NHS New Medicines Service
Starting a new long-term medication? The NHS New Medicines Service (NMS) provides free follow-up consultations to make sure your treatment is working safely and you're getting the most benefit.
About the New Medicines Service (NMS)
Starting a new long-term medication can be a lot to take in — what to expect, when to take it, what to do if you miss a dose, and how to manage any side-effects. The NHS New Medicines Service was designed to address that.
The service includes two follow-up consultations with your pharmacist after starting a qualifying new medication: one between 7 and 14 days after starting, and another between 14 and 21 days after the first follow-up. It's completely free.
Starting a new medicine in three steps
Started a new medicine for a long-term condition? The free NHS New Medicine Service helps you get it right from day one.
1. You start
When you collect a newly prescribed medicine for an eligible condition, we'll offer to enrol you — it takes a minute and costs nothing.
- Free NHS service
- Eligible long-term conditions
- Enrolment takes a minute
2. We check in
A follow-up chat around week two — how's it going, any side effects, any questions? Most problems are easy to fix early.
- Follow-up at ~2 weeks
- Side effects talked through
- By phone or in person
3. You're confident
A final review around week four to make sure everything's settled — with your GP looped in if anything needs adjusting.
- Final review at ~4 weeks
- GP looped in if needed
- Medicine working as it should
Hover or tap a card to see its key points
What's included & eligibility
NMS is available for patients starting a new medication for any of the following long-term conditions:
Included / eligible
- Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol — patients newly started on statins or other lipid-modifying agents
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications
- Heart failure
- Depression (in some cases)
- Other clinical groups added periodically by NHS England
Not included / not eligible
- Medications you've already been taking for some time
- Medications outside the NMS-eligible therapy groups
- Children below the age of consent
What to expect
Each consultation is a relaxed conversation in our private consultation room. There's no clinical examination — just an honest chat about how you're getting on.
Arrive & check in
Walk in or call ahead. Our team will let the pharmacist know you're here.
Private consultation
You'll be seen in our consultation room — confidential, unhurried, and at your pace.
Clinical assessment
Your pharmacist will assess your needs and follow NHS-approved clinical pathways.
Outcome & aftercare
You'll receive a clear plan — and where appropriate, a record is shared with your GP.
Ask us about New Medicines Service
Have a question before you visit? Send us a message and a member of our team will respond within one working day.
Message sent
Thank you. A member of our team will respond within one working day.
New Medicines Service FAQs
Is the New Medicines Service free?
How do I get referred to NMS?
What if I'm having problems with the medication?
Can the consultations be over the phone?
Do I need to be a regular Curo customer?
Related NHS services
Ready to access this service?
Walk in during opening hours, give us a call, or send a message — we'll make sure you get what you need.