When your pharmacist dispenses your new medicine, they will ask you if you would like to take advantage of the NHS New Medicine Service. The service consists of just three steps:
Step one
Your Boots pharmacist will talk to you about your new medicine
At this stage you will be asked to sign a consent form, to allow your information to be shared with relevant departments in the NHS who may be somehow involved in your care. We will need this consent before we can continue with the service. If you don't want to give your consent, the pharmacist will still be able to give you some advice about your medicines, but won't be able to offer you the full service.
Step two
Your pharmacist will ask you to come into store for a consultation one to two weeks after you've received your medicine
This would be a confidential consultation in a private area of the store. Or if you prefer, you could have a telephone conversation with the pharmacist. Your Boots pharmacist will ask how you're getting on with the medicine and find out if you're having any problems. They'll offer the information and support you might need.
It's also the chance for you to ask any questions and tell them any concerns you may have with your new medicine. To help you prepare, you might want to consider:
- Reading the leaflet that comes with your medicine
- Write down any questions you might have, just to act as a prompt
- Keep a list of any concerns you have had since starting to take the medicine
- Bring your medicine with you to the pharmacy, or have it nearby if you are talking on the phone
- Doing a little bit of research about your medicine or condition on websites like www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk and www.bootswebmd.com
Step three
A follow-up consultation will be arranged approximately two to four weeks later
This final consultation will give you the chance to talk about how you are managing with your medicine and give you the opportunity to ask for more information and advice if you need it.
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