FDA Reports Shortage of Version of Penicillin Used as Standard Syphilis Treatment

Shortage comes amid increase in strep throat and syphilis in United States

A sign for the Food And Drug Administration is seen outside of the headquarters in White Oak, Md., on July 20, 2020. Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported a shortage of the injectable version of penicillin, citing increased demand for the antibiotic.

In a notice on April 26, the agency said there are shortages of Pfizer’s Bicillin L-A in both regular and pediatric versions. It said the shortage may persist until around the last quarter of the year.