If you are prescribed a new medicine for the first time for either an existing or newly-diagnosed health problem, you may be able to get extra help and advice about your medicine from your local community pharmacist through a free scheme called The New Medicine Service.
Lots of people find they have problems when they start a new medicine for example, side effects or deciding when is the best time to take the medicine. This scheme will help you to sort them out with the help of your community pharmacist, so you stay well and get the best from your new medicine.
If your prescription is for a new medicine, ask the pharmacist if you can take part in the service. Only some medicines are part of this service so just check with the pharmacist.
When you start your medicine you can talk to the community pharmacist and ask any questions you many 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, when you and your pharmacist 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 when you can catch-up with your pharmacist on how you are getting on with your medicine. 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? No. Any pharmacist providing the New Medicine Service must have a private consultation area. This is a separate room where you can’t be overheard and around 85% of pharmacies have one. All the discussions with your pharmacist can take place in person or by phone