A Taiwanese doctor is warning about five common misconceptions elderly patients have regarding Western medicine, misconceptions that nearly resulted in one patient requiring dialysis. Roughly 2 million Taiwanese seniors believe Western drugs accumulate toxins in the body, leading them to self-medicate or avoid necessary treatments. Other prevalent myths include believing herbal remedies are always safe, that more medicine is better, dismissing side effects as normal, and halting medication once feeling better. The doctor emphasizes the importance of following prescribed dosages and consulting with medical professionals. Ignoring medical advice, based on these myths, can have serious consequences, as demonstrated by a case where a patient's haphazard medication choices severely damaged their kidneys. Proper medication management is crucial for maintaining health in older adults.