Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Freestyle Libre 3 vs. Dexcom G7

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

The FreeStyle Libre 3 System and Dexcom G7 are both continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems used to help people with diabetes track their glucose levels. They both belong to the same drug class and are used to monitor glucose levels, but they have some differences. The FreeStyle Libre 3 is designed for people ages 4 and older, while the Dexcom G7 can be used by children as young as 2 years old. The FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor lasts up to 14 days, whereas the Dexcom G7 sensor lasts up to 10 days. The FreeStyle Libre 3 provides glucose readings every minute, while the Dexcom G7 provides readings every 5 minutes. The FreeStyle Libre 3 requires a smartphone app for readings, while the Dexcom G7 can use either a smartphone app or a separate receiver. Additionally, the FreeStyle Libre 3 is affected by high doses of vitamin C, which can cause false readings, while the Dexcom G7 can be affected by medications like hydroxyurea and high doses of acetaminophen. Both systems require you to avoid certain medical tests like MRIs, as they can damage the sensors.

  • Freestyle libre 3
    Dexcom g7
  • Freestyle libre 3
    Dexcom g7

  • Summary of Freestyle Libre 3 vs. Dexcom G7

    Summary for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Prescription only

    FreeStyle Libre 3 is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that you wear on your skin. It's designed to replace fingersticks for people ages 4 years and older with diabetes. It measures your glucose level every minute throughout the day to better help you manage your blood sugar. The FreeStyle Libre 3 system uses a sensor that's attached to your skin, which can be scanned and read using an app on a smart device (e.g., smartphone). It doesn't include a reader, and it's important to check phone compatibility to make sure the FreeStyle Libre 3 app will work properly.

    Summary for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Prescription only

    Dexcom G7 is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. It helps adults and children ages 2 years and older living with diabetes keep track of their glucose levels in real-time without fingersticks. Dexcom G7 comes with a sensor you wear on the skin that's held in place with an overpatch. There's a transmitter that's pre-assembled with the sensor that sends your glucose readings to a receiver (e.g., smartphone or compatible insulin pump). Each sensor can be worn up to 10 days, then must be replaced after that. Calibration with a glucometer is optional, not required.

  • Indications of Freestyle Libre 3 vs. Dexcom G7

    Indications for
    •Monitor glucose levels
    Indications for
    •Monitor glucose levels in adults and children ages 2 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Freestyle Libre 3 vs. Dexcom G7

    Pros and Const for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Pros
    •Lessens the need for fingersticks
    •Sensors only about the size of two stacked pennies
    •Stores up to 14 days of glucose level data
    •Displays glucose level every minute on your smart device
    Cons
    •Only works with an app on a compatible smart device
    •Intense exercise can make your sensor loose
    •Sensor must be stored between 36 F and 82 F to work properly
    •Must wait 60 minutes after placing a new sensor to check glucose
    Pros and Const for Continuous glucose monitoring
    Pros
    •Can be used by people as young as 2 years old
    •Able to pair with compatible insulin pumps
    •Sensor and transmitter comes pre-assembled
    •Have 12-hours to replace sensor after it expires
    Cons
    •Each sensor only lasts up to 10 days
    •Glucose readings might not be accurate if you're on dialysis
    •Smartphone or G7 receiver needs to be within 33 feet of sensor to work; smart watch needs to be within 20 feet of sensor

  • Common Side Effects of Freestyle Libre 3 vs. Dexcom G7

    Common Side Effects for
    Common Side Effects for

  • Warnings of Freestyle Libre 3 vs. Dexcom G7

    Common Side Effects for
    •Warning for medical tests and imaging
    •Warning for security machines
    •Low or high glucose levels
    •Missed alarms
    •Risk of vitamin C causing false glucose readings
    •Skin irritation
    •Don't reuse sensors
    Common Side Effects for
    •Warning for medical tests and imaging
    •Warning for security machines
    •Avoid skin care or other topical products
    •Low or high glucose levels
    •Risk of medications causing false glucose readings

  • Prices with our coupons for Freestyle Libre 3 vs. Dexcom G7

    Learn more about Freestyle libre 3
    Learn more about Dexcom g7

Compare other Diabetes Type 2 and Diabetes Type 1 drugs

Dexcom G 6 vs Freestyle Libre 3Freestyle Libre 3 vs Dexcom G 7Dexcom G 6 vs Dexcom G 7Dexcom G 6 vs Freestyle LibreDexcom G 7 vs Freestyle Libre 2Freestyle Libre vs Dexcom G 7
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.