An alarming trend on the Internet: teenagers can take the drug to get taller – Bild

Young people are experimenting with an anti-cancer drug in the hope that it will help them grow taller. Such practices aimed at the maximum improvement of appearance are described on thematic forums on the Internet, the correspondent of the Minsk-Novosti agency reports.

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Attention to the problem drew the publication Bild. The focus on ways to increase growth is called heightmaxxing. In one of the online communities for these purposes consider the drug under a certain trade name, intended for adults with cancer of the bladder. The forum states that the potential of the tool is an increase of up to 2 cm of growth per month.

The medicine contains erdafitinib. Interest in it arose after experts noticed a jump in the growth of several minors with cancer. These children received the substance during treatment. It is associated with changes in bone growth zones that are active until puberty is completed. The problem is that if they violate the regulation of bone growth, they can abnormally expand and acquire an irregular shape. As a result, their weakening, deformation, pain and other problems, including irreversible, are not excluded.

In this situation, researchers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warn about the risks to the developing skeleton. It is not proven that taking a substance to increase growth in healthy adolescents is safe and effective.

As for the English-language resource about appearance and figure, his administration prudently placed an announcement on the pages that is not responsible for any advice on the site. It also encourages users to consult qualified medical professionals before testing anything.