Teen Boys Turn to Cancer Drugs to Boost Height, Defying Medical Warnings

WHO:

NY Post - Teen boys are taking erdafitinib to try to grow taller.

Fox News - Teens are misusing erdafitinib while pursuing height growth.

NY Post - Doctors warn about health risks associated with the trend.

Fox News - Medical experts describe risks associated with the trend.

WHAT:

NY Post - Teen boys are taking erdafitinib, a cancer drug, to try to grow taller.

Fox News - Erdafitinib is a cancer medication being misused by teens seeking height growth.

NY Post - Doctors warn that taking erdafitinib for height growth poses severe health risks.

Fox News - Medical experts warn of severe risks from the trend.

WHY:

NY Post - The teens are taking the drug in an effort to grow taller.

Fox News - Teens are pursuing height growth.

HOW:

NY Post - The practice is described as a viral trend called “heightmaxxing.”

Fox News - The misuse of erdafitinib is part of the “heightmaxxing” trend.

(UPDATED November 11, 2026 01:09 UTC)

Teen boys are taking erdafitinib, a cancer medication, in hopes of growing taller, despite its intended medical use. The misuse is part of a viral trend known as “heightmaxxing,” as teens pursue greater height. Doctors and medical experts warn that taking the drug for growth carries severe health risks.