Originally posted on July 23, 2025 • Last updated September 12, 2025 • Last reviewed October 1, 2025

There is currently a drug shortage of Penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension products (Bicillin L-A®) due to a manufacturer’s voluntary recall (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

• No adverse health effects have been reported in connection with use from recalled lots that were distributed 12/11/2023 through 06/24/2025.
• The manufacturer reports no diminished potency in recalled lots.
• The recall was initiated due to particulates identified during visual inspection of prefilled syringes.

This penicillin is the only recommended treatment (6) for pregnant women and it is important in the treatment of babies with congenital syphilis. CDC lists, and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH), endorses, several Priority Actions Following Recall.  Those actions are steps that health care organizations can take to conserve their doses of Penicillin G benzathine for pregnant patients.

Additional information and recommendations can be found at:
Bicillin® L-A Shortage: Guidance for Hawaiʻi Healthcare Providers

Pfizer update reports are being posted at the US FDA page for Current and Resolved Drug Shortages and Discontinuations Reported to FDA.

We appreciate your dedication and hard work in preventing and addressing syphilis cases, especially during these recent years of epidemic increase in Hawaiʻi (9). Your commitment to patient care during this drug shortage is essential to ensure optimal outcomes for those in need.

Resources:

1. DOH ALERT: BICILLIN L-A RECALL
2. Pfizer Bicillin® L-A Recall
3. Pfizer Availability Update for Bicillin® L-A (released 7/10/2025)
4. Pfizer Injectables Product Availability Report
5. Pfizer Availability Update for Bicillin® L-A (as of 8/21/2025)
6. CDC STI Treatment Guidelines – Syphilis
7. CDC Priority Actions Following Recall – Bicillin L-A®
8. Current Bicillin L-A® Shortage as Reported to FDA
9. CDC AtlasPlus (select details to view charts of DOH-submitted data)