NHS New Medicines Service
Free, friendly support when you start a new medicine for a long-term condition, helping you get the most from your treatment and settle any early concerns.
Extra support with a newly prescribed medicine
Starting a new medicine can sometimes feel confusing. You may have questions about how to take it, what to expect or what to do if you experience side effects.
The free NHS New Medicine Service gives eligible patients additional support from a pharmacist after starting certain medicines for a long-term health condition.
At Procters Pharmacy, our pharmacists can help you understand your new medicine, use it correctly and address any problems you may experience during the first few weeks of treatment.
What is the New Medicine Service?
The New Medicine Service is a free NHS service offered through community pharmacies.
It provides structured support when you are prescribed an eligible medicine for the first time. Your Procters pharmacist will speak with you after you begin taking the medicine and arrange a further follow-up where appropriate.
The service can help you:
- Understand what your medicine is for
- Learn how and when to take it
- Discuss possible side effects
- Raise any concerns or difficulties
- Find practical ways to take your medicine correctly
- Get the greatest possible benefit from your treatment
- Know when further advice from your GP may be needed
The service is designed to support you alongside the care provided by your GP or specialist.
Who can use the service?
You may be eligible if you have recently been prescribed a new medicine covered by the NHS New Medicine Service.
The service supports medicines prescribed for certain long-term health conditions and clinical areas. Eligibility depends on the medicine you have received and the condition it is intended to treat.
When dispensing your prescription, the Procters Pharmacy team will let you know if your medicine is eligible.
You may also ask our team whether the service is available to you.
How the service works
The New Medicine Service normally takes place across three stages.
Getting started
When we dispense your new medicine, a member of the Procters Pharmacy team will explain the service and ask whether you would like to take part.
We will provide some initial information about your medicine and arrange your first consultation. Taking part is voluntary and free of charge.
Your first consultation
Your first consultation will usually take place around 7 to 14 days after you receive your new medicine.
A Procters pharmacist will ask how you have been getting on and discuss:
- Whether you have been able to take the medicine as instructed
- Any side effects or unexpected symptoms
- Concerns about how the medicine works
- Difficulties using or remembering your medicine
- Any questions you would like answered
The pharmacist will provide practical advice and help address any problems you have experienced.
The consultation may take place privately in the pharmacy or remotely, where available.
Follow-up consultation
A follow-up consultation will usually be arranged around 14 to 28 days after you started the service.
Your pharmacist will check your progress, answer any further questions and make sure you feel confident continuing with your medicine.
Where necessary, we may recommend that you speak to your GP or another healthcare professional. With your consent, we can share relevant information with them to help ensure you receive appropriate support.
Why is the service helpful?
Some people stop taking a new medicine because they are uncertain about its purpose, concerned about side effects or find it difficult to fit the treatment into their routine.
Speaking to a pharmacist early can help resolve these issues before they affect your treatment.
The New Medicine Service gives you dedicated time to ask questions and discuss your experience with a healthcare professional who specialises in medicines.
Why choose Procters Pharmacy?
- Free NHS support for eligible patients
- Private consultations with a qualified pharmacist
- Clear and practical advice about your medicine
- Support with side effects and other concerns
- Convenient follow-up consultations
- Communication with your GP where appropriate
- Friendly support from your local Procters team
Frequently asked questions
How long do the conversations take?
Each catch-up is short, usually around ten minutes, and can often be done in branch or over the phone.
How do I join the New Medicine Service?
The Procters Pharmacy team may offer you the service when dispensing an eligible new medicine. You can also ask a member of our team whether your medicine and health condition are covered.
How much does the service cost?
The New Medicine Service is provided free of charge through the NHS for eligible patients. Usual NHS prescription charges may still apply to the medicine itself unless you are exempt.
Do I need to make an appointment?
We will usually arrange the consultations with you when you join the service. Depending on the branch and your circumstances, your consultation may take place privately in the pharmacy or remotely.
How long does each consultation take?
The length of the consultation will depend on the questions or concerns you would like to discuss. Your pharmacist will take the time needed to review how you are getting on and provide appropriate advice.
Do I have to take part?
No. The service is entirely voluntary. Declining the service will not affect your prescription or the care you receive from Procters Pharmacy.
What should I discuss with the pharmacist?
You can speak openly about anything relating to your new medicine, including: side effects, missed doses, difficulty taking or using the medicine, concerns about becoming dependent on it, questions about food, alcohol or other medicines, and uncertainty about whether the treatment is working. There is no unimportant question when it comes to using your medicines safely.
Will my GP be contacted?
We may contact your GP if we identify a concern that requires further clinical advice or a change to your treatment. We will explain this to you and handle your information confidentially.
Can I use the service for any new medicine?
No. The NHS New Medicine Service covers particular medicines prescribed for eligible conditions. The Procters Pharmacy team can check whether your new medicine qualifies.
Is the service confidential?
Yes. Your consultations will be handled privately, and your personal information will be managed in accordance with NHS and data protection requirements.
Learn more about your medicine
The NHS medicines information service provides guidance on how medicines work, how to take them and common side effects.
You can search the NHS medicines A to Z or speak directly with the Procters Pharmacy team if you have questions about your treatment.
Get support with your new medicine
Speak to a member of the Procters Pharmacy team when collecting your prescription or contact your local branch to find out whether you are eligible for the New Medicine Service. Our pharmacists are here to help you understand your treatment and feel more confident taking your new medicine.