Update: Shortage of Benzathine Benzylpenicillin (Bicillin L-A)

Bicillin L-A prefilled syringe for injection products is in shortage until 30 November 2026. Bicillin L-A 1.2-million-unit prefilled syringe for injection is now available as emergency stock only. Contact Pfizer on 1800 675 229 for information on how to access. 

Bicillin L-A 600,000-unit prefilled syringe for injection remains unavailable until 30 November 2026. Overseas registered benzathine benzylpenicillin products are approved for supply until 31 January 2027 under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

Health Services are encouraged to review their stockholding and order section 19A products promptly to minimise disruption.

Alternatives:
The TGA has approved several overseas-registered alternatives under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989: 

• Lentocilin S 1200 benzathine benzylpenicillin 1,200,000 IU/4 mL powder and solvent for suspension for injection (Portugal) is subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The approval holder, Neon Healthcare, can be contacted on (02) 7255 8455 to order this product emergency stock can be ordered through Prescribers Bag
• Benzylpenicillin benzathine 1.2 million IU powder for suspension for injection (Brancaster Pharma, UK). The approval holder, Pro Pharmaceuticals Group, can be contacted on 1300 077 674 to order this product.
• Benzetacil benzathine benzylpenicillin 1,200,000 IU powder and solvent for suspension for injection (Spain). The approval holder, Phero Pharma, can be contacted on 02 9420 9199

Please Note: Extencilline benzathine benzylpenicillin 1.2-million-unit vial (France) is no longer an approved S19A alternative product. 

Please report issues with use of alternative products to the TGA here. 

Stay up to date: 
Refer to the Medicine Shortages Database and the TGA website