Updates on Benzathine Benzylpenicillin supplies

29 July 2025 update:

• TGA have issued an urgent product alert for Pfizer BICILLIN L-A benzathine benzylpenicillin tetrahydrate.
•    Bicillin: Pfizer has advised particulates have been identified during visual inspection of certain lots of BICILLIN L-A 1,200,000 Units/ 2.3 mL.
•    They recommend visually inspecting stock before use and if particulates identified syringe should be discarded.
•    Pfizer replacement stock is currently unavailable due to a shortage of the medicine.

18 July 2025 update: 

•    Ongoing shortages of both Bicillin L-A and Extencilline are affecting Queensland Health and community pharmacies.
•    The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) are aware of the shortages and are urgently exploring other sources of supply.
•    Queensland Health is in regular contact with TGA and suppliers as the issue continues to evolve. 

Queensland Health received the following information on 15 July 2025: 

•    Bicillin: Pfizer has advised they are currently unable to commit to any supply returning until late September.
•    Extencilline & Brancaster: Orspec has received Section 19A approval for two products; however, both are currently out of stock.
•    Brancaster (United Kingdom origin product): Propharmaceuticals Group has stock available via special access scheme (SAS) pending TGA Section 19A approval for this sponsor. 

Updates and information about the shortage, alternatives and return to supply dates, are available on the TGA website. 

To enquire about stock availability 
•    Pfizer can be contacted by telephone on 1800 629 921
•    Orspec Pharma can be contacted by telephone on 02 4339 4239 or by email customerservice@orspecpharma.com 
•    Propharmaceuticals Group can be contacted by telephone on 1300 077 674 or by email customerservice@propg.com.au
 

Guidelines for conserving Benzathine Benzylpenicillin factsheet

Safety considerations during the supply disruption

Further information about Extencilline factsheet