Bicillin L-A®
Adequately treating syphilis in pregnancy and reducing congenital syphilis cases is challenged by intermittent shortages of benzathine penicillin G (Bicillin L-A®). The FDA currently lists Penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension products (Bicillin L-A®) on its drug shortage webpage and Pfizer provides updates regarding availability and access to the medication, including its medical request process.
The CDC offers a series of clinical reminders during the Bicillin L-A® shortage emphasizing the critical need to prioritize using Bicillin L-A® to treat pregnant people with syphilis and babies with congenital syphilis, as penicillin is the only recommended treatment for these populations.
The Illinois Department of Public Health offers guidance for Illinois providers through it's SIREN (State of Illinois Rapid Electronic Notification) system which most recently published a health alert for the Bicillin recall on July 17, 2025.
This page last updated 3/16/26