Starting a new medication can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s for a long-term health condition. Understanding how to take your medicine correctly, managing side effects, and knowing what to expect can make all the difference in achieving the best health outcomes. That’s where our New Medicine Service (NMS) at Home Ground Pharmacy can help.

If you have been prescribed a new medication for Antiplatelet or Anticoagulant therapy, Asthma and COPD, Hypertension, or Diabetes, you may be eligible for the NMS service. This free NHS service provides expert pharmacist support to help you adjust to your new treatment, answer any concerns, and ensure your medication is working effectively for you.

How Does the New Medicine Service Work?

When you start a new medicine for Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant therapy, Asthma/COPD, Hypertension, or Diabetes, a member of our pharmacy team will offer you the NMS service. If you agree to take part, you’ll be asked to provide written consent.

What to Expect

1. Initial Consultation – Our pharmacist will provide general information about your new medication and how the NMS service works.

2. Follow-Up Consultation (After 2 Weeks) – We’ll check in to see how you’re getting on, discuss any concerns or side effects, and provide support and advice.

3. Final Consultation (1-2 Weeks Later) – We’ll ensure you have a clear understanding of your medication and address any remaining issues before completing the service.

This structured support helps reduce medicine-related complications, improves your understanding of the treatment, and ensures you get the most from your new medication.

Who Can Benefit from the New Medicine Service?

1. People on Antiplatelet or Anticoagulant Therapy

Antiplatelets (such as aspirin and clopidogrel) and anticoagulants (such as warfarin, apixaban, and rivaroxaban) help prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular complications. These medications can be life-saving, but they also require careful management due to potential bleeding risks and drug interactions.

Through the NMS service, our pharmacists can help you:

• –> Understand how your medicine works and why it’s important.
• –> Monitor for side effects, such as unusual bruising or bleeding.
• –> Manage drug and food interactions (e.g., warfarin and certain leafy greens).
• –> Answer any concerns about blood tests and monitoring if needed.

Ensuring you are comfortable and confident in taking your medication reduces the risk of complications and improves overall heart health.

2. People with Asthma or COPD

Starting a new inhaler or medication for Asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) can be challenging, especially if it involves a new inhaler technique or dosage change. Incorrect inhaler use is a common issue that can significantly reduce treatment effectiveness.

Through NMS, our pharmacists will:

• –> Show you the correct inhaler technique to ensure you get the full dose.
• –> Explain how and when to use your inhaler for maximum benefit.
• –> Discuss common side effects, such as oral thrush with steroid inhalers, and how to prevent them.
• –> Ensure you’re managing your condition effectively, helping to prevent flare-ups or hospital visits.

By supporting better inhaler use and medication adherence, NMS helps you breathe easier and stay in control of your condition.

3. People Managing Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

High blood pressure is often known as a silent condition because it has no obvious symptoms, yet it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Many people prescribed new blood pressure medications struggle with side effects, dosage adjustments, or understanding how their medicine works.

NMS can support you by:

• –> Explaining how your blood pressure medication works (e.g., ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers).
• –> Helping manage common side effects, such as dizziness, tiredness, or swelling.
• –> Providing advice on lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to enhance treatment effectiveness.
• –> Encouraging regular blood pressure monitoring at home or in the pharmacy.

By ensuring you are comfortable with your medication and managing your blood pressure effectively, NMS helps reduce the risk of long-term complications.

4. People with Diabetes

Diabetes management often requires multiple medications, including metformin, insulin, or newer treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists. Adjusting to these medications can be challenging, and proper management is essential for preventing complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart issues.

Through NMS, our pharmacists can:

• –> Explain how your diabetes medication works and how to take it correctly.
• –> Discuss possible side effects, such as digestive issues with metformin or hypoglycaemia with insulin.
• –> Provide blood sugar monitoring advice to ensure stable glucose levels.
• –> Support lifestyle adjustments, including diet and exercise, to improve blood sugar control.

With NMS, we help ensure your diabetes medication is working well for you, allowing you to maintain better blood sugar control and overall health.

Why Choose Home Ground Pharmacy for the New Medicine Service?

At Home Ground Pharmacy, we are committed to helping you get the most out of your medication. Whether you are starting treatment for heart health, asthma, blood pressure, or diabetes, our pharmacists provide expert support, advice, and personalised care to ensure a smooth transition onto your new medicine.

• –> Free NHS service for eligible patients.
• –> Convenient phone or in-person consultations.
• –> Ongoing support to help manage your condition effectively.

If you have recently started a new medication for Antiplatelet or Anticoagulant therapy, Asthma and COPD, Hypertension, or Diabetes, you may be eligible for the NMS service. Our team will guide you through each stage of your treatment, helping you build confidence in managing your condition.

Visit Home Ground Pharmacy today or speak to our team about enrolling in the New Medicine Service. Your health, our priority!

This blog was written on behalf of Home Ground Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.