From Fox News · Khloe Quill · · 1m
Teen boys take cancer drugs for height growth
Teen boys use cancer drugs to grow taller, doctors warn of risks.
In brief
Teen boys use cancer drugs to grow taller, doctors warn of risks. Teen boys taking cancer drugs to grow taller face severe health risks including vision damage and skeletal fractures. Originally reported by Fox News.
Heightmaxxing trend
Teenagers use black-market cancer drugs to grow taller online.
“It’s extremely concerning that teenagers are experimenting with powerful cancer medications in an attempt to grow taller”
Drug used
Adolescents take erdafitinib, a bladder cancer drug approved for advanced cases.
Doctors warn
Dr. Stephanie Widmer says drugs were developed for serious conditions, not height enhancement.
“These drugs were developed to treat serious medical conditions, not to enhance physical appearance”
Safety concerns
Dr. Jessica Gray warns of skeletal damage and bone fractures from rapid growth.
“Forced, rapid growth can trigger dangerous structural problems, including premature growth plate damage and bone fractures”
Side effects
Side effects include vision damage, metabolic issues and skeletal pain.
“These medications can cause serious side effects, including potentially permanent vision damage”
No growth after puberty
Growth plates close by end of puberty, so older teens can't gain height with this drug.
“Once growth plates close near the end of puberty, medications cannot reopen them”
Medical advice
Parents should consult pediatricians before teens use online medications.
“If a child has concerns about their growth, that conversation belongs in a pediatrician’s office, not on an internet forum”
What it means
Teen boys taking cancer drugs to grow taller face severe health risks including vision damage and skeletal fractures.
