People often have problems when they start a new medicine. As part of the scheme, our pharmacists will support you over several weeks to use the medicine safely and to best effect.
This 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 one of our pharmacists, you will be referred back to your doctor.
How will I know if I'm eligible?
The service is only available for people living in England, and only 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
How do I join the scheme?
When you bring your new prescription into one of our pharmacies, ask our pharmacist if you can take part in the service.
How does the new service work?
Start your Medicine
You can talk to our 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, our pharmacist and yourself 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.
Your Third appointment
You will have your last appointment a fortnight later, in this appointment 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?
When providing the New Medicine Service our pharmacists will always use the private consultation area. This is a separate room where you can't be overheard. All discussions with our pharmacists can take place in person or over the phone.
How long will each appointment take?
Our appointments are designed to fit around you, but a typical consultation will take around 10 to 15 minutes in total.
Do I have to pay?
No. This service is free through the NHS.