The Bicillin L-A Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

If you need Bicillin L-A (Penicillin G Benzathine) in 2026, here's the bottom line: the shortage is ongoing, it's serious, and it's expected to continue through at least the third quarter of 2026.

This isn't a minor supply hiccup. The CDC has called the Bicillin L-A shortage a public health concern, particularly because it affects treatment for syphilis — a sexually transmitted infection that has reached epidemic levels in the United States. Here's everything you need to know.

Is Bicillin L-A Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of March 2026, Bicillin L-A remains in active shortage with very limited supply available nationwide. The shortage has been ongoing since mid-2023, making it one of the longest-running critical drug shortages in recent years.

The situation worsened dramatically in July 2025 when Pfizer — the sole U.S. manufacturer — issued a voluntary recall of multiple lots of Bicillin L-A due to particulates found in prefilled syringes. This recall affected both the 1.2 million unit and 2.4 million unit doses, pulling significant quantities off the market.

Why Is Bicillin L-A So Hard to Find?

Several factors have combined to create this prolonged shortage:

1. Sole manufacturer: Pfizer is the only company that makes Bicillin L-A in the United States. There's no backup supplier.
2. Rising syphilis rates: The U.S. is experiencing a syphilis epidemic, with infection rates climbing year after year. This has dramatically increased demand for the drug.
3. The July 2025 recall: Pfizer's voluntary recall of multiple lots due to particulate contamination removed a large portion of available stock.
4. Complex manufacturing: Producing sterile injectable penicillin in prefilled syringes is technically complex. Ramping up production takes time.

For a deeper explanation of these factors, read our article: Why Is Bicillin L-A So Hard to Find?

How Much Does Bicillin L-A Cost in 2026?

Bicillin L-A is a brand-name medication with no generic version available in the U.S. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Single syringe (2.4 million units): $813 to $1,037 at retail price
• Single syringe (1.2 million units): approximately $397
• Single syringe (600,000 units): approximately $230
• 10-pack of 2.4 million unit syringes: $8,100 to $8,800 retail

With a GoodRx coupon, a 10-pack of the 2.4 million unit dose can be found for around $6,000-$7,300 at some pharmacies — though availability is the bigger issue right now.

Most patients receive Bicillin L-A in a clinic or doctor's office, where the cost is typically billed to insurance. If you're uninsured, see our guide: How to Save Money on Bicillin L-A.

New Options: FDA-Authorized Imports

To address the shortage, the FDA has taken the unusual step of authorizing temporary importation of equivalent medications:

• Extencilline — a benzathine benzylpenicillin injection from Europe, authorized for importation in January 2024
• Lentocilin — another benzathine benzylpenicillin formulation, authorized in March 2026

Both products contain the same active ingredient as Bicillin L-A and are used at the same doses. They're being distributed through healthcare systems and public health departments. Ask your healthcare provider about accessing these alternatives.

How to Find Bicillin L-A in Stock

If you need Bicillin L-A now, here are your best strategies:

1. Use Medfinder to search for pharmacies and clinics with current stock
2. Contact your local health department — STI clinics often receive priority allocations
3. Ask about imported alternatives — Extencilline and Lentocilin are being distributed through healthcare channels
4. Try independent pharmacies — they may have different supply sources than chain pharmacies
5. Talk to your doctor about alternative antibiotics if no penicillin product is available

For detailed tips, read our guide: How to Find Bicillin L-A in Stock Near You.

What About Alternative Treatments?

If you absolutely cannot find Bicillin L-A or an imported equivalent, your doctor may recommend:

• Doxycycline — an oral antibiotic for syphilis (not safe in pregnancy)
• Ceftriaxone — an injectable antibiotic requiring daily shots for 10-14 days

These alternatives have important limitations. See our full breakdown: Alternatives to Bicillin L-A If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

Final Thoughts

The Bicillin L-A shortage is a serious public health issue that continues to affect patients across the country in 2026. While the situation is expected to improve in the second half of the year, it's unclear exactly when full supply will be restored.

In the meantime, be proactive. Use Medfinder to check for stock, ask your provider about imported alternatives, and don't delay treatment. Syphilis and other infections treatable with Bicillin L-A can cause serious long-term harm if left untreated.

We'll continue updating this page as the situation evolves. For information on how this shortage affects providers, see our companion article: Bicillin L-A Shortage: What Providers Need to Know in 2026.