Starting a new medicine — particularly for a long-term condition — comes with a lot of questions. "Is this side effect normal?" "Is it actually working?" "Should I take it with food?" "What happens if I miss a dose?" The New Medicine Service (NMS) exists to answer those questions, with a free, structured follow-up with your pharmacist.
Who is it for?
The NMS is available, free on the NHS, when you've just been prescribed a new medicine for one of these conditions:
- Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Conditions treated with antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication
- Other conditions where a new medicine has recently been added — please ask us
What happens
- First conversation — when you collect your new prescription, we'll explain the service and (if you'd like to take part) sign you up.
- Follow-up at 7–14 days — a brief conversation, in person or by phone, to talk about how you're getting on. Side effects? Forgetting doses? Questions?
- Second follow-up around 14–21 days later — another short check-in to see how things have settled.
If anything comes up that needs your GP's attention, we'll let them know on your behalf.
Have you just been prescribed something new?
Ask any member of our team whether you're eligible for the NMS — it's free, and most patients find it genuinely useful.