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Pharmac - Supply Issue

  • 3 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Supply issue: Bicillin LA injection. Please reserve stock for children under 13 years


Supply issue: Bicillin LA injection

 

We notified you in June that the supply of Benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin LA) Inj 900 mg (1.2 million units) in 2.3 ml syringe, will be significantly delayed.

 

Key Dates:


  • The next shipment of Bicillin LA is not expected until mid-November 2026.

  • An alternative has been available - Benzathine benzylpenicillin (Inj 900 mg (1.2 million units) Benzetacil vial. Benzetacil can be used under both PSO and standing orders.

 

Key messages:


  • Bicillin LA inj, is a prefilled syringe ready for use.

  • The alternative brand Benzetacil vial is a powder for injection, requiring reconstitution.

  • Benzetacil - Once reconstituted, final volume is 4.8 ml

  • Note the difference in final volume Bicillin LA is 2.3ml and Benzetacil is 4.8ml. (The total dosage remains the same.)

  • We need to preserve current Bicillin supplies for young children receiving regular rheumatic fever prophylaxis.

  • Young children have been prioritised as they would require two injections for Benzetacil, due to the larger volume to be administered. 

  • Everyone else on the rheumatic fever programme, including those aged over 13 years, need to change over to Benzetacil as soon as possible. Please aim to transition by 4th September. 

  • Everyone receiving syphilis treatment should be administered Benzetacil through sexual health services.

  • Discontinue use of BPG (Benzathine benzylpenicillin Inj) for treatment of all first episode Strep A sore throats and skin infections and use oral alternatives (see Rheumatic Fever Guidelines, sore throat management)

  • Health NZ have provided information sheets for patients/whānau about Benzetacil and tips for staff administering the formulation Priority access to Bicillin while Benzetacil for wider use | Health Professionals

  • Our webpage has further information Bicillin Inj on Pharmac website


Questions: 


If you have any queries, please contact us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

 

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Please share this information with your colleagues and within your networks.

 

Ngā mihi,

 

Pharmac Implementation team 

Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | PO Box 10 254 | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington

P: 0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz



 


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