Nationwide Shortage of Penicillin G Benzathine (Bicillin L-A®) Update - Limiting Doses to Treating Pregnant Women
Last Updated
Feb 18, 2026, 12:30 PM
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) was notified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that there is a continuing national shortage of Bicillin L-A, following the voluntary recall by King Pharmaceuticals Inc., a subsidiary of Pfizer, of Bicillin L-A (Penicillin G Benzathine Injectable Suspension) in July 2025.
• Medical providers should prioritize the use of Bicillin L-A for women who are diagnosed with or suspected of having syphilis and who are pregnant.
• Medical providers should use Doxycycline 100mg PO BID for two (2) weeks (for early syphilis) or four (4) weeks (for late latent syphilis or syphilis of unknown duration) as the alternative treatment for all other individuals.
• Providers who are having difficulty obtaining Bicillin L-A for pregnant patients should contact the DOH, STD Program at (717) 787-3981 to arrange for appropriate treatment
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