Bicillin Shortage

August 9, 2024

Subject: Update on Availability of Penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension products (Bicillin® L-A) through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Pharmacy

Dear Provider,

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is pleased to announce the additional availability of the 2.4 million Units/4 mL prefilled syringes of Bicillin® L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension) for ordering. 

Effective August 12, 2024, providers will be able to order this product through the DSHS Pharmacy Inventory Ordering System (PIOS). 

Providers can order up to a one-month maximum stock level (MSL) of 2.4 million Units/4 mL Bicillin® L-A prefilled syringes based on historic ordering volume. Providers may request an order exceeding their MSL through the PIOS system for DSHS’ review. 

Lifting the ordering restriction allows providers to use 4 mL Bicillin® L-A Bicillin pre-filled syringes to treat priority populations:

• Pregnant women and their partners
• Immunoglobin E (IgE)-mediated allergy to tetracycline or doxycycline
• High-risk for non-adherence to the oral regimen
• Primary, secondary, and early latent syphilis (of duration one year or less)

Please note, the 1.2 million Units/2 mL Bicillin® L-A syringes will remain on allocation until further notice. 

Please contact 340B@dshs.texas.gov if you have any questions. Thank you for your partnership to reduce syphilis in Texas.
 

Additional Resources

• CDC Announcements About the Bicillin L-A Shortage
• FDA Announcements About the Bicillin L-A Shortage
• Clinical Reminders During the Bicillin L-A Shortage (CDC)
• FDA Drug Shortages