What to know
Summary
Benzathine Penicillin G (BPG) is the only recommended treatment for syphilis during pregnancy. There is ongoing limited availability and extended recovery of Bicillin® L-A, which is the only FDA-approved formulation of BPG in the U.S. FDA is providing updates on the Bicillin® L-A shortage on its website and has allowed the temporary of Lentocilin© (another BPG formulation) to help address the current needs. CDC continues to recommend that jurisdictions strongly consider preserving BPG for treating patients who are pregnant.
April 14, 2026
King Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer, extended the next delivery of 1.2 million units/2 mL (600,000 units/mL) PFS and 2.4 million units/4 mL (600,000 units/mL) PFS of Bicillin® L-A (penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension) to October 2026 and the anticipated recovery date to the fourth quarter of 2027. Updates are available on FDA's website. CDC continues to recommend that jurisdictions strongly consider preserving benzathine penicillin G (BPG) for treating patients who are pregnant.
March 10, 2026
CDC has learned that FDA is allowing the temporary importation of Lentocilin©, due to the ongoing limited availability of Bicillin® L-A. Information for health care providers on the administration of Lentocilin© is included along with recommendations for jurisdictions to preserve supplies of Bicillin® L-A. Penicillin is the only recommended treatment for pregnant women and babies with congenital syphilis.