If we've just dispensed your first prescription for a blood pressure tablet, an inhaler, a blood thinner or a diabetes medication, you might get a phone call from us about a fortnight later. It's not a sales call. It's the New Medicine Service, and it's free, NHS funded and very useful.
Why we call
The first month on a new medication is when people most often stop taking it. Side effects appear, doubts creep in, the routine doesn't quite stick. A short conversation with a pharmacist at the two-week mark catches almost all of that before it becomes a problem.
What we'll ask
- Are you taking it the way you were told to?
- Have you noticed any side effects?
- Is there anything about it that's bothering or confusing you?
- Do you have any questions for the GP that we could help you frame?
A friendly nudge
Need a pharmacist, not Google?
Pop into Hedon Pharmacy on St Augustines Gate, or book a service online.
What it covers
The service is funded for new prescriptions in five condition areas: asthma and COPD, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, blood thinners, and a few specific heart medications. If you're starting one of these for the first time, you're automatically eligible.
If we miss you
Ring the pharmacy or pop in. We'd far rather have ten minutes with you in person than have you stop a medication you might really benefit from.
