Discontinuation of ferrous sulfate tablets (Ferrograd)

What we’re doing

Pharmac has made a decision to delist ferrous sulfate (Ferrograd) tablet long acting 325mg (105mg elemental).

We expect that current stock will run out in early September 2025, and it will be delisted from the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 March 2026.

Why we’re doing this

In May 2024, the supplier of ferrous sulfate tablets (Ferrograd), advised Pharmac that it planned to discontinue this medicine from October 2025.

In August 2024, we were advised that the supplier had transferred the manufacturing of ferrous sulfate tablets to a different company, who planned to continue supplying the medicine, but at a significantly higher price.

Since then, we have attempted to secure ongoing supply of ferrous sulfate at an acceptable price from a new supplier but have not been successful.

Pharmac also funds a different iron tablet that is widely used in New Zealand - ferrous fumarate (Ferro-tab).

Our clinical advisors, including GP’s, dieticians, midwives, and other specialists, have told us that should ferrous sulfate be discontinued, 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.

We understand from the supplier of ferrous fumarate (Ferro-tab) that there is enough supply to support those who need iron tablets.

We considered securing a short-term supply of ferrous sulfate to give people more time to transition to an alternative. However, the proposed unapproved alternative was not suitable, and supply of the Medsafe-approved ferrous sulfate would not be available until after we had run out.

We have also made some changes to the listing of ferrous sulfate, to specify that no new patients should be prescribed Ferrograd. See Details about this decision.

What does this mean for people

Iron deficiency (low iron) is a common medical condition that can impact people of all ages.  Currently there are two funded iron tablets available in New Zealand: 

Ferrous sulfate (Ferrograd) – 325mg (105mg elemental) | Schedule listing(external link)

Ferrous fumarate (Ferro-tab) – 200mg (65mg elemental) | Schedule listing(external link)

Around 18,000 people are dispensed ferrous sulfate tablets each month. However, as three months’ supply can be dispensed at a time, we anticipate that around 50,000 people may be receiving this medicine at any one time.

We expect that supply of ferrous sulfate tablets will have run out by early September 2025. Anyone still requiring funded iron tablets will need to transition to the alternative funded iron supplement, prior to the stock running out in early September.

Our clinical advisors have told us that ferrous fumarate (Ferro-tab) would be a suitable alternative for people. Ferrous fumarate is commonly prescribed in New Zealand for people with low iron levels. Around 16,000 people are dispensed this medicine each month. Three months’ supply of this medicine can also be dispensed at a time.

Ferrous sulfate contains higher levels of iron with a slower release than ferrous fumarate. Therefore, depending on the dose prescribed and clinical need, this may result in some patients having to take 1-2 additional tablets each day.

If you require ongoing oral iron supplements you will need to discuss your options with your prescriber when you next need a prescription.

Who we think will be most interested

• People with low iron levels, who take iron tablets
• Healthcare professionals involved in the care of people with iron deficiency or high iron needs
• Hospital and community pharmacists
• Health NZ
• Pharmaceutical suppliers and wholesalers

Details about this decision

We expect that supply of ferrous sulfate tablets (Ferrograd) would run out by early September 2025.

Section B changes

• From 1 September 2025 a ‘no new patients to be initiated’ note will be added to the listing of ferrous sulfate tab long acting 325mg (105mg elemental) in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

• From 1 March 2026 ferrous sulfate tab long acting 325mg (105mg elemental) will be delisted from Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

Section H (Hospital Medicines List) changes

• From 1 September 2025 a ‘for continuation only’ note will be added to the listing of ferrous sulfate tab long acting 325mg (105mg elemental) in Section H (Hospital Medicines List) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

• From 1 March 2026 ferrous sulfate tab long acting 325mg (105mg elemental) will be delisted from Section H (Hospital Medicines List) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.

To provide feedback

If you have feedback 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 by 5:00pm, Thursday, 14 August 2025

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