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Information for patients

If you think you have syphilis, it's important to see a healthcare professional immediately for treatment. You should know that penicillin G benzathine is recommended by a national panel of experts as a first choice to treat most types of syphilis7 and BICILLIN® L-A is the only formulation of intramuscular penicillin G benzathine that is FDA-approved for the treatment of syphilis.10,12

If you have been treated for syphilis with BICILLIN® L-A, or you think you may have syphilis, this information is for you. Of course, your healthcare professional is the best person to ask about any type of treatment. This information should not to replace talking with a licensed healthcare professional. More facts about syphilis can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site.

What is BICILLIN® L-A?

  • BICILLIN® L-A is a special form of penicillin. After it is injected, BICILLIN® L-A is slowly absorbed into your bloodstream.2
  • Only penicillin G benzathine helps make sure that syphilis is effectively treated by maintaining low levels of penicillin in your bloodstream for the necessary time.2,11 This is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends penicillin G benzathine as the first-line treatment for most forms of syphilis.7

    BICILLIN® L-A is the only formulation of intramuscular penicillin G benzathine that is FDA-approved for the treatment of syphilis. 10,12

Why is BICILLIN® L-A given by injection?

  • The special form of penicillin in BICILLIN® L-A works to treat syphilis only if it is injected into the muscle. It cannot be given in pill form or intravenously (into a vein).2

What should I expect after receiving an injection of BICILLIN® L-A to treat syphilis?

  • Sores from primary syphilis and the symptoms of secondary syphilis will improve gradually following treatment.7
  • No treatment is guaranteed to be 100 percent effective. That's why it's important to follow up with your healthcare provider to be sure that your infection has been cured.7
  • Some people can have an allergic reaction to penicillin. If you develop signs of allergy, such as hives, chills, joint pain, or fever, seek emergency medical care right away.2
  • A rare intestinal infection (known as pseudomembranous colitis) can occur following the use of any antibiotic. Anyone developing diarrhea within days of receiving BICILLIN® L-A should contact their healthcare provider for evaluation.2
  • Anyone who experiences prolonged pain at the injection site should contact their healthcare provider for evaluation.2

Are there other treatments for syphilis besides BICILLIN® L-A?

  • Other antibiotics have been used to treat syphilis. However, experts consider an injection of penicillin G benzathine to be an effective and reliable treatment.1,6 That is why it is recommended by the CDC as the first-choice therapy.7

    BICILLIN® L-A is the only formulation of intramuscular penicillin G benzathine that is FDA-approved for the treatment of syphilis.10,12
  • Talk to your doctor about treatment options, including BICILLIN® L-A, to make sure you receive the best possible treatment. In addition, follow-up care is important to be sure that the infection has been cured.7

If someone has been diagnosed with syphilis, is it really necessary to tell their sexual partners?

  • Absolutely yes. If a doctor or nurse tells a person that they have syphilis, that person should notify their sexual partners. These other people, who have been exposed to syphilis, should seek medical attention. In many cases, they will need treatment to prevent infection even if they haven't developed symptoms.7

How can the spread of syphilis be prevented?

  • People being treated for syphilis must not have sexual contact until their sores are completely healed.8
  • The surest way to avoid getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is to not engage in sexual contact. Being in a long-term, exclusive (i.e., monogamous) relationship with a partner who does not have an STD is another way to avoid this type of infection.8
  • Drug and alcohol use can lead to risky sexual behavior; avoiding their use can decrease the risk of contracting an STD.8
  • Sex partners should talk to each other about HIV and their history of STDs.8
  • Use of latex condoms can reduce, but not completely eliminate, the risk of STDs such as syphilis.8