New Medicine Service

New Medicine Service (NMS) at Exwick Pharmacy, Exeter

What Is the New Medicine Service?

Starting a new prescription medicine can raise many questions and concerns. The NHS New Medicine Service, commonly known as NMS, is a free support programme designed to help patients who have been newly prescribed a medicine for a long-term condition. At Exwick Pharmacy on New Valley Rd, Exeter, we offer this service to residents across EX4 and the surrounding Exeter postcodes, helping you get the most out of your new treatment safely and confidently.

Which Medicines and Conditions Are Covered?

The NMS involves a structured programme of consultations with your pharmacist, spread across your first few weeks of taking a new medicine. It begins with an initial conversation when you collect your prescription, followed by a follow-up check after about two weeks, and then a final review at around a month. This ongoing support helps catch any problems early, address concerns before they become serious, and improve your long-term adherence to treatment.

How the NMS Works at Exwick Pharmacy

The NMS covers several clinical areas including asthma and COPD, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, and depression. If you have been newly prescribed a medicine in one of these categories, you are likely eligible for the service. Our pharmacist at Exwick Pharmacy will confirm your eligibility when you collect your prescription and explain what the NMS involves.

The Benefits of Using the NMS

Throughout the NMS, our pharmacist will discuss how your new medicine works, how and when to take it, and what side effects you might experience. We will ask how you are getting on at the follow-up consultations and address any problems you have encountered. If we identify issues that require medical attention, we will liaise with your GP on your behalf to ensure your care is coordinated.

Research shows that patients who receive structured support when starting a new medicine are significantly more likely to continue taking it correctly and to experience better health outcomes. The NMS is designed to provide exactly this kind of support. At Exwick Pharmacy in Exeter, we are committed to making this valuable service accessible and welcoming to all eligible patients in our community.

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Frequently Asked Question

Is the New Medicine Service free?

Yes, the NMS is an NHS-funded service and is completely free for eligible patients. There is no charge for any of the consultations involved.

How many consultations are involved in the NMS?

There are typically three touchpoints: an initial consultation when you collect your new prescription, a follow-up at around two weeks, and a final review at around four weeks.

Can the follow-up consultations be done by phone?

Yes, follow-up consultations can be conducted by telephone if you prefer, making the service as convenient as possible for patients across Exeter.

What if I am already taking the medicine but only just heard about the NMS?

The NMS is most effective when started at the beginning of a new prescription. However, if you started recently and have not yet had support, please speak to our team as it may still be possible to enroll you.

Do I need to register for the NMS in advance?

No registration is required. Simply bring your new prescription to Exwick Pharmacy and ask our team about the NMS. We will explain everything and enrol you if you are eligible.