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KishHealth System includes two hospitals and more than 15 healthcare facilities spanning across nine communities in Northern Illinois. • Kishwaukee Hospital/815.756.1521 • Valley West Hospital/815.786.8484 • Cancer Centers • Behavioral Health Services • Center for Family Health • Foundation • Hospice • Laboratories • Physical Therapy Centers KishHealth System Physician Group 815.748.8300–DeKalb, Genoa, Rochelle, Sycamore, Waterman 815.786.3980–Plano, Sandwich FIND A DOCTOR Kishwaukee Hospital 800.397.1521, ext. 152974, or 815.748.2974 Valley West Hospital 815.786.3703 We are the cornerstone of healthcare for the communities we serve—the first choice for service, comfort, and safety. This publication in no way seeks to diagnose or treat illness or serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Please see a physician for diagnosis and treatment of health problems. Information comes from a range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos. If you have concerns or questions, please contact your healthcare provider. OUR MISSION KISHHEALTH SYSTEM ENTITIES KISHHEALTH.ORG Puzzling THE DIRECTION TO take a medication "as needed" means the patient or a caregiver can decide whether to use the medication based on certain symptoms, up to but not exceeding the recommended daily dose. "How patients take medications depends on the situation," says Tony Appello, PharmD, hospital pharmacist at Valley West Hospital. "Patients with chronic pain may need to take a medication around the clock, whereas patients with periodic pain episodes can take their medication 'as needed.' Pharmacists work with physicians to clarify orders so patients know exactly how to take their medications." Some medications are also administered on an "as needed" basis so they will work better. "Nitroglycerin is used 'as needed' for chest pain," Appello explains. "If taken routinely, patients would develop a tolerance, meaning it may not work when needed the most." If you have questions about your medication, call your pharmacy or your physician's office. WHEN YOUR PHYSICIAN PRESCRIBES A NEW MEDICATION, ITS DOSAGE INSTRUCTIONS MAY SPECIFY THAT IT BE TAKEN AT REGULAR TIMES OR "AS NEEDED." If you're recovering from an illness or injury, taking your medication on time and in the appropriate dosage can help you heal, feel better, and stay safe. "The physician has customized the dose to meet your needs and has chosen it based on recommendations from drug developers," explains Tony Appello, PharmD, hospital pharmacist at Valley West Hospital. "Not taking the medication as directed can put you at increased risk of side effects or leave you unprotected by the drug's benefits." Take as Directed Prescriptions Nonprofi t Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 830 M A I L E D F R O M Z I P C O D E 2 4 5 0 6 1 Kish Hospital Drive DeKalb, IL 60115 kishhealth.org kishfindadoctor.org VALLEY WEST HOSPITAL KISHWAUKEE HOSPITAL Sandwich Waterman Genoa Hampshire Aurora Sycamore DeKalb Malta Rochelle Plano 88 See our interactive map at kishhealth.org/locations.