NHS New Medicine Service
Starting a new medicine for a long-term condition? The New Medicine Service gives you free, personal support from our pharmacist so you can use it safely and get the most benefit.
The New Medicine Service (NMS) is a free NHS service that supports you in the first weeks of starting certain new medicines. We provide it remotely — by telephone or secure video — so you get expert help at home.
Who it's for
The NMS is available when you're newly prescribed a medicine for one of the following long-term conditions:
- Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Conditions treated with medicines that reduce the risk of blood clots
Support, not a sales pitch
The NMS is purely about helping you use a medicine your prescriber has already decided is right for you. There's nothing to buy. Our pharmacist simply checks how you're getting on and helps with any questions or side effects.
How it works
Sign up
When you're prescribed an eligible new medicine, we invite you to join — or just ask us.
First check-in
About a week or two in, our pharmacist calls to see how you're getting on and answer questions.
Follow-up
A second follow-up a few weeks later reviews progress and agrees any next steps with you.
Why it helps
Many people have questions once they start a new medicine — how and when to take it, what side effects to expect, or whether it's working. The NMS gives you dedicated pharmacist time to talk these through, which can help you stick with your treatment and stay well.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?
How long does each check-in take?
Do I have to take part?
Can I use the NMS if I nominate you as my pharmacy?
Starting a new medicine?
Nominate us as your NHS pharmacy, or message us to ask about the New Medicine Service.