Purpose
To provide timely information about shortages related to STI testing and treatment products.
NOTICE
- Visit the FDA's Drug Shortages page for information on all current and resolved drug shortages and discontinuations reported to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
- Notify DSTDP (stdshortages@cdc.gov) of any shortage or low inventories of STI treatments in your jurisdiction so CDC can continue monitoring treatment availability.
Bicillin L-A®
Timeline
- On April 14, 2026, King Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer, extended the next delivery of 1.2 million units/2 mL (600,000 units/mL) PFS and 2.4 million units/4 mL (600,000 units/mL) PFS of Bicillin® L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension) to October 2026 and the anticipated recovery date to Q4 2027. Updates are available on FDA's website. CDC continues to recommend that jurisdictions strongly consider preserving benzathine penicillin G (BPG) for treating patients who are pregnant. For additional details, please refer to the March 10 Dear Colleague Letter.
- On March 6, 2026, the FDA announced they are allowing the temporary importation of Lentocilin© due to the ongoing limited availability and extended recovery of Bicillin® L-A (Penicillin G Benzathine Injectable Suspension, produced by King Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer). The National Network of STD Prevention Training Centers has posted information for health care providers on the administration of Lentocilin©. Further details and priority actions for health departments and healthcare providers are available from CDC's Dear Colleague Letter.
- On July 10, 2025, King Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Pfizer, issued a voluntary recall of specific referenced lots of Bicillin® L-A (Penicillin G Benzathine Injectable Suspension). Updates are available on FDA's website. Further details and priority actions for health departments and healthcare providers are available from CDC's Dear Colleague Letter.
- On January 16, 2024, the FDA announced that they have exercised enforcement discretion for a temporary importation and use of Extencillin (benzathine benzylpenicillin injection, powder, for suspension). See more in this CDC letter. Temporary Importation of Lentocilin, (Benzathine Benzylpenicillin Tetrahydrate) Powder and diluent for suspension for injection, has also been allowed since July of 2024.
Bicillin L-A® is the first-line recommended treatment for syphilis and the only recommended treatment option for some patients.
CDC continues to monitor the situation and will post updates as needed.