NHS New Medicine Service (NMS)
Free support for newly prescribed medicines
The New Medicine Service is a Free NHS service, offered through your pharmacy, to help you understand your condition and get the most out of your new medicine.
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What is the New Medicine Service?
The NHS New Medicine Service is a free, pharmacist-led service delivered by our pharmacists. It's available for certain medicines and health conditions, and it's designed to help you get the most from your new medicine. A pharmacist will call you to run through any questions you have about your new prescription, advise on any side effects, and refer you to the doctor if they decide it needs reviewing.
How it works
When we’ve sent you a new medicine that qualifies for the New Medicine Service, we’ll automatically invite you to book an NHS New Medicine Service appointment with one of our pharmacists. If you get your prescriptions elsewhere, always ask your pharmacy at the point of prescription about the service, which is available across England. Find out more here.
The following steps outline the New Medicine Service process and what to expect when you're prescribed a medicine that's delivered by Pharmacy2U and eligible for the NMS.
Receive invitation
We'll invite you to book a New Medicine Service consultation when we've sent you a new medicine that qualifies you to use this service.
Speak to an expert
Discuss any questions about your new medicine with the pharmacist. They'll give you a call on your chosen day and time.
2 week check up
The pharmacist will call you again after 2 weeks to check everything’s ok.
Get a referral if needed
They’ll refer you to your GP if they think your medicine needs reviewing.
Register now to benefit from this service when you have a new medicine prescribed
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What are the benefits of the New Medicine Service?
- A free, confidential chat with your pharmacist
- The opportunity to ask any questions about your new prescription
- The confidence of knowing how and when to take your new medicine properly – helping both you and the NHS
- A reduced risk of complications or issues
- The addition of more conditions, including depression as of October 2025
Long-term conditions suitable for the New Medicine Service
- Angina
- Asthma
- Atrial fibrillation
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Coronary heart disease
- Diabetes (type 2)
- Blood clots or blocked blood vessels, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Gout
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia)
- Osteoporosis
- Parkinson's disease
- Stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- Urinary incontinence
- Depression (for patients aged 18 or over)
SERVICE
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be registered with Royton & Crompton Wellness Pharmacy to use this service?
Yes, we need to dispense your new medicine to be able to provide you with this service.
Do I need to do anything before my appointment?
No. You just need to be available to take our call at your requested appointment time. Our pharmacist will run through a few questions with you to see how you’re getting on with your new medicine. If you have any questions you’d like to ask after reading the leaflet that comes with your new medicine, make a note of these ready to discuss.
How many appointments are there and how long will each appointment last?
Each telephone appointment with the pharmacist will take around 5 minutes depending on what questions you have. It shouldn’t take any longer than 10 minutes.
Will the pharmacist contact my GP directly if they recommend any changes?
Yes. If the pharmacist has any concerns, they’ll discuss these with you and if needed, send a note to your GP recommending that they review your new medicine with you.
How does the NHS New Medicine Service work?
The NHS New Medicine Service is a consultation with a qualified pharmacist to discuss your new medicine and help you get the most out of it. There are three appointments in the process to make sure everything’s okay, and your pharmacist will refer you to your GP if they think your medicine needs reviewing.
How do I sign up for the New Medicine Service?
If Pharmacy2U dispenses your medicine, we will automatically invite you to book a New Medicine Service consultation. If you get your medicine elsewhere, enquire about the service with your pharmacist at the point of prescription.
Is the New Medicine Service free?
Yes, the New Medicine Service (NMS) is a free NHS service.
What happens in my New Medicine Service consultation?
In your consultation, your pharmacist will check in with you about your new medicine and answer any questions you may have. They’ll refer you to your GP or contact your GP if they think your medicine needs reviewing.
What if I’m under 18?
If you’re under the age of 18, you may need to get consent from the appropriate parent, guardian, or carer for parts of the New Medicine Service. There are also certain conditions for which the New Medicine Service is only available to those aged 18 and over, such as depression.
Can I opt out of the New Medicine Service?
Yes, you can opt out. The New Medicine Service is not mandatory, so you can let your pharmacy know that you do not wish to take part.
What conditions are covered by the New Medicine Service?
The NMS covers a wide range of conditions. For a comprehensive list, consult the New Medicine Service list in the section of this page above titled ‘List of long-term conditions suitable for the New Medicine Service’.
Can I get NMS support for antidepressant prescriptions (e.g. sertraline or citalopram) and side effects?
As of October 2025, the New Medicine Service was expanded to include prescriptions for depression. Your pharmacist will be able to discuss specific medicines, ingredients, side effects, and more during your consultations.