Sizzurp Pulled From Market: Rap World Mourns

TMZ is reporting that Actavis, used in the illegal drug concoction Sizzurp is being voluntarily pulled off the market.

Actavis, a high-end codeine-laced cough syrup, is often used as the key ingredient in Sizzurp. Sizzurp is a mixture of prescription strength cough syrup (containing codeine) combined with sugary sodas (Mountain Dew or Sprite) and hard candy (usually Jolly Ranchers) for a sweeter flavor. With a street value of $800 per bottle, Actavis is the ‘medicinal’ ingredient of choice for hip-hop’s Sizzurp users.

According to TMZ, an Actavis representative informed them that, “…given [recent media attention], Actavis has made the bold and unprecedented decision to cease all production and sales of its Promethazine Codeine product.” The official added, “This attention has glamorized the unlawful and dangerous use of the product, which is contrary to its approved indication.”

Also known as Syrup, Lean, the “Purple Drank,” or just plain “water,” Sizzurp is often glamorized by some hip-hop artists.

TMZ reported in January of this year that Justin Bieber is a fan of Sizzurp and alleged that when Justin is “at his worse…he downs between 8 and 12 ounces a day.”

Rapper 2 Chainz pleaded guilty to felony drug possession just under two weeks ago, after TSA officers purportedly uncovered codeine in one of his checked bags at LAX. The rapper faces up to three years in prison if convicted.

Soulja Boy often posts photos of himself with the big bottles of Activas online. Alluding to the Actavis shortage, the rapper posted a photo of six bottles on Monday, commenting “”Soulja got the juice. They say the streets dry. I say you gotta be kiddin me. I serve everybody.”

Hip-hop star Lil Wayne was hospitalized and spent time in intensive care due to a suspected overdose of Sizzurp last year, He has since recovered and claims that he no longer indulges in the narcotic.

Rapper DJ Screw died of an overdose of Sizzurp in 2000. More recently, Pimp C succumbed to an OD by the “Purple Drank” in 2008.

No information regarding the decision to pull the plug on the cough syrup could be found on the drug manufacturer’s website.