Penicillin G Benzathine Shortage

• • Pfizer states the shortage was due to a delay in the manufacturing process.

• • Bicillin L-A intramuscular suspension for injection, Pfizer, 1,200,000 units, 2 mL syringe, 10 count, NDC 60793-0701-10
  • Bicillin L-A intramuscular suspension for injection, Pfizer, 2,400,000 units, 4 mL syringe, 10 count, NDC 60793-0702-10
  • Bicillin L-A intramuscular suspension for injection, Pfizer, 600,000 units, 1 mL syringe, 10 count, NDC 60793-0700-10

Estimated Resupply Dates

• • Pfizer has Bicillin L-A 600,000 unit/ 1 mL syringes, 1,200,000 unit/ 2 mL syringes, and 2,400,000 unit/ 4 mL syringes available.

Implications for Patient Care

• • Bicillin L-A is the first line treatment of patients with syphilis. CDC is recommending conserving Bicillin L-A for patients with syphilis especially pregnant patients where the treatment choices are more limited. This recommendation can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/drugnotices/bicillinshortage.htm. More information regarding treatment of syphilis including alternatives to Bicillin L-A can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/syphilis.htm.