Prostin Supply Disruption: How UK Maternity Units Are Adapting IOL Pathways
- Hannah Hunt
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
The ongoing Prostin supply disruption is beginning to place significant pressure on induction of labour (IOL) services across the UK. As maternity teams work to maintain safe, effective care, many are reviewing and adapting their existing cervical ripening pathways.
The current disruption impacts several commonly used prostaglandin options:
Prostin® E2 3 mg vaginal tablets (pessary)
Prostin® E2 1 mg/2.5 ml gel
Prostin® E2 2 mg/2.5 ml gel
How Maternity Units Are Responding to the Prostin Shortage
Across the UK, maternity teams are demonstrating resilience and adaptability. A growing number of units are:
Increasing use of mechanical methods of cervical ripening
Reviewing clinical pathways to reduce reliance on prostaglandins
Expanding outpatient induction options where appropriate
One solution seeing increased adoption is DILAPAN-S, a mechanical cervical ripening method.
Expanding Use of DILAPAN-S
For teams already using DILAPAN-S, scaling up has proven to be straightforward to implement, effective in managing supply shortage, and aligned with existing clinical workflows
For units new to DILAPAN-S, the disruption has created an opportunity to:
Broaden patient choice
Introduce non-pharmacological induction options
Build more resilient IOL pathways
Why Consider DILAPAN-S?
DILAPAN-S offers several clinical and operational benefits that are particularly relevant during supply challenges:
Predictable cervical ripening with gradual, controlled dilation
Drug-free option, suitable for patients who cannot or prefer not to use pharmacological methods
High maternal satisfaction reported in clinical use
Supports mobility and outpatient induction pathways
Shown to optimise staff time and resources
Support for Maternity Teams
To help services navigate the current disruption, a range of support is available for both new and existing users:
Implementation Support
Assistance with standard operating procedure (SOP) development
Guidance on integrating DILAPAN-S into existing pathways
Get implementation support here.
Training & Education
In-person and virtual training for multidisciplinary teams
Access to concise training videos for flexible learning - Watch here.
Live webinars covering practical implementation and shared experiences - Register here.
Clinical & Procurement Guidance
Access to clinical evidence and best practice guidance
Support with procurement processes and onboarding
Strengthening IOL Pathways for the Future
While the Prostin supply disruption presents immediate challenges, it also offers an opportunity for services to:
Reassess induction pathways
Improve service flexibility and resilience
Enhance patient-centred care through expanded choice
Get Personalised Support
Every maternity unit is managing this situation differently. Tailored support can help ensure a smooth transition and maintain high standards of care.
If your team is reviewing its IOL pathway, now is a good time to explore how alternative approaches like DILAPAN-S could fit within your service.
