Dexcom vs. FreeStyle Libre: How Do These Continuous Glucose Monitors Compare?
Don’t know the differences between continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)? Compare the Freestyle Libre and Dexcom functions and see how these CGMs compare.
Freestyle Libre 3
Used for Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2
Used for Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2
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.
What is FreeStyle Libre 3?
What is FreeStyle Libre 3 used for?
- Monitor glucose levels
How FreeStyle Libre 3 works
The FreeStyle Libre 3 system is made up of two parts that work together to measure and record your glucose levels throughout the day.
- Sensor: The sensor is attached to the skin on the back of your upper arm to measure your glucose levels from just below the skin.
- FreeStyle Libre 3 app: The app on your smart device displays and stores the readings.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | FreeStyle Libre 3 System |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Continuous glucose monitoring |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Get your GoodRx coupon
$127.98
GoodRx discount
$73.45
Pros and cons of FreeStyle Libre 3
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
Pharmacist tips for FreeStyle Libre 3
How to set up your FreeStyle Libre 3:
- The FreeStyle Libre 3 system only works with an app on a smart device (e.g., your smartphone). Download the FreeStyle Libre 3 app to pair with your sensor and see your glucose readings.
How to start using your FreeStyle Libre 3:
- When you're ready to insert your FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor, first wash and dry your hands. Choose the place on the back of your upper arm where you want to insert the sensor and wipe the area with an alcohol wipe. Then, unscrew the cap from the sensor applicator and push down firmly against your skin to apply the sensor.
- Gently pull the applicator away from your body. Make sure the sensor is secure. Watch this video to learn more about applying your sensor.
- If you just applied a new sensor, follow the instructions on your FreeStyle Libre 3 app to scan your sensor and activate it for use.
- Each time you apply a new FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor, you'll need to wait 1 hour before you can check your glucose readings with the FreeStyle Libre 3 app on your smart device.
- To check your glucose reading, open the FreeStyle Libre 3 app or go to the app home screen.
How to remove FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors:
- You'll need to replace your FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor once every 14 days, or sooner if it becomes loose.
- To remove the sensor, find the edge of the adhesive on your sensor and pull up on it. Then, slowly peel the sensor off your skin.
- When applying a new sensor, choose a place on the back of your upper arm that's different from the most recent position. This will help prevent skin irritation.
- Screw the used applicator and lid back together and throw it away in a sharps container or yellow biohazard bag. Your used sensors can be wiped down with disinfectant and thrown away as electrical waste, like a battery.
Risks and warnings for FreeStyle Libre 3
FreeStyle Libre 3 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
You must remove FreeStyle Libre 3 before getting a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, or high-frequency electrical heat (diathermy) treatment. These medical tests might damage the sensor and cause incorrect glucose readings. If you're scheduled for any medical tests or imaging, let your provider know that you're using FreeStyle Libre 3.
Warning for security machines
If you're going through security, such as at the airport, let the security personnel know that you're wearing a CGM. Don't go through (or put any part of the FreeStyle Libre 3 system through) any body scanners or X-ray machines. Instead, request that they use another method for screening. It isn't known how X-rays or other scanners affect FreeStyle Libre 3, and they could damage the sensor and affect its performance.
Low or high glucose levels
If you have symptoms of low or high blood sugar and they aren't matching up with your FreeStyle Libre 3 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.
Missed alarms
FreeStyle Libre 3 has optional alarms that must be turned on in the app if you want to use them. In order for you to get alarms, your phone must be within 33 feet of you at all times. Make sure that the Bluetooth setting on your smart device is turned on. Keep your device charged and turned on.
Risk of vitamin C causing false glucose readings
Taking vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can affect the accuracy of the glucose readings from FreeStyle Libre 3. If you take more than 500 mg of vitamin C while wearing the sensor, your glucose readings might be falsely high. This can raise your risk for dangerously low blood sugar levels. Before taking any supplements, check how much vitamin C they contain. Vitamin C is commonly found in multivitamins and cold remedies. If you're not sure, ask your pharmacist for help.
Skin irritation
The FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors have an adhesive that keeps them attached to your skin. If you notice redness, swelling, or a lot of irritation around or under your sensor, remove the sensor and contact your healthcare provider.
Don't reuse sensors
The FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors are only meant for single use. Don't reuse or share them with anyone else. If you reuse them, you might get inaccurate glucose readings. Reusing or sharing sensors raises the risk of infection. If your sensor becomes loose, remove it and apply a new sensor.
FreeStyle Libre 3 dosage
The average cost for 2 boxes of 1 glucose meter of sensor of FreeStyle Libre 3 is $153.10 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 19.68% off the average retail price of $190.62. 
Box
Box| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 glucose meter of sensor | 2 boxes | $153.10 | $76.55 |
| 1 glucose meter of reader | 1 box | $73.45 | $73.45 |
Typical dosage for FreeStyle Libre 3
- People ages 4 years and older: Place a new FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor on the skin of the back of the upper arm once every 14 days.
How much does FreeStyle Libre 3 cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
FreeStyle Libre 3 (brand)
$73.45
FreeStyle Libre 3 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 FreeStyle Libre 3 will not be safe for you to take.
- Use with automated insulin dosing (AID) systems
- Getting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, or high-frequency electrical heat (diathermy) treatment at the same time
- Age 3 years or younger
- Currently pregnant
- Currently on dialysis
- Currently seriously ill
What are alternatives to FreeStyle Libre 3?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of FreeStyle Libre 3. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about FreeStyle Libre 3
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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.
How Does the FreeStyle Libre 3 Work? 5 FAQs About This Continuous Glucose Monitor
FreeStyle Libre 3 makes it easier to check your blood glucose levels. Learn how the FreeStyle Libre 3 works and how it differs from previous systems.
FreeStyle Libre 3 images
