The NHS New Medicine Service (NMS) is a free and confidential series of consultations with our pharmacist, to see how you are getting on in the early stages of starting a new medicine (for a select number of conditions).
To take part in this service, you must be based in England and have been prescribed a new medication for one of the following long-term conditions:
Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Diabetes (Type 2)
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypercholesterolaemia (High Cholesterol)
Osteoporosis
Gout
Glaucoma
Epilepsy
Parkinson's Disease
Urinary Incontinence/Retention
Heart Failure
Acute Coronary Syndromes
Atrial Fibrillation
Long Term Risks of Venous Thromboembolism/Embolism
Stroke
Transient Ischemic Attack
Coronary Heart Disease
The pharmacist will discuss the reason for the new medication being started, the dose, common side effects and any other pertinent information related to the medication. They will also address any concerns or queries you have about the medication and also provide healthy living advice if appropriate.
Once the prescription has been received by the pharmacy, you will be contacted about whether you would like to participate in the service if eligible, sign up and answer any queries you may have about the service or the medication.
After one to two weeks, the pharmacist will contact you via phone or video call to discuss the new medication. They will answer any queries you have about the medicine and ask a series of further questions to ensure that the medicine is working effectively and that you are not experiencing any side effects.
After a further two weeks, the pharmacist will contact you either via phone or video call to ensure that the medication is working well for you. After this contact, there will be no more scheduled contact, however if you do have a question about your medication either newly initiated or you have been on it for a long time, regardless of what you are using it for our pharmacist will be more than happy to offer advice.
It is important to note that consent will be obtained from you when signing up for the service, however you can opt out at any time by calling the pharmacy. If you have any queries regarding your medication, you do not have to wait until the pharmacist contacts you, please contact the pharmacy or GP surgery, should this occur.