Medication shortage threatens syphilis treatment during pregnancy

Mecklenburg County Public Well being has issued a public well being advisory to pregnant girls and healthcare suppliers relating to a nationwide scarcity of Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine), the only real advisable remedy for syphilis throughout being pregnant.

The Aug. 20 advisory comes as Mecklenburg County, like the remainder of North Carolina and the U.S., has seen a rise in syphilis infections, significantly amongst girls of childbearing age. Whereas latest experiences confirmed progress in decreasing infections, officers stated the Bicillin L-A scarcity might jeopardize that ahead momentum.

“Each case of congenital syphilis is preventable, however well timed testing and receiving satisfactory remedy are important,” stated Well being Director Dr. Raynard Washington. “The nationwide scarcity of Bicillin L-A is a critical risk to making sure all pregnant sufferers obtain well timed syphilis remedy.”

Untreated syphilis might be handed from a mom to her unborn child, doubtlessly resulting in miscarriage, stillbirth, untimely start, blindness and different extreme well being problems for the toddler.

Washington urged pregnant girls to get examined for syphilis at their first prenatal go to, once more of their third trimester and at supply, as required by regulation.

He additionally implored healthcare suppliers to order obtainable Bicillin L-A for pregnant sufferers solely and to instantly notify the Well being Division if they’re unable to acquire the treatment.

Public Well being recommends that any lady who’s pregnant, or planning to turn into pregnant, observe protected intercourse by utilizing condoms and limiting the variety of sexual companions. They need to additionally search routine sexually transmitted an infection testing and, if recognized, start remedy instantly.

Pregnant girls and healthcare suppliers who want help with low-cost or free syphilis testing or assist finding Bicillin L-A can name Mecklenburg County Public Well being at 704-336-6500 or go to the division’s web site to schedule an appointment.