Bicillin L A (Bicillin L-A) — Compare Prices at US & Canada Pharmacies
Compare real Bicillin L A prices at US and Canadian pharmacies, see official FDA uses and warnings, and find generic alternatives.
What is the out-of-pocket cost for Bicillin L-A without insurance coverage?
Uninsured patients typically face a charge of approximately $1,058.15 per 4 mL syringe (2,400,000 units) at most hospitals and clinics. Actual costs may differ based on the facility and region. Since Bicillin L-A is administered in a clinical setting rather than purchased at a retail pharmacy, patients should contact their healthcare provider's billing department or case manager to discuss their specific cost and any available payment assistance programs.
What does Bicillin L-A cost for patients with insurance?
Copay amounts depend entirely on your insurance plan's formulary tier and your healthcare provider's contracted rate. Medicare plans, commercial insurers, and Medicaid each have different coverage terms. Since the injection is given at a medical facility, your out-of-pocket expense will be determined by your plan's coinsurance, copay, or deductible requirements at the time of administration. Contact your insurance provider or the facility's billing team for a cost estimate before your appointment.
Is Bicillin L-A covered by Medicare, and what would a patient pay?
Bicillin L-A is generally covered under Medicare Part D and many Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans, though coverage and copay amounts vary by specific plan. Patients enrolled in these programs should verify coverage details through their plan documentation or by calling their insurer. For those without adequate coverage, speaking with the hospital or clinic's financial counselor about payment options or assistance programs may help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Are generic alternatives to Bicillin L-A available?
Bicillin L-A is a brand-name formulation; other brand options include Pfizerpen and Permapen. Generic penicillin g potassium is manufactured by companies such as Fresenius Kabi, Athenex, and Sandoz and is often available at a lower cost. Your physician can discuss generic penicillin options with you, and the prescribing facility can provide pricing information for both brand-name and generic versions.
Bicillin L A prices at US pharmacies
Bicillin L-A — syringe, 4ml of 2400000unit/4ml, qty 4
| Pharmacy | Retail price | With discount card |
|---|---|---|
| Kroger Pharmacy Lowest | $899.89 | $896.89 |
| Harris Teeter Pharmacy | $899.89 | $896.89 |
| Walgreens | $945.56 | $942.56 |
| CVS Pharmacy | $951.49 | $948.49 |
| Publix | $952.30 | $949.30 |
| Walmart Neighborhood Market | $966.28 | $963.28 |
| Walmart Pharmacy | $966.28 | $963.28 |
| Costco | $971.26 | $968.26 |
Bicillin L A prices at Canadian pharmacies
No Canadian pharmacy pricing was found for Bicillin L A in our latest data pull.
Canada prices are converted to USD at time of collection and shown per tablet where available. Ordering from Canadian pharmacies is legal for personal use in most cases but subject to FDA/CBSA rules — see US vs Canada, explained.
What is Bicillin L A used for?
Bicillin L-A contains a single active ingredient, penicillin G benzathine — not penicillin G potassium, which is a different, faster-acting drug sold as Pfizerpen. Bicillin L-A is formulated to release very slowly from the injection site, producing low but sustained penicillin levels in the body for days to weeks after a single intramuscular injection. That slow, steady release is exactly what makes it useful for infections that respond to prolonged, low-level penicillin exposure rather than the higher, faster peaks other penicillin forms provide.
Its best-known use is treating syphilis, where a single injection — or several weekly injections for later-stage disease — can complete treatment without a multi-week oral regimen. CDC treatment guidelines specifically call for penicillin G benzathine for syphilis, and no other antibiotic is considered an adequate substitute during pregnancy. It's also used for a few other infections susceptible to sustained low penicillin levels, including certain streptococcal infections, and for preventing recurrent rheumatic fever.
Like Bicillin C-R, it carries an FDA boxed warning: this injection must never be given intravenously. Accidental IV administration of penicillin G benzathine has been associated with cardiorespiratory arrest and death, so it's given only as a deep intramuscular injection by a trained healthcare professional.
How Bicillin L A works
Attacks the bacterial cell wall
Penicillin G benzathine blocks the enzymes bacteria need to build and maintain their cell wall.
Releases slowly from the injection site
The benzathine salt dissolves gradually, producing low but steady penicillin levels for an extended period.
Sustained exposure clears susceptible bacteria
The prolonged, low-level exposure is specifically what's needed for infections like syphilis, where treatment relies on sustained drug presence rather than a short, high peak.
Typical dosage forms & strengths
| Use | Typical adult dose | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Syphilis and other susceptible infections | Single or repeated deep intramuscular injections, dose and schedule based on the specific infection and stage | IM injection (never IV) |
General reference dosing from the FDA label — not personalized advice. Your prescribed dose may differ based on your infection, kidney function, age, and weight. Always follow your prescriber's instructions.
Related & alternative drugs
Warnings & interactions
This is a summary of the official FDA label text, not personalized medical advice. It does not list every possible interaction or side effect. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.
Common, usually mild
- Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
- Nausea, dizziness
Serious — seek care promptly
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, facial or throat swelling, trouble breathing, anaphylaxis
- Accidental intravascular injection can cause cardiorespiratory arrest — this is why it must be given IM only, by a trained clinician
Boxed warning
WARNING NOT FOR INTRAVENOUS USE. DO NOT INJECT INTRAVENOUSLY OR ADMIX WITH OTHER INTRAVENOUS SOLUTIONS. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF INADVERTENT INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION OF PENICILLIN G BENZATHINE WHICH HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIORESPIRATORY ARREST AND DEATH. Prior to administration of this drug, carefully read the WARNINGS , ADVERSE REACTIONS , and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections of the labeling.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS A history of a previous hypersensitivity reaction to any of the penicillins is a contraindication.
Warnings
WARNINGS WARNING NOT FOR INTRAVENOUS USE. DO NOT INJECT INTRAVENOUSLY OR ADMIX WITH OTHER INTRAVENOUS SOLUTIONS. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF INADVERTENT INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION OF PENICILLIN G BENZATHINE WHICH HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIORESPIRATORY ARREST AND DEATH. Prior to administration of this drug, carefully read the WARNINGS , ADVERSE REACTIONS , and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections of the labeling. Penicillin G benzathine should only be prescribed for the indications listed in this insert. Anaphylaxis SERIOUS AND OCCASIONALLY FATAL HYPERSENSITIVITY (ANAPHYLACTIC) REACTIONS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN PATIENTS ON PENICILLIN THERAPY.
Notable drug interactions
| Drug / substance | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Tetracyclines | Can antagonize the bactericidal action of penicillin; avoid combining. |
| Probenecid | Increases and prolongs penicillin blood levels by slowing renal excretion. |
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Pregnancy Teratogenic effects Pregnancy Reproduction studies performed in the mouse, rat, and rabbit have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to penicillin G. Human experience with the penicillins during pregnancy has not shown any positive evidence of adverse effects on the fetus. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women showing conclusively that harmful effects of these drugs on the fetus can be excluded.
Frequently asked questions
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Page info
Prices last checked 2026-08-21. Reviewed against FDA and DailyMed official sources — see our review process. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Kami Kim, M.D., Infectious Diseases, Global Health