If you listen to current rap music, you may have heard the brand Actavis name-dropped a couple of times. Artists such as ASAP Rocky, Soulja Boy, Migos, Future, Ab-Soul, and more have mentioned the cough syrup in songs and interviews, as the Codeine and Promethazine-based medication is the key ingredient in popular drug concoction, 'lean'.
While the brand has undoubtedly profited from recreational use, the company has decided to stop distributing the product due to continued promotion of its unlawful use.
"Given [recent media attention], Actavis has made the bold and unprecedented decision to cease all production and sales of its Promethazine Codeine product," said a spokesperson. "This attention has glamorized the unlawful and dangerous use of the product, which is contrary to its approved indication."
According to TMZ, a rapper has already offered $100,000 to acquire all the Activis syrup he can in light of the shortage.
Soulja Boy however, seems to be stocked up, Instagram-ing 6 bottles of the medication on Monday with the caption, "Soulja got the juice. They say the streets dry I say you gotta be kiddin me. I serve everybody."
[via]