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Supply issue: Bicillin LA injection

  • 3 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Kia ora

 

Supply issue: Bicillin LA injection

 

We are writing to inform you that the supplier of Benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin LA) Inj 900 mg (1.2 million units) in 2.3 ml syringe, has notified Pharmac that due to production issues arrival of the next shipment will be significantly delayed. 

 

Key Dates:


  • The supplier has enough stock of Bicillin LA in New Zealand to supply wholesalers until late July.

  • The next shipment is not expected until mid-November 2026. This means that supply of Bicillin LA will be constrained and may not be available from the start of August to mid-November.

  • We have sourced an alternative Benzathine benzylpenicillin (Inj 900 mg (1.2 million units) Benzetacil vial. This product is already listed on the pharmaceutical schedule.

  • Although Benzetacil is currently shown on the Pharmaceutical Schedule as a Section 29 medicine this medicine has received provisional consent under section 23 of the Medicines Act from 2 June 2026. The Section 29 note will be removed from the Schedule on 1 July 2026.

  • Because Benzetacil has been granted Provisional Consent under Section 23 of the Medicines Act it can be used under both PSO and standing orders, Pharmac will add Benzetacil to the PSO list from 1 July 2026.

 

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, the 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.)

  • Please reserve Bicillin stock for paediatric patients and those deemed a priority for a lower volume injection.

  • Our webpage has further information Bicillin Inj on Pharmac website.

 

Questions: 

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

 

Please share this information:

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

 

Ngā mihi

Caroline De Luca

 

 

Caroline De Luca (she/her) | Acting Director Advice and Assessment ___________________________________________________________________

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

DDI: +64 4 830 6289 | P: 0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz 


 

 


 

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