The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) released a health advisory on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Below is a summary.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) has been notified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that there is a nationwide shortage of Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin L-A®)
Providers should prioritize the use of Bicillin L-A® for individuals who are infected with or suspected of having syphilis and who are pregnant or have HIV.
Providers should use Doxycycline 100mg PO BID for two (2) weeks (for early syphilis) or four (4) weeks (for late latent or syphilis of unknown duration) as the alternative treatment for nonpregnant persons and individuals who do not have HIV.
Providers who are having difficulty obtaining Bicillin L-A® for prioritized patients should contact the PA DOH, STD Program at (717) 787-3981 to arrange for appropriate treatment.
