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 14 Day
Used for Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2
Used for Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2
FreeStyle Libre 14 Day is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system that you wear on your skin. It's designed to replace fingersticks in adults with diabetes. It measures your glucose (sugar) levels every minute throughout the day to better help you keep track of your daily patterns. The FreeStyle Libre 14 Day system uses a 14-day sensor that's inserted in your skin. It sends your glucose readings directly to your smartphone (through an app) or the FreeStyle Libre 14 Day handheld reader.
What is FreeStyle Libre 14 Day?
What is FreeStyle Libre 14 Day used for?
- Monitor glucose levels
How FreeStyle Libre 14 Day works
The FreeStyle Libre 14 Day 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.
- Reader: The handheld reader displays and stores the readings. You can use the FreeStyle Libre 14 Day Reader or the Freestyle LibreLink app on your smartphone.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | FreeStyle Libre 14 Day 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
$195.58
GoodRx discount
$153.10
Pros and cons of FreeStyle Libre 14 Day
Pros
- Sensor lasts up to 14 days
- No separate transmitter needed, unlike some other CGMs
- FreeStyle Libre 14 Day Reader comes with a built-in blood glucose meter
Cons
- Only for adults
- Must wait 60 minutes after placing a new sensor to check glucose
- Sensor can only be placed on the back of the upper arm
Pharmacist tips for FreeStyle Libre 14 Day
How to set up your FreeStyle Libre 14 Day:
- You can use either the FreeStyle Libre 14 Day handheld reader or a separate smart device (e.g., your smartphone) to display and store your glucose readings.
- If you're using a smart device, download the FreeStyle LibreLink app.
- If you're using the reader from FreeStyle Libre 14 Day, this guide should help you set up FreeStyle Libre 14 Day to work with your reader.
How to start using your FreeStyle Libre 14 Day:
- When you're ready to insert your FreeStyle Libre 14 Day 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, remove the sensor from its packaging and push down firmly against your skin to apply it.
- When the FreeStyle Libre 14 Day sensor is on your skin, pull the applicator away from your body. Make sure the sensor is secure.
- Each time you apply a new FreeStyle Libre 14 Day sensor, you'll need to wait 1 hour before you can check your glucose readings with the handheld reader or app on your smart device.
- If you're using the FreeStyle Libre 14 Day reader, press the home button to turn it on. Touch "start new sensor" and hold the reader within 1.5 inches from the sensor to scan it.
- If you're using a smart device, follow the instructions on the FreeStyle LibreLink app to scan your sensor and read your glucose level.
How to remove FreeStyle Libre 14 Day sensors:
- You'll need to replace your FreeStyle Libre 14 Day 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 discomfort.
- 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 14 Day
FreeStyle Libre 14 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
You must remove FreeStyle Libre 14 Day 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 14 Day.
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 14 Day 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 14 Day, and they could damage the sensor and affect its performance.
Low or high blood sugar
If you have symptoms of low or high blood sugar and they aren't matching up with your FreeStyle Libre 14 Day readings, always do a fingerstick blood sugar test and contact your provider. The FreeStyle Libre 14 Day reader has a built-in blood glucose meter, or you could use a separate blood glucose meter. The FreeStyle Libre 14 Day reader's built-in meter can only be used with FreeStyle Precision Neo blood glucose test strips.
No alarms
FreeStyle Libre 14 Day doesn't have alarms that will alert you if you're having severely low or high blood sugar. In order to check your glucose level, you must scan your sensor.
Dehydration (low fluids in the body)
Severe dehydration (low fluids in the body) can cause your glucose readings to be inaccurate. If you're having trouble staying hydrated, contact your healthcare provider.
Risk of substances causing false blood sugar readings
- Risk factors: Taking vitamin C | Taking salicylic acid
Taking vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and products that contain salicylic acid (e.g., aspirin, certain skin care products) can affect the accuracy of the glucose readings from FreeStyle Libre 14 Day. Vitamin C can cause your glucose readings to be falsely high. This can raise your risk for dangerously low blood sugar levels. Aspirin can lower your glucose readings. Vitamin C and aspirin are commonly found in cold remedies. If you're not sure if a product contains these ingredients, ask your pharmacist for help.
Skin irritation
The FreeStyle Libre 14 Day 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 14 Day 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 14 Day dosage
The average cost for 2 boxes of 1 glucose meters of 14 day flash glucose monitoring system reader of FreeStyle Libre 14 Day is $153.10 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 21.72% off the average retail price of $195.58. 
Box
Box| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 glucose meters of 14 day flash glucose monitoring system reader | 2 boxes | $153.10 | $76.55 |
Typical dosage for FreeStyle Libre 14 Day
- Adults ages 18 years and older: Place a new FreeStyle Libre 14 Day sensor on the skin of the back of the upper arm once every 14 days.
How much does FreeStyle Libre 14 Day cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
FreeStyle Libre (brand)
$153.10
FreeStyle Libre 14 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 FreeStyle Libre 14 Day will not be safe for you to take.
- Getting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, or high-frequency electrical heat (diathermy) treatment at the same time
- Age 17 years or younger
- Currently pregnant
- Currently on dialysis
- Currently seriously ill
What are alternatives to FreeStyle Libre 14 Day?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of FreeStyle Libre 14 Day. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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FreeStyle Libre 14 Day images
