Somewhere today, Lil Wayne and Justin Bieber are both crying. That’s because specialty pharmaceutical company Actavis has officially stopped production and sales of their Promethazine Codeine Syrup. Which, of course, is our the main ingredient in Purple Drank, aka Syrup, aka Sizzurp.
Bieber, Weezy, Soulja Boy, and Rick Ross are just a few of the many rappers and singers who love this stuff. If you don’t know exactly what Purple Drank is–well, it’s essentially what you get when you mix codeine with soda. Sometimes people add in other stuff like Jolly Ranchers and other candies, of course.
It seems that Actavis finally had enough of being associated with that kind of thing. Check out their official statement:
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.
Given these significant concerns, Actavis has made the bold and unprecedented decision to cease all production and sales of its Promethazine Codeine product. While we regret the impact this will have on the consumers who rely on this medication for its intended use, we believe this is the responsible course of action, and serves as further evidence of our commitment to being a partner in the fight against prescription drug abuse.
It’s interesting that the company is only just now acknowledging the fact that promethazine is dangerous and is widely used in the music world. The substance has certainly made headlines over the year. Pimp C from UGK died from an overdose in 2008, and Lil Wayne suffered seizures from the drug just last year. So we say put down the drank, everyone, and stick to the herb. Even if weed is less colorful…
