SFDPH Health Advisory: Benzathine Penicillin G Shortage June 9, 2016 SF Dept of Public Health health advisory, Benzathine, Benzathine Penicillin G, San Francisco Department of Public Health 0 The manufacturer has announced a temporary shortage of Bicillin® L-A (penicillin G benzathine suspension) affecting three formulations: Bicillin L-A 600,000U Pediatric Injection, Bicillin L-A 1,200,000U/2mL, and Bicillin L-A 2,400,000U/4mL. The shortage is expected to resolve by July 2016. Bicillin L-A is the only acceptable treatment for pregnant women infected with or exposed to syphilis. Among non-pregnant adults, doxycycline 100 mg PO BID x 14 days is an acceptable alternative for those with primary, secondary, or early latent syphilis, and for those who have been exposed to a patient with infectious syphilis. Doxycycline 100 mg PO BID x 28 days is an acceptable alternative for those with late latent syphilis. Other formulations of penicillin (e.g. Bicillin® C-R) are not acceptable alternatives for the treatment of syphilis. Actions Requested of All Clinicians Prioritize benzathine penicillin G (Bicillin L-A) for pregnant women with syphilis infection or exposure, as well as for non-pregnant syphilis patients with primary, secondary, or early latent syphilis who are unlikely to adhere to a multi-day doxycycline regimen or who have a contraindication to doxycycline. Contact STD Control at 415-487-5503 if you are having trouble obtaining Bicillin L-A. If your stocks of Bicillin L-A are low, consider doxycycline for non-pregnant adults who are likely to adhere to a multi-day regimen. Conserve Bicillin-LA by using alternative drugs to treat group A strep pharyngitis and for primary rheumatic fever prophylaxis, e.g. penicillin V, amoxicillin, and azithromycin. Check for updates about the shortage on the SF City Clinic website: www.sfcityclinic.org Additional Resources CDC announcements about the Bicillin L-A shortage FDA on Bicillin L-A shortage Centers for Disease Control and Prevention STD Treatment Guidelines Click here to view the SFDPH Health Advisory issued on June 8, 2016 Comments are closed.
