Did you know?

In the UK, around 17 million people have a long term condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma. These conditions cannot be cured, but they can be controlled by medication. However it is estimated that up to half of all medicines are not taken as intended by the GP or pharmacist. This means that medicines are wasted and people are not getting the maximum benefit from them. The following services are available at local pharmacies to help you get the most out of your medicines.

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 pharmacist through a free scheme called The New Medicine Service (NMS), available across England.

The NMS is aimed at people who have been newly prescribed a medicine to thin the blood or to treat one of the following conditions:

• Asthma  or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure

Lots of people find they have problems when they start a new medicine. The NMS helps to sort these problems out from day one with the help of a pharmacist, so you stay well.

What does the service involve?

The NMS is a structured conversation between you and the pharmacist to discuss any concerns you are having with your medicines– for example, side effects or what to do if you miss a dose. 

Do all pharmacies offer the service?

All community pharmacies in England with consultation rooms can provide the service.

How do I access the service?

If you have been newly prescribed a medicine for one of the conditions listed above, your GP may refer you into the service.  Alternatively, when you pick up your medicine, your pharmacist may suggest the service to you. Or you can yourself ask the pharmacist about accessing the service. 

Do I have to have attend my regular pharmacy

You might find it helpful to attend your regular pharmacy.   However, you can access this service at any participating pharmacy.

What if I want advice but don’t fall into the four conditions?

There are other medicines advice services available at pharmacies. If you are taking two or more prescribed medicines for a long term medical condition, the Medicines Use Review is another free NHS service that can help you get maximum benefit from your medicines. Ask at your local pharmacy if you think you could benefit from this service.

I’ve been taking a medicine for the one of the long term conditions mentioned above for a few months and would like to get involved in the service. Can I still apply?

If you have not been enrolled for the NMS the first time your new medicines was supplied at your community pharmacy, you will be unable to sign up for the service if you have had the medicine supplied by another pharmacy. If you are ineligible for the NMS, you may qualify for a Medicines Use Review, if the pharmacist believes that is appropriate.

Can children take part in the NMS?

Children can be recruited into the service if they can give consent but this consent cannot be given by the parent or carer on behalf of the child. 

Doesn’t my GP offer this service?

GPs offer a clinical review of medicines where they will have your whole medical history and will go through each of your medicines.  This is not the same as the New Medicine Service or the Medicines Use Review.

Are pharmacists / pharmacy staff qualified to offer the NMS?

Pharmacists study at university for four years and then have a year ‘in practice’ before qualifying. They are the experts in the use of medicines for the treatment of disease. Participating pharmacists have to have specific competences to deliver this service.  Pharmacy support staff are required to undertake approved training to work in a pharmacy and work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.

If you are taking two or more prescribed medicines for a long term condition, the NHS Medicines Use Review, also known as a medicine check up or medicine MOT is another free NHS service that can help you get maximum benefit from your medicines.

This service is available throughout England and Wales and a similar scheme, ‘Managing your Medicines’ is offered in Northern Ireland. Scotland offers a ‘Chronic Medication Service’ which aims to increase medicines understanding for patients with long-term conditions.

What is an MUR?

An MUR is a personal NHS consultation with your pharmacist to help improve your understanding of your medicines and get the maximum benefit from them. You may want to discuss the drugs you have been prescribed, any problems or side effects you are experiencing or whether there is a more effective way of taking them.

For most people, taking medicines will be trouble free but problems can occur. You may have several different medicines to take at different times of the day and find this difficult to manage. Your tablets may be hard to swallow or may not be compatible with other medicines or foods. Or you may be experiencing side effects from one or more of your drugs. An MUR is the ideal place to raise these issues.

Can’t I ask my pharmacists questions about my medicines anytime?

You can ask your pharmacist questions about your medicines at any time, particularly if you have an urgent problem, but an MUR provides a perfect opportunity for an in-depth conversation with a pharmacist in a consultation room where you won’t be overheard.

How do you arrange an MUR?

You may be invited for a review by your pharmacist, either in person or by letter, or you can ask for a review at the pharmacy where you normally pick up your prescription, although you must have been getting your prescription there for three months or more. The consultation is free, often with no appointment necessary.

What will happen during the consultation?

Your pharmacist will listen to your concerns and answer your questions but it’s important to remember that they will only know about the medicines you have received from that pharmacy. They will not have a record of medicines prescribed by a hospital, nor will they have access to your medical records. So it’s important to tell them as much as you know.

Make sure you have a note of all the medicines you take, what you take them for, how much and how often. If possible take the medicine with you.  Your pharmacist will discuss how you are getting on with the medication, whether it is working and whether you have any concerns such as side effects. It is also your chance to ask questions. For example:

• Do I really need to take all these medicines? 
• Will the medication still be effective if I have a stomach upset? 
• Will my medicine interact with other drugs I have been prescribed? 
• Can I be certain the drug is safe for me to take? 
• Are there any other treatment options? 
• Is there anything that will help to remind me to take my medicines?

Your pharmacist will then draw up an action plan recording what took place during the meeting and what you agreed together. Both you and your GP will receive a copy. If you think it would be useful, you can also ask for another copy to be sent to a health professional such as a district nurse or your carer.

If your pharmacist recommends a change to your prescription, this will need to be agreed by you and the person who prescribes your medicine – usually your GP. No changes will be made without your consent.