FreeStyle Libre 2 System | Abbott | Canada (2023)

FAQs

Can you buy FreeStyle Libre 2 over the counter? ›

Some CGM sensors cost less without insurance

A Freestyle Libre 2 sensor can be purchased without insurance at many pharmacy counters across the United States for typically around $130-140 for two sensors—about a month's worth of supplies.

About the FreeStyle Libre 2 System

The system reads glucose levels through a sensor that can be worn on the back of the upper arm for up to 14 days, eliminating the need for finger sticks², and it offers optional glucose alarms.

The normal out-of-pocket price of FreeStyle Libre 2 Sensor without health insurance is $209.24 per 2, 1 Miscellaneous Miscellaneous but you can get a discount using a SingleCare FreeStyle Libre 2 Sensor coupon to pay just $129.41 for 2, 1 miscellaneous Box of generic FreeStyle Libre 2 Sensor.

Sign up and receive a free* CGM sensor

If you're commercially insured or cash paying, you may be eligible to receive a voucher for a free* trial of the FreeStyle Libre 2 system or FreeStyle Libre 3 system when you sign up for the MyFreeStyle program.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 System Starter Kit is the easiest way to get started and comes with one reader and two 14-day sensors (one sensor per box).

The standard counter cost of FreeStyle Libre 2 Reader without health insurance is $118.01 per 1, 1 Device Device but you can get a discount using a SingleCare FreeStyle Libre 2 Reader coupon to pay just $70.30 for 1, 1 device Box of generic FreeStyle Libre 2 Reader.

The FreeStyle Libre uses a small needle as part of the sensor application process. No needle is left in the site at all, during the 14-day wear.

Does it have a needle? It does have a rather scary looking needle. The needle houses the filament that is inserted in the skin.

FreeStyle Libre 2 is the only integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) system available in the U.S. for adults and children (4 years and older) with optional real-time alarms and unsurpassed 14-day accuracy. 1.

Fill a 90-Day Supply to Save

You may be able to lower your total cost by filling a greater quantity at one time. You may find that filling a 90-day supply will reduce your total cost for this prescription. As an added bonus, you'll make fewer trips to the pharmacy, saving you time and money.

Do pharmacies carry FreeStyle Libre? ›

Patients can fill their Rx at a participating pharmacy^ǁ with their choice of either FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 3 system. If your commercially insured patients are asked to pay >$75 for two sensors or have questions about coverage and costs, please have patients call 844-330-5535.

Pull up the edge of the adhesive that keeps your sensor attached to your skin. Slowly peel away from your skin in one motion. Note: Any remaining adhesive residue on the skin can be removed with warm soapy water or isopropyl alcohol.

Longest lasting self-applied sensor — At 14 days, the next-gen FreeStyle Libre 2 system is the longest lasting iCGM sensor available.

Select an area of skin on the back of your upper arm that generally stays flat during normal daily activities (no bending or folding). Avoid areas with moles, scarring or tattoos. Choose a site that is at least 2.5 cm away from an insulin injection site.

You can use both your phone and the reader to read your sensor. But you can only choose one of them to sound an alarm.

The FreeStyle Libre sensor can only link with one device, so people must decide whether they want to use the touchscreen reader or the LibreLink app over the 14 days of wear – unfortunately, you cannot tradeoff between the two devices.

Plan Ahead

*The sensor should not be exposed to airport full-body scanners that include x-ray or millimetre radio-wave. Exposure to these scanners may damage the sensor or cause inaccurate results. To avoid removing your sensor, you may request another type of screening.

The FreeStyle Libre Sensor kit includes a sensor, a sensor applicator, and an instruction guide. The Sensor is small and discreet. It's compact and lightweight, and measures your blood glucose levels day and night for up to 14 days. It's painless, and easy to apply with the applicator that comes with it.

Follow 3 steps to get your free^† trial of the FreeStyle Libre 2 system. Select the FreeStyle Libre portfolio product that's right for you and fill out the form to sign up. Request a prescription from your healthcare provider. Redeem your free^† CGM system voucher in your preferred retail pharmacy.

Patients using FreeStyle Libre scored higher on the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire and Glucose Monitoring Satisfaction Survey, indicating greater overall satisfaction with Abbott's CGM than with fingerstick testing. The researchers now are evaluating whether the CGM system was cost effective.

How long does a FreeStyle Libre scanner last? ›

With normal use, the reader can be used for approximately 7 days before it needs to be recharged. Are the glucose readings erased from the FreeStyle Libre 14 day reader if the reader runs out of power? No, stored glucose readings on the reader are not lost if the reader runs out of power.

Can you take a Freestyle Libre through airport security? Flash glucose sensors, called the Freestyle Libre, can be taken through all airport security scanners, including x-ray, without it affecting its functions.

The FreeStyle Libre Pro sensor is attached to the back of the patient's upper arm at the doctor's office. A water-resistant adhesive pad holds the sensor in place and a 5 mm long filament inserted under the skin monitors blood glucose every fifteen minutes for a total of 1340 glucose measurements in 14 days.

It is notable here that 86.6% of the participants reported absolutely no pain when the freestyle sensor was applied; also, the majority of the participants (91%) reported no pain symptoms when scanning the sensor.

The FreeStyle Libre can be passed through airport metal detectors so you are okay to keep your sensor on while going through these. It should not be exposed to full-body scanners (i.e. x-ray or millimetre radio-wave).

For a complete glycaemic picture (to ensure all the data is transferred from you sensor), scan at least once every 8 hours. Most people will want to scan more often anyway- at least 6 times a day is recommended.

The sensor only holds 8 hours of data, so it is important to use the reader before going to sleep and when you wake up in the morning.

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) — like Dexcom G6 and FreeStyle Libre — are wearable devices that track glucose (sugar) levels in the body. But some medications, including Tylenol (acetaminophen), can affect the accuracy of CGMs. This means your CGM might measure your glucose level as falsely high or low.

Contact Customer Service if your Sensor becomes loose or falls off before the end of the wear period. Customer Service is available at 1-855-632-8658 ​7 Days a Week from 8AM to 8PM Eastern Standard Time. Do not reuse Sensors.

What should your blood sugar be when you wake up? Whenever possible, aim to keep your glucose levels in range between 70 and 130 mg/dL in the morning before you eat breakfast, and between 70 and 180 mg/dL at other times.

Is there a generic brand for FreeStyle Libre 2? ›

There is no generic version.

Dexcom G6 has a MARD rating of 9%, while FSL has a MARD rating of 9.2%—meaning the former is more accurate. Better yet, a 2021 study of 218 individuals with diabetes showed that the G6 readings were comparable to direct blood testing 98% of the time.

Since FreeStyle Libre is considered DME, it is covered by Medicare Part B, which is out-patient medical insurance, rather than Medicare Part D, the prescription drug insurance. Medicare Part B will typically pay for 80% of the FreeStyle Libre, and you'll pay 20% of the cost if you qualify for the device.

Can the sensor be worn on other places than the arm? The only the position under the arm has been clinically evaluated and approved for use of the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor. It is applied on to the back of the upper arm with a simple, disposable device called an applicator.

Select an area of skin on the back of your upper arm that generally stays flat during normal daily activities (no bending or folding). Avoid areas with moles, scarring or tattoos. Choose a site that is at least 2.5 cm away from an insulin injection site.

The accuracy of FSL sensors on the arm and thigh was more stable across the 14-day study duration compared with sensors on the abdomen. The accuracy and precision of FSL sensors placed on the upper thigh are comparable to those with upper arm placement; however, abdominal FSL sensors performed poorly.

Once in a while, people will see a small amount of blood coming from the sensor application area. If this happens and the sensor doesn't hurt, it's ok to leave it in. You should apply light pressure on the sensor with a tissue – the bleeding should stop within a few minutes.

Freestyle Libre Scanning Best Practices:

Scan at least once during the middle of the day. Scan as often as you'd like — there is no limit!

While you can buy the FreeStyle Libre 2 at pharmacies, you cannot purchase this system over the counter. Instead, you'll need a prescription before you can buy it from US MED or anywhere else.

The Libre 3 requires a prescription, so the cost will be different for everyone. Abbott said users with insurance can expect to pay $0-$25 per sensor and $70 per sensor without insurance. You'll need to buy two a month.

Is FreeStyle Libre being discontinued? ›

Reminder: FreeStyle Libre Sensor to be deleted from Part IX of the January 2023 Drug Tariff - PSNC Website.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 System Starter Kit is the easiest way to get started and comes with one reader and two 14-day sensors (one sensor per box).

The Freestyle Libre device manufacturer has confirmed here that the back of the upper arm is the only FDA approved location for the CGM. Avoid placing the sensor directly over the muscle. The best location to apply your sensor is in the fatty part of the back of your upper arm, in the river between tricep and deltoid.

The following are possible adverse effects of inserting a sensor and wearing the adhesive patch: local erythema (redness), local infection, inflammation, pain or discomfort, bleeding at the glucose sensor insertion site, bruising, itching, scarring or skin discoloration, hematoma, and adhesive irritation.

A free mobile app on iPhone and Android¹³, LibreLinkUp¹² enables you to receive glucose readings from family and friends whenever they scan using their FreeStyle LibreLink app¹⁴.

Does the FreeStyle Libre 2 system communicate with an insulin pump? No, the FreeStyle Libre 2 system does not currently communicate with an insulin pump.

Yes, the FreeStyle Libre system automatically captures readings day and night so that glucose variations – including nighttime lows – can be seen throughout the day, as long as the sensor is replaced at least every 14 days and scanned at least once every 8 hours.

6, 2022, Abbott—makers of the Freestyle Libre 3—announced that the product is now available in pharmacies nationwide.

The FreeStyle Libre 14 day system requires a prescription.

Yes, Continuous glucose monitoring needs a prescription. Doctors consider these three main factors when prescribing CGM to a diabetes patient, does the patient: Have intensive or high insulin therapy sometimes called tight blood sugar control.

Do you need a prescription for FreeStyle Libre strips? ›

The FreeStyle Libre Pro Flash Glucose Monitoring System is a professional continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device indicated for detecting trends and tracking patterns in persons (age 18 and older) with diabetes. The System is intended for use by health care professionals and requires a prescription.

Can the sensor be worn on other places than the arm? The only the position under the arm has been clinically evaluated and approved for use of the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor. It is applied on to the back of the upper arm with a simple, disposable device called an applicator.

To save on your out-of-pocket costs for the Freestyle Libre Reader, you could use a SingleCare prescription savings card. With a SingleCare card, you could pay a discounted price of $70.30 for 1, 1 Device Device of Freestyle Libre Reader at any CVS Pharmacy, Walmart, Harris Teeter, and Walgreens.

Does The FreeStyle Libre Puncture The Skin? The FreeStyle Libre uses a small needle as part of the sensor application process. No needle is left in the site at all, during the 14-day wear. Fortunately, this process is painless for most people using the system.

What to do with your Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device or Freestyle Libre during medical tests - The Ottawa Hospital. The sensor, transmitter, receiver or insulin pump should not be exposed to x-rays, CT scans, MRI, any radiation and/or strong electromagnetic fields.

There is currently no generic for FreeStyle Libre 14 Day, so it can be expensive, even with insurance. GoodRx coupons, copay cards and patient assistance programs may help lower the cost.

Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 2 is one of the most affordable CGMs and may cost you up to 70% less than other devices. As mentioned above, according to the FreeStyle Libre 2 website, most people with commercial health insurance pay around $65 for the reader and $0 to $60 for the sensors monthly.

Patients for whom the device causes psychological distress.

For patients who become overwhelmed, the psychological burden of the CGM may be too high in relation to its likely benefits.