The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a health advisory regarding the extension of the national shortage of long-acting benzathine penicillin G (Bicillin® L-A). The time for expected recovery of supplies has been extended to the 4th quarter of 2024.
The long acting penicillin-based treatments, benzathine penicillin G and benzathine benzylpenicillin (Extencilline®), are the only recommended treatments for pregnant people with syphilis and infants exposed to syphilis in utero. With continued concern about the number of pregnancies and infants affected by syphilis in California, it is of utmost importance that these treatments be prioritized for these populations. This CDPH advisory provides syphilis treatment recommendations in the context of the continued Bicillin® L-A shortage.
In LA County, for further information or consultation, please contact the LAC DPH Sexually Transmitted Diseases Provider Consultation line at 213-368-7441 Monday through Friday from 8 am-5pm.
