In 2023, the pharmaceutical company Pfizer Australia notified us of a shortage of both strengths of Bicillin L-A (benzathine benzylpenicillin tetrahydrate) prefilled syringes for injection (600,000 units per syringe and 1.2 million units per syringe). In response, we developed recommendations to healthcare professionals in collaboration with key stakeholder groups. We also approved the importation and supply of a UK-registered 1.2 million unit per vial product under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 until 31 March 2024.
Pfizer Australia has advised that the shortage will continue until mid-2024, so we have approved the importation and supply of a second overseas-registered product, Extencilline benzathine benzylpenicillin 1.2 million unit vial (France), until 30 September 2024.
Important updated information, including advice for pharmacists about dispensing any remaining UK-registered product, is available at About the shortage of Bicillin L-A (benzathine benzylpenicillin tetrahydrate) prefilled syringe for injection and on our Section 19A database.