The U.S. continues to experience a nationwide shortage of Penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A), the only U.S.-approved drug recommended for treatment of syphilis in pregnancy and preventing congenital syphilis. This shortage has been ongoing since 2025, worsening after Pfizer’s July 2025 voluntary recall of certain lots of penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension due to contamination by particulate matter. The next anticipated release of pharmaceutical stocks of Bicillin L-A 1.2 and 2.4 MU prefilled syringes is October 2026. Pfizer recently announced an extended recovery timeframe, with shortages expected to persist to Q4 of 2027.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) has provided information on priority actions for clinicians and public health agencies to take due to the shortage of Bicillin L-A. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) is monitoring this situation and recommends all remaining stock of Bicillin L-A be reserved for treatment of syphilis in pregnant persons and infants. For more information on recommended treatment of syphilis, see the U.S. CDC STI Treatment Guidelines.