Audience: Patients and carers. Published 9 November 2026 (AEDT). Source updated 6 November 2026.
A recent update from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) highlights an ongoing shortage of Bicillin L-A, a prefilled injection containing the antibiotic benzathine benzylpenicillin. The regulator says an order of the 1.2 million-unit product expected for November supply is unlikely to be available. Overseas-registered alternatives remain available, but their suitability needs individual assessment by a treating health professional.
What is affected?
The TGA lists the 1.2 million-unit prefilled syringe as in shortage until 31 March 2027. The 600,000-unit prefilled syringe remains unavailable until 30 November 2027. These are the regulator’s current supply dates, not guarantees: the TGA says return-to-supply dates may change.
This antibiotic has important roles in treating particular bacterial infections and preventing complications in selected patients. The TGA specifically acknowledges its importance in rural and remote care and for First Nations people. The shortage is not new; this report summarises the regulator’s recently updated advice rather than announcing a new shortage.
Alternatives are not identical presentations
The TGA has approved temporary supply of several overseas-registered benzathine benzylpenicillin products under section 19A. All three products listed in its notice are PBS-subsidised, although one is currently unavailable and availability of the others may vary. Listing or subsidy does not guarantee stock at a particular pharmacy.
Unlike the Australian prefilled syringe, the overseas products require preparation before injection and have different administration instructions. They are not products for patients to prepare or substitute themselves. The regulator advises people unable to access Bicillin L-A to consult their treating healthcare professional, who may prescribe another brand or a different antibiotic if appropriate.
Allergies and limits of this update
The TGA warns that Bicillin L-A and the listed overseas alternatives contain lecithin of unavailable source or soy lecithin and are not suitable for people with soy or peanut allergy. The supplied diluent for Lentocilin S 1200 contains lidocaine and is unsuitable for people allergic to lidocaine. Suitability requires professional assessment.
This is supply and safety information, not a trial comparing treatments. It does not estimate an individual’s risk or determine which treatment is appropriate. Local stock and supply dates can change.
Prepared with AI assistance from the linked TGA notice. No clinical review by the ATM Health editorial team is claimed. General information only, not individual medical advice.
Primary source
TGA: Bicillin L-A shortage, alternatives and safety advice (updated 6 November 2026; accessed 9 November 2026, AEDT).