NHS Services & Rules
What is the New Medicine Service?
By Pick My Pharmacy Editorial · Updated 9 July 2026
How the service works
When you're prescribed a new medicine for a qualifying condition, your pharmacist may offer to enrol you in the New Medicine Service. You'll have a short conversation about the medicine, then a follow-up call or visit a few weeks later to check how you're getting on, address any side effects, and answer questions.
Which conditions qualify
The NMS typically covers people newly prescribed medicines for asthma, COPD, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain anticoagulants (blood thinners), among other conditions set nationally — ask your pharmacist if your new medicine qualifies.
Why it exists
Research shows many people stop taking new long-term medicines correctly, or at all, within the first few months — often due to side effects or uncertainty about how to take them. The NMS is designed to catch problems early and improve outcomes.
People Also Ask
Do I have to take part in the New Medicine Service?
No, it's entirely optional. Declining has no effect on your prescription or care.
Is there a charge for the New Medicine Service?
No, it's a free NHS service at pharmacies that offer it.
Affiliate disclosure:Pick My Pharmacy is free to use. We may earn a fee when you visit a referral partner or send a private-service enquiry. That never changes ratings, match results, or the prices you pay. Outbound partner links userel="sponsored". Seeaffiliate complianceandhow we make money.
This article is general information for UK patients, not medical advice, and NHS rules and charges change — confirm current rules on nhs.uk or speak to a pharmacist or GP before acting. For urgent medical help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency. Price figures are indicative benchmarks from ourmethodology.