Ferrous sulfate (Ferrograd) iron tablets: Discontinuation
Ferrous sulfate (Ferrograd) tablets (Pharmacode: 2534819) are being discontinued.
Ferrograd iron tablets are being delisted
The existing supply of Ferrograd tablets will run out during September 2025.
Have not made the decision lightly, but we currently plan to delist Ferrograd from the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 March 2026. This will allow pharmacies time to claim all dispensings.
Why is this happening?
The current supplier transferred the manufacturing of Ferrograd tablets to a different company. This company wanted to charge significantly more to continue supplying the medicine.
Pharmac tried to find other suppliers for ferrous sulfate tablets, but we could not find any at an acceptable price.
We may not have considered everything
We cannot prevent an out-of-stock period for ferrous sulfate and have not been able to secure supply of this going forward. However, it’s important to us that people who use or prescribe ferrous sulfate have the opportunity to:
- share with us what the impact of a change would be
- let us know if there's any additional support that would be required
- if there is other information we should consider for those who need iron supplementation.
If there is information you have that you would like us to consider we would like to hear from you. Feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz.
Please provide this feedback by 5:00pm, Thursday, 14 August 2025.
I take Ferrograd tablets, what do I need to do?
You will need to talk to the person who prescribed your tablets. There is a funded alternative, but you will need to discuss what the right options for you are.
I prescribe Ferrograd tablets, what do I need to know?
Pharmac also funds a different iron tablet that is widely used in New Zealand, ferrous fumarate (Ferro-tab). There is ample supply of Ferro-tab.
Our clinical advisors, including GPs, dieticians, midwives, and other specialists, have told us that ferrous fumarate would be an appropriate alternative and would meet the health needs of those who need iron tablets.
They also indicated, that for some people, ferrous fumarate may be better tolerated than ferrous sulfate.
NZ Formulary advice about oral iron(external link)
Listings for iron in the Pharmaceutical Schedule(external link)
I'm a pharmacist, what do I need to do?
Next time you dispense Ferrograd (Pharmacode: 2534819) tablets, please let your patient know that Ferrograd is being discontinued. They will need to go to their prescriber to discuss options.
We have developed a flyer to support conversations with patients.
- Ferrograd discontinuation | A5 patient flyer [PDF 76 KB]
Who to contact
If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.
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