It’s a sad day for Weezy. Sizzurp, the notorious “purple drank” beloved by rappers and pop stars alike, is made up of promethazine codeine syrup (medicated cough syrup made by Activis), mixed with soda. First made famous by rapper Lil’ Wayne, the drink has become a popular recreational drug, especially among young people. Now, all the media hype and reports of substance abuse have led pharmaceutical company Actavis to announce that they are stopping production of promethazine codeine syrup and pulling it from the shelves:
"Recently, one of Actavis’ products—promethazine hydrochloride and codeine phosphate syrup, a prescription drug for the treatment of temporary relief of coughs and upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergy or the common cold—has gained significant attention in the media and elsewhere for its illegal recreational abuse. This attention has glamorized the unlawful and dangerous use of the product, which is contrary to its approved indication. This attention may place consumers at risk by minimizing the dangers of its misuse and abuse."
The company added that they “regret the impact this will have on the consumers who rely on this medication for its intended use” but they feel responsible to pull the product in order to support the “fight against prescription drug abuse.”
Disappointed parties may include some of Sizzurp’s high-profile fans, like rapper Soulja Boy, who earlier this week posted an image of a full spread of Activis bottles on his Instagram, with the caption: “Soulja got the juice. They say the streets dry. I say you gotta be kiddin me. I serve everybody.” Justin Bieber has also been photographed sipping on the syrup. And rapper Lil’ Wayne was reportedly hospitalized due to seizures caused by Sizzurp.
But though some may put down the purple drank or switch to a different poison, many Sizzurp fans are likely to turn to the inevitable cough syrup black market. Stay tuned.
