Teenagers are taking cancer drugs to get taller — despite ‘significant’ side effects

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The drug is known as ‘erda’ on online looksmaxxing forums (Picture: Getty Images) As the ‘looksmaxxing’ craze continues to spread, parents are being warned about a dangerous new…

As the ‘looksmaxxing’ craze continues to spread, parents are being warned about a dangerous new phenomenon becoming popular among teens.

According to recent reports, some young people — predominantly boys — have started taking cancer drug erdafitinib in the belief it can help them grow taller.

The medication, known as ‘erda’, is a common topic of conversation across online groups dedicated to biohacking and self-improvement, where one user calls it a ‘height saviour’.

‘My main motivation for height growth is being seen as less of a man, I hate walking around knowing other people are better than me,’ writes a 16-year-old Redditor on their decision to try erdafitinib.

Over on TikTok, posts claim the fact ‘6’2″ is the new 5’11″‘ is among the reasons to ‘blast erda ASAP’ or urge followers to DM for sourcing and dosage tips if they want to ‘heightmaxx before it’s too late’.

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But as erdafitinib users interviewed by Rolling Stone revealed, the reality is far more complicated.

New York TikToker Zak, 17, said that in the two years he used the drug on and off he experienced side effects including joint pain, nosebleeds and severe dry skin, while another boy the same age alleged his fingernails fell off within just two months of taking erda (albeit alongside various other growth supplements).

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