Shortage of benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin L-A and Extencilline) — Supply and safety updates for clinicians
Ongoing shortages of both benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin L-A) and Extencilline are affecting Queensland Health and community pharmacies. These shortages are due to manufacturing issues.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) are aware of the shortages and are urgently exploring other sources of supply, including the importation of medicines through Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. Queensland Health is in regular contact with TGA and suppliers as the issue continues to evolve.
Visit the TGA website for the most recent updates and information about the shortages, alternatives to benzathine benzylpenicillin, and return to supply dates.
Information and resources for prescribers and pharmacists
A fact sheet has been created to assist health service organisations and clinicians best manage the safety issues during the supply disruption of benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin L-A) in Australia.
Guidelines for conserving Bicillin L-A and the consideration of alternative regimens during the shortage have been created by the Queensland Statewide Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.
View preparation and dosing information about Extencilline.
Use the medicine shortage reports database to search for any medicines that are in shortage to find up-to-date information.
Stock availability information
The medicine shortage reports database can be used to search for any medicines that are in shortage to find up-to-date information.
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.
Brancaster (United Kingdom origin product) — Propharmaceuticals Group has stock available via special access scheme (SAS) pending TGA Section 19A approval for this sponsor.
Extencilline and Brancaster — Orspec Pharma has received Section 19A approval for 2 products, however, both are currently out of stock.
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 via customerservice@orspecpharma.com
Propharmaceuticals Group can be contacted by telephone on 1300 077 674 or via customerservice@propg.com.au.