Does Medicare Cover FreeStyle Libre and Other Continuous Glucose Monitors?
Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover continuous glucose monitors. This coverage also typically includes related supplies.
Eversense
Used for Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2
Used for Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2
Eversense is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that gives you real-time glucose readings. The system contains a small sensor that's implanted under the skin in your upper arm by a healthcare provider every 6 months. It also comes with a transmitter that's placed right above the sensor, which sends information about your glucose levels to an app on your phone. Currently, Eversense is only FDA-cleared for use in adults 18 years and older with diabetes.
What is Eversense?
What is Eversense used for?
- Monitor glucose levels
How Eversense works
The Eversense system is made up of 3 parts that work together to measure and record your glucose levels throughout the day.
- Sensor: The sensor is inserted under the skin and measures your glucose levels from just underneath the skin.
- Smart Transmitter: The rechargeable transmitter is worn over the sensor and connects to it. It sends the glucose readings via Bluetooth directly to the Eversense mobile app.
- Eversense App: The app displays and stores your glucose readings.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Eversense |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Continuous glucose monitoring |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Eversense essentials
Side effects of Eversense
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
- Skin irritation (6%)
- Bruising (6%)
- Pain (3%)
- Thinning of the skin (2%)
- Skin color change (2%)
- Bleeding (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Infection
- Arm numbness
- Tremor
Get your GoodRx coupon
$Infinity
GoodRx discount
$995.02
Pros and cons of Eversense
Pros
- Provides glucose readings for 6 months
- Sensor can't get knocked off since it's implanted under the skin
- Smart Transmitter alerts you to high or low glucose readings with a physical vibration
- Sends real-time glucose data to an app on your phone
- Allows you to share glucose data with your healthcare provider
Cons
- Must be implanted by a healthcare professional
- Can't provide glucose readings during the 24-hour warm-up period
- Needs to be used with an app on a smart device
- Requires regular fingerstick calibrations
- Must wear the Smart Transmitter over the sensor to get alerts about your glucose levels
Pharmacist tips for Eversense
How to set up your Eversense:
- After your provider implants the Eversense sensor, link the Smart Transmitter by turning it on and placing it over your bandage. Download the Eversense app and follow the instructions on it to complete the linking process. Watch this instructional video to learn more.
- During the first 24 hours, Eversense will complete a warm-up period and won't provide glucose readings. You don't need to wear your Smart Transmitter during this time.
How to start using your Eversense:
- On day 2 after your procedure, use an adhesive patch to attach the Smart Transmitter directly over the sensor. Use a new adhesive to attach the Smart Transmitter each day going forward. You'll need to complete four fingerstick calibrations, with 2 hours between each one.
- On day 3 after your procedure, the Eversense app will prompt you to complete two daily fingerstick calibrations. After a few weeks, you'll only need to complete one per day.
- To check your glucose reading, go to the Eversense app on your mobile device.
How to remove Eversense sensor:
- The Eversense should be removed after 6 months by a healthcare provider. Contact your provider to schedule an appointment to have it removed.
Risks and warnings for Eversense
Eversense 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.
Low or high glucose levels
- Risk factors: Injecting insulin near sensor
If you have symptoms of low or high blood sugar and they aren't matching up with your Eversense readings, always do a fingerstick blood sugar test and contact your provider. Make sure to have a separate blood glucose monitor at home, since the app doesn't provide one. If you're taking insulin, don't inject it or insert an insulin pump within 4 inches of the sensor. This could lead to inaccurate glucose readings.
Infection at the incision site
Make sure to keep the bandage on the incision where Eversense was placed in your arm for 48 hours. This will allow the site to heal and prevent infection. Also, don't swim or soak in a tub for 5 days. You should avoid strenuous activities until the site heals. While it's healing, always place a sterile bandage over the site before placing the Smart Transmitter on top of the sensor. If you notice redness, pain, swelling, or pus near the incision site later than 5 days after getting the sensor inserted, call your healthcare provider.
Electrical shock
Don't use the Eversense Smart Transmitter if it's cracked or damaged, since this could raise the risk for electrical shock. In addition, the Smart Transmitter might not work properly anymore. Contact your provider to get a new Smart Transmitter if needed.
Electromagnetic interference
Many sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) can prevent the Eversense Smart Transmitter from sending glucose data to your mobile device. If this happens, move away from the source of EMI.
Risk of medications causing false glucose readings
Certain medications can affect the accuracy of the glucose readings from Eversense. If you're taking a tetracycline antibiotic, your glucose readings might be falsely low. Don't rely on readings from Eversense while taking a tetracycline antibiotic. Instead, use your blood glucose meter to check your glucose level.
Damage to the sensor from medical procedures
You should avoid getting certain procedures like lithotripsy, electrocautery, and diathermy treatment. These procedures can permanently damage the Eversense sensor. Additionally, you should avoid getting a massage in the area where the sensor was placed.
Interference from X-rays or CT scan
Don't wear the Eversense Smart Transmitter during X-rays or CT scans, because this could interfere with glucose results. Make sure to let your provider know about your Smart Transmitter before getting an imaging procedure done.
Sensor not working properly
If the Eversense sensor or Smart Transmitter feels warm, remove the Smart Transmitter and contact your provider. A warm sensor could mean it isn't working properly.
Eversense dosage
The average cost for 1 meter of sensor holder of Eversense is $1,487.02 with a free GoodRx coupon.
Meter
Meter| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| smart transmitter | 1 meter | $995.02 | $995.02 |
| sensor holder | 1 meter | $1,487.02 | $1,487.02 |
Typical dosage for Eversense
Your healthcare provider will insert Eversense under the skin of your upper arm once every 6 months. Replace the Eversense Smart Transmitter once a year.
How much does Eversense cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Eversense (brand)
$995.02
Eversense 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 Eversense will not be safe for you to take.
- Wearing the Smart Transmitter while getting a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure
- Not able to take dexamethasone
What are alternatives to Eversense?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Eversense. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
