Skip to main content

Dexcom G7 10 Day

continuous glucose monitor
Used for Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2

Dexcom G7 10 Day is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that helps adults and children ages 2 years and older with diabetes track their glucose levels throughout the day without routine fingersticks. The system includes a sensor that you wear on your skin. The readings are then sent to a receiver, like your smartphone or a compatible insulin pump. Each sensor can be worn for up to 10 days before it needs to be replaced. Possible side effects include redness, itching, or swelling where the sensor is applied.

Reviewed by:Last reviewed on August 5, 2026
basics-icon

What is Dexcom G7 10 Day?

What is Dexcom G7 10 Day used for?

How Dexcom G7 10 Day works

The Dexcom G7 system has 3 parts that work together to track your glucose levels throughout the day:

  • Sensor and transmitter: The sensor and transmitter come already attached in one device that you wear on your skin. The sensor checks your glucose levels just under your skin, and the transmitter sends the readings to a receiver.
  • Receiver: The receiver shows and stores your glucose readings. It can be the Dexcom receiver, your smart phone (using the Dexcom app), or a compatible insulin pump.

Drug facts

Common BrandsDexcom G7
Drug ClassContinuous glucose monitoring
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
side-effects-icon

Side effects of Dexcom G7 10 Day

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Infection at the application site
  • Pain or discomfort at the application site
  • Skin irritation or swelling at the application site

Source: Prescribing Information

prices-container

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$515.44(Save 66.23%)
Manufacturer exclusive discount
$174.06
See prices
pros-and-cons-icon

Pros and cons of Dexcom G7 10 Day

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
  • Can use during pregnancy

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; smartwatch needs to be within 20 feet of sensor
  • Requires a prescription
  • Can cause skin irritations at application site
pharmacist-tips-icon

Pharmacist tips for Dexcom G7 10 Day

pharmacist

How to set up Dexcom G7 10 Day:

  • You can use the Dexcom G7 receiver or a smart device to see and store your glucose readings.
  • If you use a smart device, check to see if your device is compatible before you start. Then, download the Dexcom G7 app and follow the guide to help you view and track your readings.
  • If you use the Dexcom G7 receiver, follow this guide to help you get started.

How to insert Dexcom G7 10 Day sensor:

  • Before inserting the Dexcom G7 10 Day sensor, wash and dry your hands. Choose the spot on your skin and clean it with an alcohol wipe.
  • Then, relax your muscles and use the applicator to insert the sensor. Save the applicator because you’ll need the pairing code.
  • After placing the Dexcom G7 10 Day sensor, apply the overpatch to help keep it in place. This helps prevent it from falling off.
  • Try to keep the area dry for the first 12 hours after applying Dexcom G7 10 Day sensor. This helps the sensor and patch stick better.
  • Enter the pairing code from the applicator into your device. After pairing, wait about 30 minutes before you start seeing readings.

How to remove Dexcom G7 10 Day sensor

  • Replace the Dexcom G7 10 Day sensor every 10 days. You have up to 12 hours after it expires to change it.
  • To remove the Dexcom G7 10 Day sensor, gently peel off the overpatch. You can use body oil or adhesive remover to help loosen it if needed.
warnings-icon

Risks and warnings for Dexcom G7 10 Day

Dexcom G7 10 Day can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Warning for medical tests and imaging

Avoid getting tests like an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, or treatments like diathermy while using Dexcom G7 10 Day. These procedures haven’t been tested with the system and might damage it, which can lead to incorrect glucose readings.

If you have a medical test scheduled, tell your care team that you’re using Dexcom G7 10 Day. You might need to remove the device before the test.

Warning for security machines

If you're going through security, such as at the airport, tell the staff you're wearing Dexcom G7 10 Day. You can usually go through metal detectors or body scanners, but the system hasn’t been tested with all scanners. Because of this, you might want to use a glucometer and fingerstick tests to check your blood sugar until you leave the security area.

You can also ask for a hand-wand check, full-body pat-down, or visual inspection instead of going through a scanner.

Avoid skin care or other topical products

Don’t apply skin products, such as sunscreen or insect repellent, before inserting your Dexcom G7 10 Day sensor. These products can damage the device or prevent the sensor from sticking well, which can affect how accurately it measures your glucose levels.

If skin products get on your Dexcom G7 10 Day, wash your hands and gently wipe the device with a clean cloth.

Low or high glucose levels

If you have symptoms of low or high blood sugar that don’t match your Dexcom G7 10 Day readings, check your blood sugar with a fingerstick test and contact your diabetes care team. Keep a separate blood glucose monitor at home, since the app doesn’t include one.

Risk of medications causing false glucose readings

Certain medications can affect how accurate your Dexcom G7 10 Day readings are. If you take hydroxyurea, your glucose readings might appear higher than they really are. Taking more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) (more than 1 gram every 6 hours), can also cause falsely high readings. This can raise your risk for dangerously low blood sugar levels.

dosage-icon

Dexcom G7 10 Day dosage

The average cost for 1 carton of 3 sensors of Dexcom G7 10 Day is $174.06 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 66.23% off the average retail price of $515.44.
cartonCarton
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
3 sensors1 carton$174.06$174.06

Typical dosage for Dexcom G7 10 Day

  • People ages 2 years and older: Place a new Dexcom G7 10 Day sensor to the back of the upper arm once every 10 days. For children ages 2 to 6 years, you can also place the sensor on the upper buttocks.
cost-icon

How much does Dexcom G7 10 Day cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
contraindications-icon

Dexcom G7 10 Day contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Dexcom G7 10 Day will not be safe for you to take.

alternatives-icon

What are alternatives to Dexcom G7 10 Day?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Dexcom G7 10 Day. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Dexcom G7 10 Day
Used for:
$174.06Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
$243.75Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
  • Monitor glucose levels
$73.45Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
latest-news-icon

News about Dexcom G7 10 Day

References

Best studies we found

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.