery. According to drugs.com, Dinoprostone works by causing the cervix to thin and dilate and the uterus to contract. It is very important that you tell your doctor about certain details before using this cervical gel. For instance, you should tell them if you’re allergic to any drug, food, or substance. You should also tell them if you have serious health problems such as heart / liver / kidney disease, or if you’ve ever experienced hard labor. As far as the common side effects are concerned, mayoclinic.org lists them as follows: fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. There are also other side effects, albeit less common than the previous ones, such as shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, swelling of face, and chest pain. Remember to check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects.