Bicillin L-A can cost over $1,000 per syringe. Learn how to save with discount programs, patient assistance, and free treatment options.
If you've been prescribed Bicillin L-A (Penicillin G Benzathine) and looked at the price tag, you probably felt a wave of sticker shock. This essential antibiotic — used to treat syphilis, prevent rheumatic fever, and treat certain strep infections — can cost over $1,000 per syringe at full retail price.
And because there's no generic version available, you can't simply switch to a cheaper alternative from the same manufacturer. But there are still ways to reduce your costs — or potentially get treatment for free. Here's your guide.
Bicillin L-A is a brand-name medication made exclusively by Pfizer. Here's what you can expect to pay at retail price without insurance:
For a standard adult syphilis treatment (a single 2.4 million unit injection), you're looking at roughly $800 to $1,000 for the medication alone — not including the cost of the office visit or administration fee.
For late latent or tertiary syphilis, which requires three weekly injections of 2.4 million units, the total medication cost could reach $2,400 to $3,100 without any discounts.
Clinics and hospitals that buy in bulk (10-packs of syringes) pay wholesale rates, which is why the per-syringe cost may be lower when you receive treatment at a clinical facility.
While the savings may be modest compared to the full retail price, prescription discount cards can help reduce the cost:
GoodRx offers coupons that can bring down the price of a 10-pack of 2.4 million unit syringes to around $6,000-$7,300 (compared to the $8,100-$8,800 retail price). That translates to roughly $600-$730 per syringe — a savings of about 15-25%.
However, GoodRx pricing reflects pharmacy purchase prices. Since Bicillin L-A is typically administered in a clinical setting, these coupons are most useful for clinics or practices purchasing the drug.
SingleCare lists Bicillin L-A at approximately $1,037 per syringe for the 2.4 million unit dose. In some cases, SingleCare pricing may beat GoodRx depending on the pharmacy.
Because Bicillin L-A is an injectable medication given in clinical settings rather than a medication you pick up at a retail pharmacy, traditional coupon cards have limited direct-to-patient applicability. The savings primarily benefit the prescribing clinic or facility that purchases the drug.
If you're uninsured or have limited income, patient assistance programs may be your best option for reducing costs — or getting treatment for free.
Pfizer, the manufacturer of Bicillin L-A, operates Pfizer RxPathways — a program that connects eligible patients with assistance options including:
To find out if you qualify:
Note: Eligibility typically requires an FDA-approved diagnosis and documentation of financial need.
NeedyMeds is a nonprofit organization that maintains a database of patient assistance programs, discount drug programs, and other resources. Search for Penicillin G Benzathine or Bicillin L-A on their website to find current assistance options.
RxAssist is another resource that helps patients find assistance programs for expensive medications. It's operated by Volunteers in Health Care and provides a comprehensive database of pharmaceutical company programs.
This may be the single best way to avoid paying for Bicillin L-A out of pocket. Public health department STI clinics typically provide syphilis treatment at no cost to the patient, regardless of insurance status. These clinics also tend to have better access to Bicillin L-A supply during the shortage, as they often receive priority allocations.
To find a clinic near you:
The FDA has authorized importation of Extencilline and Lentocilin — equivalent benzathine penicillin products. These imported medications may be available through your healthcare provider or public health department and could carry different pricing structures than Bicillin L-A. Ask your provider about availability and cost.
If you have health insurance, Bicillin L-A may be covered with little or no out-of-pocket cost to you when administered in a clinical setting:
Contact your insurance company to verify coverage before your appointment. If prior authorization is required (which some plans now require due to the shortage), your provider's office can initiate this process.
Many clinics use a "buy-and-bill" model for injectable medications like Bicillin L-A. This means the clinic purchases the drug, administers it to you, and then bills your insurance. In this model, your out-of-pocket cost is typically just a copay or coinsurance — much less than the full retail price.
Bicillin L-A is expensive, but cost shouldn't prevent you from getting treatment for syphilis or other serious infections. Between patient assistance programs like Pfizer RxPathways, free treatment at public health clinics, insurance coverage, and discount programs, there are real options to bring your costs down.
Start with your local health department — free syphilis treatment may be the simplest and most affordable path. If you need to find a provider or pharmacy with Bicillin L-A in stock, use Medfinder. And if cost is a major barrier, call Pfizer RxPathways at 1-844-989-PATH (7284) to see if you qualify for free medication.
For more on the current shortage, see: Bicillin L-A Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026. For a guide to finding a doctor who can prescribe and administer Bicillin L-A, see: How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Bicillin L-A Near You.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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