Syphilis Drug Shortage Worsens Amidst CDC Website Changes and Funding Cuts
A critical shortage of Bicillin, the primary treatment for syphilis, is being exacerbated by the removal of crucial guidance from the CDC’s website and ongoing federal funding cuts impacting public health efforts. This situation raises serious concerns about the nation’s ability to combat a resurgence in syphilis cases.
the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) had previously provided recommendations for managing syphilis patients during the drug shortage. However, this details has since been removed from their website. A request to repost the guidance has reportedly gone unanswered. Compounding the issue, CDC staff dedicated to syphilis control where affected by recent government layoffs, even though some have as been reinstated. Federal funding reductions have also hindered state and local initiatives aimed at controlling sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The food and Drug administration (FDA) has updated its drug shortage page to include links to Pfizer’s recent guidance regarding Bicillin. However,Pfizer’s recall declaration has not been posted on the FDA’s site. A spokesperson for the US Department of Health and Human Services has directed inquiries about the recall and potential supply issues to Pfizer.
Experts express significant concern that reduced funding for national and local STD programs will lead to a decline in syphilis testing.Cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and other programs are anticipated to have a devastating impact on syphilis control efforts.
