10/30/2023

Penicillin G Benzathine

Products Affected - Description

- 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

Reason for the Shortage

- Pfizer has Bicillin-LA on shortage due to increased demand. Pfizer is allocating resources towards manufacturing adult Bicillin-LA presentations due to increased syphilis infection rates. Once current supplies of the pediatric Bicillin-LA vials are depleted it is unclear when more product will be manufactured. A Dear Healthcare Professional Letter can be found at: https://www.fda.gov/media/169427/download.
- Pfizer is the sole supplier of penicillin G benzathine injection.

Available Products

- There is insufficient supply for usual ordering

Estimated Resupply Dates

- Pfizer has Bicillin-LA 600,000 units/mL 2 mL and 4 mL syringes available in limited supply. The 1 mL syringes are on back order and the company estimates a release date of April 2024.

Implications for Patient Care

- CDC has a Technical Assistance Note regarding tracking and forecasting penicillin G benzathine injection due to the intermittent shortages of the product. This document is aimed to help public health entities ensure they have supply of penicillin G benzathine for patients with syphilis. This note can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/funding/docs/STD-PCHD-TA-Notes-11c-Benzathine-Penicillin-G.pdf

Updated

Updated October 30, 2023 by Michelle Wheeler, PharmD, Drug Information Specialist. Created February 1, 2023 by Michelle Wheeler, PharmD, Drug Information Specialist. © 2023, Drug Information Service, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.

Disclaimer

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