Critical Penicillin G Benzathine (Bicillin®) Shortage
Earliest Anticipated Recovery Date – Quarter 2, 2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are reporting limited supply and impending depletion of stock for select Bicillin® L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension) and Bicillin® C-R (penicillin G benzathine and penicillin G procaine injectable suspension) Prefilled Syringes.
While this is a dynamic situation, and these estimates may change, the earliest anticipated recovery date is Quarter 2 in 2024, according to a June 12, 2023 letter issued by Pfizer.
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) urges clinicians in Maryland to follow CDC guidance for syphilis treatment during the drug shortage, including:
- Prioritizing the use of Bicillin L-A® for pregnant people infected with or exposed to syphilis and infants exposed in utero
- Using doxycycline as an alternative treatment in non-pregnant people
Additional treatment guidance and resources can be found in the full Provider Alert.