What is the New Medicine Service (NMS)?

Starting a new medication can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if it’s for a long-term condition. You may have questions, concerns, or unexpected side effects, and it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. That’s where the NHS New Medicine Service (NMS) comes in. This free service is designed to support you during the first few weeks of taking a new medication. It ensures that you’re using it safely. It also addresses any concerns you may have.

What is NMS For?

The NHS New Medicine Service (NMS) is designed to help people starting a new medication for certain health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It’s not uncommon to have questions about your new treatment. This is especially true if the medication or its method of administration is new to you. For example, if you’re using inhalers or insulin for the first time, you may have concerns.

NMS is a quick “check-in” service provided by most pharmacies, including ours. It’s a chance for you to make sure that everything is going smoothly with your new medication and to discuss any concerns or side effects you might be experiencing.

During the service, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with a pharmacist about how you’re managing your new medication. This could be especially helpful if the medication requires a new method of administration or if you have any worries about side effects.

How the Service Runs

Once your GP prescribes a new medication, we will assess your eligibility for the NHS New Medicine Service (NMS). If you’re eligible, we will invite you to participate. It’s entirely your choice whether or not you take part, but we highly encourage it for your peace of mind and to ensure that your treatment is going as planned.

If you’re eligible, we’ll arrange a convenient time for a confidential chat. This usually happens around a week after you start taking the medication, often before your GP has a chance to review your treatment. During this call, we’ll check in on how you’re getting on with the medication, make sure you’re using it correctly, and answer any questions you may have.

The NMS is especially helpful for people starting new medications for chronic conditions, like diabetes or asthma, as it provides ongoing support during the adjustment period. The service also gives you the chance to ask questions that you might not have had the opportunity to discuss with your doctor.

Why Should You Use the NHS NMS?

Taking medication for a new condition or starting a long-term treatment plan can feel like a big change. The NHS NMS offers a safe and supportive space to ensure you’re on track. Whether it’s learning how to use an inhaler or managing any potential side effects, our pharmacists are here to guide you every step of the way.

The service is designed to:

• Help you take your new medication safely and correctly

• Address any concerns about potential side effects or complications

• Give you a chance to ask questions that may not have been answered during your doctor’s appointment

• Support you through the adjustment period, especially for medications requiring a new delivery method, like inhalers, injections, or insulins

Is NHS New Medicine Service (NMS) Free?

Yes! The New Medicine Service is completely free of charge to patients who are eligible. It’s part of the NHS’s commitment to improving medication safety and ensuring patients have the support they need during the early stages of treatment.

How to Get Started with NMS

If you’ve been prescribed a new medication, your GP will notify us at the pharmacy. We will assess your eligibility for the service and, if you’re eligible, contact you to invite you to take part in a quick, confidential chat.

Once we reach out, we’ll arrange a convenient time for the phone call. All we’ll need from you is to be open and honest about how you’re feeling with the new medication. This will help us support you better and make sure you’re on the right track.

Taking medication should feel manageable, not confusing. NMS is here to help you start off on the right foot with your new medication.