If you have been prescribed a new medicine to treat a long-term condition, your local pharmacist may be able to offer extra support through the NHS New Medicine Service (NMS).
This free NHS service helps patients understand their new medicine and get the best benefit from it.
The pharmacist can:
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explain how the medicine works
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answer any questions about side effects
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check how you are getting on with the medicine
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help you take your medicine safely and effectively
You will usually have two or three short consultations with the pharmacist over the first few weeks after starting the medicine.
Ask your pharmacist when collecting your prescription if the New Medicine Service is available.
The New Medicine Service is only available for people living in England who have been prescribed a new medicine for these conditions:
When you take your new prescription to your local pharmacy, ask the pharmacist if you can take part in the New Medicine Service.
1. Start your medication
You can talk to the pharmacist when you first start taking your medicine and ask any questions you may have about it. For example, you might want to know about side effects or how you can fit your treatment around your lifestyle
2. Your second appointment
You'll have a follow-up appointment 2 weeks later, when you and your pharmacist can talk about any issues you might have experienced with the medicine. For example, if you're not taking it regularly or are finding a tablet hard to swallow, your pharmacist can help you get back on track and work with you to find solutions to any issues.
3. Your third appointment
You will have your last appointment a further 2 weeks later, when you can catch up with your pharmacist again to see how you're getting on. The service then ends, but your pharmacist will always talk to you about your medicines when you need help.
Any pharmacist providing the New Medicine Service must have a private consultation area. This is a separate room where you cannot be overheard, and most pharmacists have one. All the discussions with your pharmacist can take place in person or by phone.
The appointments are designed to fit around you, but a typical consultation will take around 10-15 minutes.
No. This service is free through the NHS.