New Medicine Service

NHS New Medicine Service (NMS) | Allied Pharmacies

Starting a new medication can be a daunting experience. You may have questions about how to take it, what side effects to expect, or whether it is working as it should. The NHS New Medicine Service (NMS) is a free pharmacy service designed to support patients who have been prescribed a new medicine for a long-term condition. At Allied Pharmacies, our trained pharmacists provide personalised guidance to help you get the most from your new treatment and manage your health with confidence.

What Is the New Medicine Service?

The New Medicine Service is an NHS-funded programme that provides structured support to patients who have recently been prescribed a new medication for certain long-term health conditions. The service involves a series of consultations with your pharmacist over the first few weeks of starting your medicine. According to the NHS, the NMS has been shown to improve patients' understanding of their medication, increase adherence to treatment, and lead to better health outcomes overall.

Who Is Eligible for the NMS?

The New Medicine Service is available to patients who have been prescribed a new medicine for one of the following long-term conditions:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) — including medicines such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics
• Type 2 diabetes — including metformin, sulfonylureas, and other glucose-lowering medications
• Asthma and COPD — including inhalers, corticosteroids, and bronchodilators
• High cholesterol — including statins and other lipid-lowering agents
• Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy — medicines to prevent blood clots

If you have recently been prescribed a new medicine for any of these conditions and are collecting your prescription from Allied Pharmacies, you are automatically eligible for the service. Our pharmacist will let you know if you qualify when you pick up your prescription.

How Does the New Medicine Service Work?

The NMS follows a structured three-stage process over approximately four weeks to ensure you receive the support you need:

• Stage 1 — Initial consultation (within 7 to 14 days): Shortly after you start your new medicine, your pharmacist will contact you for an initial consultation. This can be face-to-face in the pharmacy or over the phone. Your pharmacist will check how you are getting on, discuss any concerns or side effects, and ensure you understand how to take your medicine correctly
• Stage 2 — Follow-up consultation (around day 14 to 21): A second consultation is arranged to review your progress. Your pharmacist will ask whether you have experienced any problems, whether the medicine is helping, and whether you have any further questions. If side effects are an issue, your pharmacist can advise on management strategies or recommend speaking to your GP
• Stage 3 — Final review (around day 21 to 28): A final check-in ensures that you are happy with your medication and confident in continuing your treatment. If any ongoing issues are identified, your pharmacist will help arrange appropriate follow-up

Benefits of the New Medicine Service

The NMS offers significant benefits for patients starting new long-term medications:

• Improved understanding of your medicine — what it does, how to take it, and why it is important
• Early identification and management of side effects, helping you stay on track with your treatment
• Increased confidence in managing your condition independently
• Better adherence to your medication, leading to improved health outcomes
• A direct line of communication with a qualified pharmacist who knows your situation
• Reduced risk of hospital admissions related to medication problems

Research published by the NHS has shown that patients who receive NMS support are more likely to take their medicines correctly and continue their treatment long term.

Managing Side Effects of New Medicines

Side effects are one of the most common reasons patients stop taking their medication prematurely. Many side effects are mild and temporary, settling down within the first few weeks as your body adjusts. However, some side effects may require a change in dose or an alternative medication. During your NMS consultations, your pharmacist will help you distinguish between expected side effects and symptoms that may need further investigation, ensuring you receive the right support at the right time.

The Importance of Medication Adherence

Taking your medication consistently and as prescribed is essential for managing long-term health conditions effectively. Studies show that around half of all patients with chronic conditions do not take their medicines as directed, often due to concerns about side effects, forgetfulness, or a lack of understanding about why the medication is needed. Poor adherence can lead to worsening symptoms, disease progression, and avoidable hospital admissions.

The New Medicine Service directly addresses these challenges by providing you with regular touchpoints with a healthcare professional during the critical early weeks of treatment. Your pharmacist can answer questions, address concerns, and provide practical strategies to help you incorporate your new medicine into your daily routine. Whether it is setting reminders, understanding the best time of day to take your medication, or learning which foods or drinks to avoid, your Allied Pharmacies pharmacist is here to help you succeed with your treatment plan.

Our pharmacists work closely with your GP and other healthcare professionals to ensure a joined-up approach to your care. If any changes to your medication are needed, we can liaise directly with your surgery to facilitate a smooth transition. This collaborative approach ensures you always receive the best possible care tailored to your individual health needs.

How Our New Medicine Service Works at Allied Pharmacies

At Allied Pharmacies, we make it easy to access the New Medicine Service. Our process is designed to fit around your life:

• Automatic enrolment: When you collect a qualifying new prescription, our pharmacist will explain the NMS and invite you to take part
• Flexible consultations: Choose between face-to-face appointments at your local branch or telephone consultations at a time that suits you
• Personalised support: Every consultation is tailored to your individual needs, concerns, and health goals
• Free of charge: The NMS is fully funded by the NHS — there is no cost to you

You do not need to register separately for the service. Simply collect your prescription from Allied Pharmacies and our team will take care of the rest.

Why Choose Allied Pharmacies for the NMS?

Allied Pharmacies is committed to providing outstanding pharmaceutical care. When you access the New Medicine Service through us, you benefit from:

• Experienced, approachable pharmacists who take the time to listen and explain
• Convenient high street locations with flexible opening hours
• A private consultation room for confidential, unhurried discussions
• Seamless integration with your other pharmacy services, including prescription dispensing and discharge medicine support

Related Services

Allied Pharmacies offers a comprehensive range of NHS and private health services to support your wellbeing. You may also be interested in:

• Prescription Dispensing — convenient collection of your regular prescriptions
• Pharmacy First — treatment for common conditions without a GP appointment
• Common Ailments Scheme — free advice and treatment for everyday health concerns
• NHS Blood Pressure Check — free cardiovascular health monitoring
• Discharge Medicine Service — support when transitioning from hospital to home

Get Support with Your New Medicine Today

If you have recently been prescribed a new medicine for a long-term condition, the New Medicine Service at Allied Pharmacies is here to help. Our pharmacists are dedicated to ensuring you feel confident, informed, and supported throughout your treatment journey. Visit your nearest branch or speak to our team when you next collect your prescription to find out more.