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CDPH Health Advisory
Bicillin® L-A (Benzathine Penicillin G) Shortage
June 2, 2023
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The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a health advisory today regarding a national shortage of long-acting penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension products (Bicillin® L-A). Benzathine penicillin G is the recommended, first-line treatment for syphilis, and the only recommended treatment for pregnant people and infants with syphilis. This is of considerable concern as California, including LA County, continues to see significant increases in syphilis, including syphilis in pregnant persons and congenital syphilis in infants.
CDPH recommends prioritizing Bicillin® L-A for pregnant people with syphilis infection or exposure, infants with congenital syphilis infection or exposure, and patients with contraindications to doxycycline. Guidelines for prioritization and conservation of shortage drugs is included in the CDPH advisory. Health care providers can monitor the Bicillin® L-A drug shortages on the FDA Drug Shortages webpage.
In LA County, for further information or consultation assistance, please contact the LAC DPH Sexually Transmitted Diseases Provider Consultation line at 213-368-7441 Monday through Friday from 8 am-5pm.
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To view this and other communications or to sign-up to receive LAHANs, please visit ph.lacounty.gov/lahan.
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