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® Shortage
Update from FDA - September 9, 2024: FDA's website has been updated to reflect "Available" supply of 2.4 million Units/4 milliliter Bicillin L-A® and 1.2 million Units/2 milliliter Bicillin L-A®. Available supply means that Bicillin L-A® should be used for all appropriate patients per CDC's standard guidance.
The pediatric presentation, 600000 Units/1 milliliter Bicillin L-A®, remains unavailable.
See FDA's website for more information.
Update from Pfizer – June 10, 2024: Pfizer noted that they currently have available supply of 2.4 million Units/4 milliliter Bicillin L-A®. If there is sufficient supply of Bicillin L-A ® in your jurisdiction, please consider using Bicillin L-A® for all appropriate patients, per CDC's standard guidance. See Clinical Reminders during Bicillin L-A® Shortage for more information.
On 1/16/2024, the FDA announced that they have exercised enforcement discretion for a temporary importation and use of Extencillin (benzathine benzylpenicillin injection, powder, for suspension) to mitigate the effects of the Bicillin L-A® drug shortage. See more in this CDC letter.
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.