If you are prescribed a medicine to treat a long-term condition for the first time, you may be able to get extra help and advice about your medicine from your local pharmacist through a new free scheme called the New medicine service (NMS).

People often have problems when they start a new medicine. In this scheme the pharmacist will support you over several weeks to use the medicine safely and to best effect.

The service is only available to people using certain medicines. In some cases where there is a problem apparent and a solution cannot be found between you and the pharmacist, you will be referred back to your doctor.

How will I know if I’m eligible?

The service is only available for people living in England and only for those who have been prescribed a new medicine for the conditions listed:

• asthma
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• type 2 diabetes
• high blood pressure, or
• have been given a new blood-thinning medicine

How do I join the scheme?

When you take your new prescription to your local pharmacy, ask the pharmacist if you can take part in the service.

How does the new service work?

Start your medicine

You can talk to the pharmacist when you first start 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.

Your second appointment

You will have a follow-up appointment two weeks later, when you and your pharmacist can talk about any issues you might have experienced with the medicine. For example, if you are not taking it regularly, or are finding a tablet hard to swallow, your pharmacist can help you get back on track.

Your third appointment

You will have your last appointment a fortnight later when you can catch up with your pharmacist on how you are getting on with your medicine. The service then ends, but your pharmacist will always talk to you about your medicines when you need help.

Do I have to talk about my medicines over the counter in the pharmacy?

Any pharmacist providing the New medicine service must have a private consultation area. This is a separate room where you can’t be overheard and around 85% of pharmacies have one.

All the discussions with your pharmacist can take place in person or by phone.

How long will each appointment take?

The appointments are designed to fit around you, but a typical consultation will take around 10 to 15 minutes.