New Medicines Service in Birmingham
Starting a new medicine for a long-term condition can raise a lot of questions. At our Birmingham pharmacies, the free NHS New Medicines Service gives you time with a pharmacist to talk through your treatment and get off to the right start.
We stay in touch over the first few weeks, so any problems or side effects can be picked up early.
Extra support when starting a new medicine
The NHS New Medicines Service provides additional support for people who have recently started certain medicines for long-term health conditions.
Our pharmacists can explain how your new medicine should be taken, answer questions and discuss any concerns or side effects you may experience.
The service includes follow-up support to help you feel confident managing your new treatment and taking your medicine as prescribed.
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How the New Medicines Service works
The service is made up of three short consultations over roughly a month. Each one can be held in the pharmacy or by phone.
Initial consultation
When you collect your new medicine
Your pharmacist explains how the medicine works, how and when to take it, which side effects to look out for and how to manage them.
Follow-up consultation
Around 7 to 14 days later
We check how you are getting on, talk through any problems or side effects and give you extra information if you need it.
Final consultation
Around 21 to 28 days later
A last review to confirm you are taking the medicine correctly, resolve anything outstanding and help you feel confident carrying on.
Ask About NMSWhy the first few weeks matter
The early weeks on a new medicine are when questions and worries are most likely to come up. You may be unsure whether you are taking it at the right time, or whether a new symptom is a side effect. Without support, it is easy to stop taking a medicine or take it inconsistently.
Taking your medicine as prescribed
People who get extra information and support about their medicines are more likely to take them as prescribed. That helps the medicine work as intended, keeps long-term conditions under better control and can reduce the risk of complications or hospital admissions.
Getting ready for your consultation
It helps to have your medicine or its packaging to hand, along with a list of any other medicines you take, including anything you buy over the counter. Jot down any questions as they occur to you so nothing gets forgotten.
Support after the service ends
Once your final consultation is complete, you can still speak to our pharmacists whenever you need advice. If you have started a medicine for high blood pressure, you may also find our blood pressure testing service useful. For other common health concerns, take a look at our Pharmacy First service or the full list of NHS services.
New Medicines Service questions
Which conditions does the New Medicines Service cover?
The service is for people newly prescribed a medicine for certain long-term conditions, including:
- Asthma and COPD
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia)
- Osteoporosis, gout or glaucoma
- Epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease
- Urinary incontinence or retention
- Heart failure, atrial fibrillation, acute coronary syndromes or coronary heart disease
- Stroke or transient ischaemic attack
- Long-term risk of venous thromboembolism
If you are unsure whether your medicine qualifies, ask our pharmacist.
How many consultations are there?
There are three: an initial consultation when you start your medicine, a follow-up around 7 to 14 days later, and a final consultation around 21 to 28 days after the first.
Do I have to come into the pharmacy for each consultation?
No. Each consultation can take place in person or over the phone, so you can choose whichever is easier for you.
Is there a charge for the New Medicines Service?
No. The New Medicines Service is a free NHS service for eligible patients.
What if I get side effects from my new medicine?
Tell us at any of your consultations. Our pharmacists can offer reassurance, suggest ways to reduce or manage side effects and advise whether you should speak to your GP or prescriber.
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Get support with your new medicine
If you have just been prescribed a new medicine, let us know when you collect it or book a consultation online. You can also contact our pharmacy team or visit your local branch.