Importation of Portuguese-authorized Lentocilin S 1200 1 200 000 IU / 4 mL, due to the current shortage of Canadian-authorized Bicillin L-A 1 200 000 IU / 2 mL

UPDATED INFORMATION – March 3, 2026

Further to the Health Canada communication below, issued on February 18, 2026, additional supply of the Portuguese-authorized Lentocilin S 1200; 1 200 000 IU / 4 mL has been made available to mitigate the ongoing shortage. This new supply is available with bilingual (English and French) labels (see images in Appendix 2 below).

Given the medical necessity of Bicillin L-A 1 200 000 IU / 2 mL and the need to maintain continuity of supply in Canada, Health Canada has authorized the exceptional, temporary importation and sale of Portuguese-authorized Lentocilin S 1200; 1 200 000 IU / 4 mL, manufactured by Laboratórios Atral, S.A. with English-only labels, by Septa Pharmaceuticals Inc., to mitigate the shortage.

Lentocilin S has the same active ingredient, strength (1 200 000 IU), and route of administration (intramuscular) as Bicillin L-A. However, there are differences in the formulation, dosage form, reconstitution requirement, and presentation between Lentocilin S and Bicillin L-A. Healthcare professionals are advised to enhance the safety monitoring of the imported drug, including monitoring for potential adverse effects.

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