NEW MEDICINE SERVICE (N.M.S)

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New Medicine Service (N.M.S)

If you are prescribed a medicine to treat a long-term condition for the first time, we would like to support you to get the most from this medicine.

People often have problems when they start a new medicine and as part of the New Medicine Service (NMS) one of our pharmacists 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 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 those who have been prescribed a new medicine for the conditions listed:
  • asthma
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • type 2 diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • people who have been given a new blood-thinning medicine
When you take your new prescription to us we will automatically ask you about it. Sometimes we miss a new medicine, please remind us if you would like to use the service and we missed you!

Popular Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.
  • How does the new service work?

    Start your medicine


    You can talk to the pharmacist when you first start taking 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 and find work with you to find solutions to any issues.


    Your third appointment


    You will have your last appointment a fortnight later, when you can catch up with your pharmacist again to see how you are getting on. 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 pharmacy providing the New Medicine Service must have a private consultation area and Prestwich Pharmacy is no exception. We have a consultation room for patients to chat in private and confidentially.


    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.

  • Do I have to pay?

    No. This service is free through the NHS.