In the USA celebrity drug endorsements are big business – but they can land manufacturers in hot water with the FDA. Here are five celebs notorious for helping to sell drugs
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1 – Kim Kardashian
The socialite recently posted on social media her ‘discovery’ of anti-nausea drug Diclegis, which she claims has helped her tackle morning sickness. However the endorsement has made headlines in the US, as it may have contravened FDA rules which state that any promotion of drugs must include clear reference to any risks.
2 – Kelsey Grammer
In 2000 the Fraiser and Cheers sitcom star linked himself to IBS, from which his then-wife was suffering. It emerged that the couple were involved in a campaign funded by GlaxoSmithKline to raise awareness of the disease – shortly after a round of promotion, GSK launched its news IBS drug Lotronex.
3 – Brooke Shields
Allergan’s eyelash boosting drug Latisse was endorsed by the actress who explained that she ‘destroyed’ her lashes by using fakes while on the West End stage.
4 – Marcia Cross
The Desperate Housewives star became a spokesperson for migraine headache sufferers in a campaign funded by GSK, the maker of Imitrex. However it’s been commented that Cross’ statements were typically about the symptoms and raising awareness of migraines in general.
5 – Phil Mickelson
Golfer Mickelson was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis back in 2010. Having been prescribed a weekly injectable drug, Embrel from Pfizer, Mickelson is now an advocate of the treatment.