The *truth* about Blue Ridge
PZI insulin (manufactured
by IDEXX)
updated May 2003, please read entire document for the most updated info
First, here is a link to IDEXX's web site. IDEXX has just added a number of educational pieces for you and your vet that provides some great info on the availability and use of their BR PZI. Also good to keep hand is their phone number (800.870.4264)and email address so that you can contact them directly.
Blue Ridge PZI (now known as PZI Vet) insulin is a U-40 dilution insulin. Idexx sells U-40 syringes for your use (prior to FDA approval they were mandated to provide the needles free of charge) or you can use U-100 syringes (see Gorb's conversion calculator) instead.
Blue Ridge PZI has been going through the FDA approval process for about 3 years (its a government thing, did you think it would be quick? LOL). Up until September 2002 the FDA had BR PZI listed as a "medical necessity only" drug and under "experimental" classification. This does not mean the *drug* is experimental - the purpose of the FDA approval is so that BR can say "this BR PZI insulin works to regulate diabetic cats". Just like tylenol many moons ago had to go through this process to say "tylenol helps relieve headaches and lower temperatures". *All* drugs are "experimental" until they receive FDA approval to make their claims.
So - up until September 2002 (actually late August I think) if you wanted BR PZI it had to be ordered for you through your vet, a consent form needed to be signed (paperwork for the FDA approval process) and you had to order 3 vials at a time (this was to minimize paperwork).
All making sense so far? Good, let's move on.
The cost of the BR PZI at that time was $60 / vial + $9.99 overnight shipping. So, every vet got the insulin shipped to the tune of $180.99 total. A good number of vets just handed over the insulin to the patient (actually to the patients mom or dad LOL) and collected the $189.99. However, some vets decided that they should add a markup (for the strenuous activity of accepting delivery) and I've heard of folks that had to pay over $100 / vial + pay for the syringes that are supplied free!
Now, what does IDEXX think of all this? They're not in love with the fact that it happens but are pretty powerless to do anything unfortunately. I've had several discussions with IDEXX and they know of the problems but are really helpless as once the insulin leaves their facility they no longer have any say in the matter. ( FYI - IDEXX is very helpful over the phone and via email so feel free to call them for further clarification. As soon as they have a formal press release on the changes we'll post it here and we'll make sure to let you know when full approval is granted.)
So what happened in August / September of 2002? Here's the scoop...
IDEXX struck a deal with the FDA. Here's the deal now - your vet and yourself no longer need to submit a consent form as BR PZI is no longer "medical necessity only". Your vet still needs to order it, but now orders from IDEXX's distributor not from IDEXX directly (IDEXX is a pharmaceutical company not a retail operation so they're very happy with these changes). The cost of the BR PZI has increased slightly, however most of us pay the $80 outright cost of the vial of insulin (again, many vets add a markup and IDEXX has no control over this). Vets can now "stock" the insulin so some people may pay less than the $80 if their vet buys PZI Vet in large quantities.
The U-40 syringes are no longer provided for free with a vial either (this was a stipulation of the FDA approval process previously). The syringes are low-cost, but again - vets may add a markup. If you think you're paying too much for the syringes, just switch to the U100s (which you can buy generics of at most pharmacies) and use the conversion chart here at Gorbzilla.
As stated above, you are welcome to contact and discuss any questions or concerns with them. They've always been helpful and forthcoming when Gorb calls and we're sure they'll be the same with you!
BTW - the folks at Idexx enjoy Gorbzilla.com ! That gave us a warm fuzzy feeling :)