Starting a New Medicine: Free NHS Support at the Pharmacy

Why the first few weeks matter

Roughly a third of people stop taking a new long-term medicine within the first few weeks — usually because of a side effect nobody warned them about, or uncertainty about whether it is working.

The New Medicine Service exists for exactly that window. It is free on the NHS and involves two short follow-up conversations with the pharmacist after you start.

Which medicines qualify

It covers new medicines started for conditions including asthma and COPD, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, osteoporosis, gout, and several others.

If you have just been prescribed something new for a long-term condition, ask us whether it qualifies — it very often does.

How it works

The first conversation happens when you collect the medicine. The pharmacist then follows up a week or two later, and again a few weeks after that, either in the pharmacy or by phone, whichever suits you.

The questions are simple: are you taking it, is anything bothering you about it, and is it doing what it was meant to do.

Where to ask

Mention it at the counter when you collect, or call 0121 448 4336.