Are you starting a new medicine?

Starting a new medicine can be daunting. However, your pharmacist is here to help. If you are starting medicine for one of the following conditions we are able to offer you the New Medicines Service:

• asthma
• lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema,
• type 2 diabetes
• high blood pressure
• conditions where you take a medicine to control the way your blood clots

If you are starting a medicine for another condition please ask your pharmacist for advice. As pharmacists we value the new medicine service. It allows us to give every patient the same level of follow up that we like to give to our own friends and families.

What is the new medicine service?

This is a free NHS service. It is offered through your pharmacy to help you to get the most out of your medicine.

How will it help me?

Many people find it hard to take their medicines as their doctor has prescribed. Did you know that between 30% and 50% of prescribed medicines are not taken as recommended? So a lot of medicines are not used as effectively as they could be. This service will help you to find out more about your new medicine. It will support you to sort out any problems you are having with your medicine and it will give you a chance to ask your pharmacist questions about your medicine. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you if there is an easier or better way to take your medicine. This could improve your health and in time lead to fewer GP and hospital visits.

This service will help to provide better value for you and the NHS by making sure that your medicine is right for you.

How does this service work?

When you are given your new medicine you will be asked if you want to sign up to the service, which will be provided in three parts. If you agree, you will need to sign a consent form to allow your pharmacist to share your information with other parts of the NHS.

Step 1,  Firstly your pharmacist will give you information about your new medicine. They will also answer any questions that you might have.

Step 2, Then, your pharmacist will arrange to catch up with you to find out how you are getting on with your medicine. This will be between 7 and 14 days after starting your medicine. We can either talk to you in the pharmacy or on the phone.

Step 3, Finally, your pharmacist will arrange a follow-up discussion with you. This will take place 14 to 21 days after starting your medicine.

Please call into one of our pharmacies to find out more.

If you have a question about your medicine you do not need to wait for us to contact you. You can phone us or call into one of our pharmacies for advice at any point.