**Bicillin Shortage Update**

April 15, 2026
Subject: Update on Availability of Penicillin G benzathine injectable suspension products (Bicillin® L-A) through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Pharmacy

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announces Pfizer’s recently updated estimated recovery of the Bicillin® L-A shortage to the 4th quarter of 2026. DSHS anticipates the next delivery of Bicillin® L-A 1.2 MU and 2.4 MU prefilled syringes in July 2026.

The DSHS Pharmacy maintains an adequate supply to provide medications to local health departments for the treatment of priority patients. DSHS follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for the use of Bicillin® L-A for the treatment of pregnant women with syphilis and patients allergic to docycycline. DSHS recommends an oral doxycycline regimen for all other cases.

Please contact 340B@dshs.texas.gov with any questions. Thank you for your partnership to reduce syphilis in Texas.

Additional Resources

• CDC Announcement About the Bicillin® L-A Shortage
• Pfizer Letter About Bicillin® L-A Availability Update
• CDC Director’s Letter About the Bicillin® L-A Shortage
• FDA Drug Shortages
   

**Important Notice**

Providers must complete the required Pharmacy Inventory and Ordering System (PIOS) training prior to registering their location. You can access a listing of upcoming training sessions and the registration links at the following page 340B Drug Discount Program | Texas DSHS under the “PIOS Training Sessions” header. A new user for an already established PIOS entity is also required to complete a PIOS training session within 30 days of their hire before they can gain access to the PIOS system. Registered entities must notify the pharmacy unit within 10 days of the departure of a user who is no longer authorized to place medication orders and access the PIOS system by email to 340B@dshs.texas.gov.
 

Pharmacy Unit Mission Statement

The mission of the Pharmacy Unit is to be responsible stewards of resources allocated to provide medications, supplies, and pharmaceutical expertise for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of communicable diseases for the citizens of Texas.

Pharmacy Unit Vision Statement

A Healthy Texas One Dose at a Time.

Prescription Drug Donation Program

Prescription Drug Donation Program began March 1, 2018. Visit the Drug Donation Program Website for information.

Pharmacy Inventory and Ordering System (PIOS) 

Visit the PIOS Website to find more up-to-date information regarding PIOS.